Ukraine War Update NEWS: Geopolitical News

"Russia needs to lose and lose badly. Russia needs to crawl out of Ukraine on their knees, sorry, begging for mercy."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:13⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to part three of the Ukraine War News Update for May 9th, 2024, focusing on geopolitical news.

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Victory Day Parade in Moscow

🎦 00:13-01:41⏩

Jonathan discusses the Victory Day parade in Moscow and highlights that Russian soldiers accused of war crimes, including the Bucha massacre, were seated prominently behind Putin. He specifically names Lieutenant Chaly Choldomu, Major Boris Dudko and Captain Sergei Bacharachov, all of whom have been accused of atrocities in Ukraine.

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Ukrainian Activist Demonstration in Warsaw

🎦 01:41-02:56⏩

Jonathan describes a poignant demonstration organised by Ukrainian activists in Warsaw, Poland, near a monument to fallen Soviet soldiers. The activists stood silently with blood-stained clothing, a powerful statement that Jonathan believes resonated with Polish onlookers.

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Russian Ambassador Confronted in Warsaw

🎦 02:56-04:54⏩

Jonathan recounts the events surrounding the Russian ambassador to Poland’s attempt to hold a May 9th PR stunt at the Soviet monument in Warsaw. Ukrainian women confronted the ambassador, screaming in a chilling display meant to represent the suffering of Ukrainians. Jonathan describes the ambassador’s reaction as “smug” and contrasts it with the women’s raw display of anguish.

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Valeriy Zaluzhny Appointed Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK

🎦 04:54-06:06⏩

Jonathan reports that former Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valeriy Zaluzhny has been officially appointed as Ukraine's ambassador to the UK. While Zelensky's decree cites health reasons for Zaluzhny's dismissal from military service, Jonathan ponders whether this move is a way to sideline a potentially problematic figure.

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Portugal’s Stance on Ukraine's EU Accession

🎦 06:06-07:03⏩

Jonathan highlights Portugal's shifting stance on Ukraine's EU accession. The new Portuguese government sees strategic value in Ukraine's membership, viewing the country as a potential asset despite initial economic challenges.

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German Development Minister Visits Kyiv

🎦 07:03-07:23⏩

Jonathan reports on the unannounced visit of German Development Minister Sven Schulze to Kyiv, focusing on Germany's commitment to assisting with the reconstruction of Ukraine's energy grid and providing training for skilled workers.

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Roberta Metsola Visits Kyiv on Europe Day

🎦 07:23-07:52⏩

Jonathan mentions the visit of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to Kyiv on Europe Day, emphasizing the significance of continued high-level engagement with Ukraine.

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UK Foreign Secretary Warns of Western Hesitancy

🎦 07:52-09:36⏩

Jonathan discusses UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly's upcoming speech, warning that the West has not learned the lessons of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Cleverly argues that hesitation and minimal action will only embolden aggressors and stresses the need for increased defence spending and a stronger stance against authoritarian regimes. Jonathan agrees with Cleverly's assessment, pointing to the need for decisive action to deter further aggression.

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Debate on Russia’s Defeat and Nuclear Threats

🎦 09:36-14:53⏩

Jonathan delves into a debate sparked by comments from security and foreign policy expert Jessica Berlin, who argues that Russia must lose decisively in Ukraine to deter other authoritarian regimes. Jonathan highlights the global implications of the conflict, emphasizing that a Russian victory would embolden countries like China to pursue aggressive actions. He presents contrasting viewpoints, including that of Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, who dismisses Russia's nuclear threats as bluffs, and an unnamed BBC interviewer who suggests that Landsbergis might be downplaying the risks due to Lithuania's distance from potential conflict zones.

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Lithuania’s Support for Ukraine

🎦 14:53-15:36⏩

Jonathan highlights Lithuania’s unwavering support for Ukraine, referencing Landsbergis’ confirmation that Lithuania is part of any coalition that will help Ukraine win. Jonathan points to the challenges of mobilization in Ukraine due to ammunition shortages, shifting the blame from Ukrainian citizens to Western leaders for not providing adequate support.

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Landsbergis on Dependence on Non-Democratic Countries

🎦 15:36-16:20⏩

Jonathan quotes Landsbergis’ warning about the dangers of relying on non-democratic countries, using Russia as a prime example. Jonathan praises Landsbergis as a staunch advocate for Ukraine and recommends the Netflix documentary “Turning Points” for viewers seeking a deeper understanding of the historical context leading up to the current conflict.

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Polish Judge Defects to Belarus

🎦 16:20-20:50⏩

Jonathan delves into the case of a Polish judge who defected to Belarus, sparking concerns about potential intelligence breaches. He notes that while the judge claimed to have fled due to disagreements with Polish authorities, his past actions suggest pro-Russian sympathies. Jonathan expresses concern over the judge’s access to classified information and his potential to harm Polish interests.

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Russian Propagandist’s Claims About Finland

🎦 20:50-21:51⏩

Jonathan mocks the claims made by Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, who suggested that Finland desires to rejoin the Russian Empire. He ridicules Solovyov’s assertion that Finnish fishermen yearn for a return to Russian rule.

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Latvia Targeted by Russian Intelligence

🎦 21:51-22:12⏩

Jonathan reports that Latvian authorities have warned of increased attempts by Russian intelligence services to recruit Latvian citizens through the Telegram messaging app. He emphasizes the ongoing threat posed by Russian disinformation campaigns in Latvia.

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Slovak President Calls for Peace Talks

🎦 22:12-22:53⏩

Jonathan discusses Slovak President Peter Pellegrini’s call for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, noting Pellegrini's pro-Russian stance. He expresses concern about the potential for pro-Russian leaders within the EU to undermine efforts to support Ukraine.

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Hungary Refuses to Participate in NATO’s Long-Term Aid Plan for Ukraine

🎦 22:53-23:42⏩

Jonathan criticizes Hungary's refusal to participate in NATO's long-term aid plan for Ukraine. He expresses frustration with the actions of countries like Hungary and Slovakia, which he sees as acting against the interests of the EU and NATO. Jonathan questions what can be done about these "thorns in the side" of both organizations.

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Right-Wing Opposition Wins Election in North Macedonia

🎦 23:42-27:45⏩

Jonathan shifts focus to North Macedonia, where the conservative opposition party won both the parliamentary and presidential elections. He notes concerns that this shift to the right could signal a move towards a more pro-Russian stance, potentially impacting North Macedonia's relationship with the EU and its NATO membership.

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Tucker Carlson’s Interview with Tara Reade

🎦 27:45-30:11⏩

Jonathan criticizes Tucker Carlson for interviewing Tara Reade, who previously accused Joe Biden of sexual assault but has since aligned herself with pro-Russian viewpoints. Jonathan sees this as further evidence of Carlson's pro-Russian leanings and refers to him as a “Russian agent.” He encourages viewers to read an article he wrote for OnlySky about Reade’s defection to Russia and her pro-Kremlin activities.

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Marjorie Taylor Green’s Attempt to Oust Mike Johnson

🎦 30:11-36:05⏩

Jonathan provides commentary on Marjorie Taylor Greene’s failed attempt to remove Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House. He explains the background of the situation, including Mike Johnson’s decision to advance the Ukraine aid bill despite pressure from Greene and Trump. He highlights that Greene’s motion received more support from Democrats than Republicans, ultimately failing by a large margin. Jonathan sees this as a positive development, indicating that bipartisan support for Ukraine remains strong in the US Congress.

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Georgia’s Crackdown on Dissent

🎦 36:05-38:53⏩

Jonathan expresses serious concerns about the Georgian government's increasingly authoritarian actions, including the creation of a database to monitor dissenters and the brutal beating of opposition figures. He draws parallels between the situation in Georgia and the Maidan protests in Ukraine, suggesting that Georgia could be sliding towards becoming a Russian satellite state. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of free and fair elections in Georgia and warns of the dangers posed by Georgia Dream’s crackdown on dissent.

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US Concerned About Georgia’s Anti-Western Rhetoric

🎦 38:53-39:47⏩

Jonathan concludes by reporting on the US State Department's deep concern over the anti-Western rhetoric coming from Georgia's leadership. He reiterates the need to closely monitor the situation in Georgia, along with other countries like North Macedonia, emphasizing their interconnectedness with the war in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.

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Wrap up

🎦 39:47-39:56⏩

Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and signs off.

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