Ukraine War Update NEWS: Bumper Military Aid & Geopolitics News
Table of Contents 📖
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"American taxpayers have sent over $100 billion in aid to Ukraine in the last year. They deserve to know if the Ukrainian government is being entirely forthcoming and transparent about the use of this massive sum of taxpayer resources."
Hello Team!
Jonathan introduces the video, noting there is a lot of content to cover regarding military aid and geopolitics. He will try to rush through it all.
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US Military Aid to Ukraine
- The US announced a new $150 million military aid package to Ukraine, one of the lowest in recent months
- This may be due to the House of Representatives not having a speaker and political pushback in the US
- The package likely includes ammunition to keep supplies flowing but no big ticket items
- The Biden administration still has $5 billion allocated for Ukraine that could last another 2 years at this rate
Ukrainian Pilots Begin F-16 Training
Ukrainian pilots have started flight training on F-16s in Arizona, which is a key stage. The timeline is unclear but could potentially be ready by early spring. Maintenance staff training and logistics also need to be sorted.
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EU Considers Sending Seized Military Equipment to Ukraine
European Parliament deputies want to send 146 armoured vehicles seized last year enforcing the Libya arms embargo to Ukraine for practical use rather than letting them sit unused.
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EU Falling Behind on Artillery Shell Commitment
- The EU is behind schedule on its plan to provide Ukraine 1 million artillery shells by March, having only fulfilled 30% halfway through the period
- Jonathan argues that production will ramp up each month so 30% at the halfway point could still be on track for the end goal
Ukraine's Ammo and Drone Production
- Ukraine has surged its shell production but still cannot meet demand, relying on Western assistance
- Ukraine aims to ramp up drone production to tens of thousands per month by year end to strengthen defense
- If Ukraine can significantly outproduce Russia on drones, which are vital for reconnaissance and operations, it would be a major advantage
Australia Provides Plane to Protect Aid Flow to Ukraine
Australia has stationed a plane in Germany to help protect the flow of aid to Ukraine. This was announced after a meeting between US President Biden and Australian PM Albanese to solidify their alliance along with the UK (AUKUS).
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Russian Missile Manufacturers Bypass Sanctions
- Russian manufacturers of Kinzhal and Iskander missiles are bypassing sanctions to source Western components via intermediary companies in China and Europe
- It is frustrating that vital components are still reaching Russian weapons manufacturers
- Authorities in the US and EU have not sanctioned the intermediary companies so far
Russia Claims Successful Nuclear Strike Test
Russia claims it successfully tested large-scale retaliatory nuclear strikes using its nuclear triad (ground, sea, air) including a Yars ICBM launch. This is likely saber-rattling but still worrying.
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New Russian Military Equipment
Rostec has delivered the first batch of Malva self-propelled howitzers to the Russian army. Details are limited but they have an 8x8 chassis, 24km range, and 7 rounds per minute rate of fire. Frustrating to see Russia still producing new equipment.
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North Korean Munitions Reach Russia
- According to UK intelligence, North Korean munitions have reached Russian depots, making North Korea a potentially significant arms supplier
- South Korea, the US and Japan have condemned this
- If this convinces South Korea that North Korea is directly arming Russia, it could lead to South Korea and Japan providing more overt support to Ukraine
Forced Mobilization in Occupied Luhansk
The Atesh partisan group claims occupiers in Luhansk are forcing miners to join the war, sending them summons, despite Russia previously saying miners were protected. Having to fight against their own country could present cognitive dissonance issues for those mobilized.
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US House Speaker Elected - Concerns for Ukraine Aid
- Republican Mike Johnson, a Trump ally and Ukraine aid skeptic, was elected US House Speaker
- He previously voted against Ukraine aid packages and wants more transparency on the use of funds
- There are now concerns about the $105-106 billion bill with funding for Ukraine, Israel and US borders passing the House
- Johnson says "prayers remain with the Ukrainian people" but Jonathan argues prayers don't win wars, ammunition and equipment are needed
Hungary Continues to Block Sweden's NATO Accession
- The Hungarian parliament rejected a proposal to vote on Sweden's NATO bid
- Hungary's foreign minister met with Belarus' Lukashenko and said the EU could help end the war if it wished
- Jonathan is frustrated with Hungary's stance, arguing it puts NATO in a bind as pushing Hungary away risks them compromising NATO intelligence to Russia
Other Geopolitical Developments
- Italian PM Maloney emphasized the importance of continuing to support Ukraine
- Ukraine's GDP grew 9% year-on-year in September but this is in the context of major previous contractions
- Armenian PM Pashinyan sees no advantage to Russian bases in Armenia and is looking for new partners as Russia failed its allied obligations
- G7 countries plan to ban imports of Russian diamonds by end of October
Sabotage of Baltic Pipelines and Cables
- A Chinese vessel with apparent Russian ownership links is under investigation for potential involvement in recent damage to the Baltic gas pipeline and undersea cables
- The ship's crew completely changed during a stop in Kaliningrad just before the incidents
- If China is implicated alongside Russia it could open a "whole new can of worms"
Slovakia's New Pro-Russia Government
Slovakia's new Prime Minister Robert Fico, leading an unusual coalition of center-left and far-right parties, is dealing a blow to EU unity. He told the EU to be a "peacemaker" rather than weapon supplier to Ukraine and said he would not support new Russia sanctions that harm Slovakia.
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Wrap up
Jonathan hopes the US Congress situation is resolved and the new House Speaker aligns with supporting Ukraine, as it is very important. He thanks viewers for watching, liking, subscribing and sharing. Special thanks to channel members for their vital support that allows him to continue his work.
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