Ukraine War Update NEWS: Geopolitical News
Table of Contents 📖
"You will get people voting for these [far-right parties] based on things like immigration, but they will be handing European power to Putin. Be handing European power to Putin."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:22⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another Ukraine War update - the third part for 30th April 2024 and jokes that there will be a "geopolitical smorgasbord of topics" or a "smorgasbord of geopolitical topics" - because, as he admits, he's not sure how to speak properly!
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Russia jamming GPS signals in Baltic Sea
🎦 00:22-03:27⏩
Jonathan discusses reports that Russia has been jamming GPS signals in the Baltic Sea and that two Finnish aircraft were forced to turn back mid-journey. He shares information from Finnish airlines and a map from Miklas Jansson which suggests the jammer affecting aircraft around Estonia is located in Russia. Jonathan shares his opinion that deliberately stopping functionality within a country's borders using technology, is "functionally the same as dropping a bomb on something" as long as the perpetrator has been asked to stop and is intentionally continuing. He states that Russia needs to be held accountable.
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Macron wants EU to consider using French nuclear warheads for defence
🎦 03:50-08:34⏩
Jonathan highlights the significance of Macron's recent suggestion that the EU should consider using French nuclear warheads for defence and uses an amusing analogy about sharing a security light with neighbours to illustrate his point that this seems like a sensible idea. He explains that this could be part of France's attempt to reduce US influence over the EU and increase the bloc's security independence. Jonathan also notes Macron's tougher stance on Russia and that Germany is yet to respond to his offer, suggesting an underlying power struggle between France and Germany. He concludes by reiterating that this is an important conversation and that the EU should be unified on security matters in light of Russia's activities.
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Ukraine holds third round of negotiations with the US on bilateral security agreements
🎦 08:34-11:11⏩
Jonathan discusses Ukraine's ongoing efforts to secure bilateral security agreements, highlighting the third round of negotiations with the US. He plays a clip of Antony Blinken speaking about the US' commitment to Ukraine, emphasising the importance of repelling aggression and enabling Ukraine to be a success militarily, economically and democratically. Jonathan draws attention to Blinken's comments about China, particularly the cooperative and contested areas between the US and China, suggesting it's something to watch going forward. He notes Blinken's recent trip to China, aimed at addressing their support for Russia and the associated consequences.
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Biden removes sanctions on Russian banks in an attempt to lower energy prices
🎦 11:11-21:11⏩
Jonathan discusses Biden's decision to remove sanctions on Russian banks to lower energy prices. He provides his perspective on the complexities of international politics and the difficult choices politicians face. He explains that idealistic politicians must often compromise their ideals to gain power and appease their electorate. He cites Jeremy Corbyn's unsuccessful attempt to shift the UK Labour Party further to the left as an example, contrasting it with Biden's approach. He explains that Biden's personal views on Israel and Netanyahu are at odds with the historical relationship between the US and Israel. Biden's decision to condition aid to Israel is a political balancing act aimed at appeasing both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian factions within his party and electorate. Jonathan acknowledges the frustration many feel towards Biden's stance but highlights that Biden's priority is to get re-elected in November. He speculates that Biden might be applying pressure on Ukraine to refrain from targeting Russian refineries to prevent a surge in hydrocarbon prices, which could jeopardise his chances of re-election. He argues that Ukraine is likely complying with these requests as continued support from a Democrat-led US is paramount to their long-term interests.
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UAE and Ukraine sign a joint statement of economic partnership
🎦 21:11-21:32⏩
Jonathan welcomes the news that the UAE and Ukraine have signed an economic partnership agreement which he sees as a positive step given the UAE's role in supplying components to Russia.
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Duchess of Edinburgh visits Ukraine
🎦 21:32-22:20⏩
Jonathan reports that Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh (married to Prince Edward) recently visited Ukraine to show solidarity with the victims of war. She met with victims of sexual violence and torture. Jonathan commends her for using her influence for good and acknowledges the significance of high-profile figures from diverse backgrounds showing support for Ukraine.
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Tucker Carlson interviews Alexander Dugin
🎦 22:20-25:11⏩
Jonathan expresses his disgust at Tucker Carlson's decision to interview Alexander Dugin, a Russian political philosopher considered by many to be the architect of Russia's current ideology. Jonathan points out that Carlson downplayed the danger Dugin represents by failing to mention that the Ukrainian government attempted to assassinate him. Jonathan also criticises Carlson for justifying Dugin's claim that his daughter was murdered by Ukrainians because his ideas were dangerous, by highlighting that she was likely killed because she was in the car that was bombed. Jonathan also disagrees with Carlson's view that Dugin's books should be banned, arguing that they should be studied to better understand Russian imperialism. He cites a comment from "Pekka Kalunyemi" (Pekka Kalyunemi), who points out that Dugin's 1997 book, "Foundations of Geopolitics" was required reading for Russian military leaders and that the book serves as a blueprint for the Kremlin's imperialistic ambitions. Jonathan also mentions that Dugin has called for genocide in Ukraine.
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Pekka Kalyunemi criticises Europe for doing business with Russia
🎦 25:11-26:28⏩
Jonathan references another comment from Pekka Kalyunemi criticising Europe for paying taxes to and doing business with Russia despite the country's numerous transgressions, including the invasion of Ukraine, war crimes, assassinations in European countries, sabotage of energy infrastructure, interference in elections, spreading of propaganda, and nationalisation of Western assets. Jonathan shares Kalyunemi's frustration.
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Two deep cover GRU agents exposed living in Greece
🎦 26:28-29:17⏩
Jonathan reports on the exposure of two deep-cover Russian GRU agents who had been living in Greece under false identities for decades. The agents, Nikolai and Elena Sapoznikov, operated a hotel called Villa Elena, which served as a safe house for members of GRU Unit 29155, a unit responsible for assassinations and sabotage. He reveals that the couple was involved in bombings in Czechia and Bulgaria that targeted materiel intended for the Georgian, Ukrainian, and Syrian rebel armies. These actions aimed to hinder any opposition to Russian forces or threats to their interests.
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Czechia confirms GRU agents responsible for 2014 explosion at arms depot
🎦 28:12-29:17⏩
Jonathan reports that an investigation by Czech authorities has confirmed that the 2014 explosions at an ammunition depot in the village of Vrbětice were orchestrated by agents of Russian military intelligence. The objective was to disrupt the flow of weapons and ammunition to regions where the Russian army was actively engaged, primarily Syria and Ukraine. He notes that although the Czech police were forced to close the case due to Russia's refusal to cooperate with the investigation, they were able to identify the GRU officers responsible: Anatoly Chepiga and Alexander Mishkin.
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Anton Gerashchenko confirms involvement of Chepiga and Mishkin
🎦 29:17-30:43⏩
Jonathan goes on to share confirmation from Anton Gerashchenko that the bombing was facilitated by Czech citizens, the Sapoznikovs (Elena and Mikhail), who were acting as Russian intelligence assets. These individuals supplied information to the Russian military and aided in the execution of the bombing. Jonathan also reminds viewers about the attempted poisoning of Sergei Skripal, a former Soviet spy, in Salisbury, UK. He explains that the same GRU agents, Chepiga and Mishkin (operating under the aliases Ruslan Boshirov and Alexander Petrov), are suspected of carrying out this attack. Jonathan recalls the agents' unconvincing television interview in which they claimed to have been tourists visiting Salisbury to see the cathedral, highlighting their clumsy attempts to create a cover story.
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German Officer confesses to spying for Russia
🎦 30:48-31:36⏩
Further illustrating Russia's growing influence in Europe, Jonathan reports that a German army officer and member of the right-wing, pro-Russian AfD party has confessed to spying for Russia. This revelation underscores Russia's insidious infiltration of European political systems. Jonathan describes this as "horrific" and that "Russia sucks" .
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Von der Leyen criticises European far right
🎦 31:36-33:09⏩
Jonathan highlights Ursula von der Leyen's criticism of the European far-right, accusing them of acting as Putin's proxies. Von der Leyen, in her bid for re-election as the European Commission President, condemned the far-right's alignment with Russia. Jonathan explains that she specifically targeted the Identity and Democracy (ID) group within the European Parliament, which comprises parties such as France's National Rally, Germany's Alternative for Deutschland (AfD), and Denmark's People's Party, accusing them of echoing Putin's propaganda and posing a significant threat to EU policies, particularly those related to Ukraine, climate change, and EU enlargement.
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Russia circumventing Oil price cap
🎦 33:09-34:14⏩
Jonathan discusses the ineffectiveness of the oil price cap imposed on Russia, pointing out that only 16% of Russian oil flows had the necessary insurance coverage (IG cover) in April. This lack of oversight allows Moscow to circumvent the price cap, significantly reducing its impact. He expresses concern about this development but acknowledges the challenges in effectively policing it.
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Belarus forming military brigades with school children
🎦 34:14-35:07⏩
Jonathan expresses alarm about Belarus's formation of military brigades involving school children, where they are indoctrinated with anti-Baltic and anti-Polish sentiments. He highlights a concerning statistic from a Yale University study, revealing that at least 2,400 Ukrainian children have been deported to Belarus by Russian troops as of 2023, where they are subjected to pro-Russian propaganda and brainwashing.
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Georgian parliament passes "foreign agents" law
🎦 35:07-35:45⏩
Jonathan expresses disappointment at the Georgian parliament's decision to pass a controversial "foreign agents" law. He describes how the parliament's chairman removed nearly all opposition MPs and representatives from non-governmental organisations from the session hall before the vote, suppressing any dissent against the legislation, and describing this as a clear indication of the country's slide toward autocracy and dictatorship. He expresses concern that Georgia is regressing and moving away from Western ideals under the influence of the ruling Georgia Dream party.
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Tajikistan issues protest note to Russia
🎦 35:45-36:26⏩
Jonathan reports that Tajikistan has issued a formal protest note to Russia, expressing concerns about the widespread mistreatment and discrimination faced by Tajik citizens in Russia. This follows the Krakow City Hall massacre, for which Tajiks were blamed, leading to backlash and hostility against the Tajik community in Russia.
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Macron aims to persuade Xi Jinping to influence Putin
🎦 36:26-37:28⏩
Jonathan discusses Macron's efforts to persuade Chinese President Xi Jinping to use his influence over Putin to end the invasion of Ukraine. He highlights Macron's strategic visit to China, coinciding with Xi Jinping's trip to France, Serbia, and Hungary. Jonathan expresses concern about China's growing influence in the Balkans, particularly in Hungary and Serbia, and their increasing alignment with China's interests, demonstrated by the substantial increase in Russian military imports, primarily from China, since the start of 2023.
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Wrap up
🎦 37:28-37:35⏩
Jonathan thanks viewers for their support and asks them to like, subscribe and share the video.
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