Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"This is a world war going on now. That's why I am so impassioned when I talk about it because it's freaking important!"
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:19⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to an ATP Geopolitics Military Aid News video, the second part of the Ukraine War Update for 18th October 2024. He will discuss Zelensky's recent comments at the European Council about Ukraine's "Victory Plan", in particular his statement concerning Ukraine's potential accession to NATO and the idea that this has been misconstrued by some as Ukraine wishing to arm itself with nuclear weapons.
Return to top⤴️
Zelensky's address to the European Council
🎦 00:19-02:07⏩
Jonathan analyses Zelensky's recent address at the EU council, where Zelensky presented a stark choice regarding Ukraine's security: either the country acquires nuclear weapons as a defensive measure or it joins NATO. Zelensky clarifies that this is not a threat, but rather a reflection of Ukraine's determination to secure its future, choosing the safety of NATO membership over the precarious path of nuclear armament. Ukraine, having relinquished its Soviet-era nuclear arsenal under the security assurances of the Budapest Memorandum, now finds itself betrayed by one of the guarantors of that agreement: Russia.
Return to top⤴️
Ukraine aid: EU and Norway
🎦 02:07-03:29⏩
- Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has announced a new tranche of financial aid will be allocated to Ukraine by the end of the year under the Ukraine Peace Facility, a €50bn macro-financial assistance package over four years. The exact amount of this latest tranche of aid is not yet known.
- Norway has pledged $270m to support Ukraine's energy sector and a further $70m for demining efforts, demonstrating its commitment to assisting Ukraine through the difficult winter months. Norway has also pledged an unspecified number of GCS200 demining machines to assist Ukrainian emergency services.
Military Aid: Canada, Germany, Japan
🎦 03:29-05:16⏩
- The Canadian MOD has announced a $47m military aid package for Ukraine. The package includes small arms, equipment, ammunition and training for Ukrainian troops. Jonathan notes that Canada has already been heavily involved in training Ukrainian forces.
- Germany has pledged 4,000 loitering munitions, specifically strike drones to Ukraine. Whilst there has been talk of other aid packages from Germany, Jonathan suspects these may have already been pre-announced or pre-placed. Jonathan believes it unlikely that these drones are being manufactured by the German Mouse drone manufacturer as they have not yet received a contract. Jonathan speculates that the drones may come from Lithuania or may even be funded within Ukraine.
- A Japanese drone company, Pro Drone, will supply Ukraine with cutting-edge AI drones specifically for humanitarian demining. Previously, Japan has supported Ukraine by delivering four ALIS mine detection systems and 50 metal detectors.
Chinese and North Korean Support of Russia
🎦 05:16-19:08⏩
Jonathan discusses increased support for Russia from China and North Korea. He highlights:
- Chinese-Russian drone production: US officials report that Chinese and Russian companies are collaborating to manufacture long-range attack drones (Gardier drones). Jonathan plays a clip of a White House press briefing confirming the US is aware of and concerned about this development and has imposed sanctions on the companies involved.
- North Korean troop deployment: There are reports suggesting that North Korea is preparing to send a significant number of troops to assist Russia in Ukraine, with estimations ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 personnel, including special forces. Ukrainian, South Korean and US intelligence sources appear to support these reports. Evidence suggests North Korea has already sent an initial wave of troops to Russia, who are currently undergoing training at military bases in the Far East.
- Jonathan's concerns: Jonathan expresses deep concern about the involvement of North Korean troops in Ukraine, highlighting the potential impact on Ukrainian morale, and the possibility of this escalating the conflict further. Jonathan shares his frustration at the lack of a stronger response from Western nations, arguing that the situation highlights the need for greater support for Ukraine and that this conflict is a global concern, not just a regional one.
Jonathan's frustration and call to action
🎦 19:08-23:45⏩
Jonathan expresses his growing concern and frustration over the escalating global nature of the conflict in Ukraine. He argues:
- The conflict in Ukraine is a global issue: Jonathan passionately defends his focus on the war in Ukraine after receiving criticism for not paying enough attention to other conflicts. He states that the situation in Ukraine has far-reaching global consequences, impacting global security, geopolitics, and even issues like climate change.
- Western inaction is dangerous: Jonathan criticises the lack of urgency and decisiveness from Western leaders in responding to Russia's actions, particularly the deployment of North Korean troops. He believes that the West's failure to take a stronger stance will embolden Russia and its allies and further destabilise the global order.
- A united front is needed: Jonathan emphasises the need for a united global response to counter the Russia-China-North Korea-Iran axis. He expresses anger and disappointment over what he sees as complacency and a lack of understanding of the gravity of the situation.
Wrap up
🎦 23:45-24:33⏩
Jonathan concludes the video expressing his frustration at Western complacency, especially given the escalation by Russia and its allies. He apologises for the rant, acknowledging it was driven by his fear that this inaction will have disastrous consequences.
Return to top⤴️
