Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitical News

"This is not a charity. We're not aiding Ukraine for charity. We're doing it for a purpose. And we get a return on that investment."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:25⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to the second part of the Ukraine War News Update for 15/12/2023. He acknowledges the large amount of content and attempts to remain "diplomatically calm".

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Hungary's Veto on EU Aid to Ukraine

🎦 00:26-01:54⏩

Jonathan discusses Viktor Orban's veto on the new EU aid package for Ukraine. Orban is demanding the EU release funds currently frozen due to rule of law concerns. Despite the veto, the EU remains confident Ukraine will receive the aid. Alternative options are being explored, including contributions from 26 member states (excluding Hungary)

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World Bank and Japan's Financial Support to Ukraine

🎦 01:54-02:46⏩

Jonathan highlights the World Bank's announcement of $1.34 billion in additional financial aid for Ukraine. The funding, largely supported by the Japanese government, will cover teachers' salaries, aid for internally displaced persons and other budget priorities.

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Bulgaria's Microfinance Assistance to Ukraine

🎦 02:53-03:01⏩

Jonathan reports that Bulgaria has ratified an agreement to provide Ukraine with €3.6 billion in microfinance assistance.

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Estonia's $88 million Military Aid Package for Ukraine

🎦 03:01-04:04⏩

Estonia is sending $88 million (USD) in military aid to Ukraine. The package includes Javelin anti-tank missiles and ammunition. Jonathan commends Estonia's commitment to provide military support to Ukraine for at least four years, pledging 0.25% of their GDP annually.

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Jonathan's Perspective on Military Aid to Ukraine

🎦 04:04-05:30⏩

Jonathan believes that if all nations had contributed a more significant portion of their defence budgets, the war would likely be over. He questions why military aid hasn't been more forthcoming and plans to discuss this further in a later video.

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Iceland's Long-Term Financial Support

🎦 05:30-06:09⏩

Jonathan reports that Iceland is preparing long-term financial support for Ukraine, a move welcomed by Zelensky. He believes this ongoing support reinforces the message to Putin that the West is committed to supporting Ukraine in the long run.

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Australia's Increased Military Training Support

🎦 06:09-06:33⏩

Jonathan notes Australia's commitment to increase military training for Ukrainian soldiers. He acknowledges calls from Australians, including those in his video comments, for their government to provide more support.

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Germany's Winter Aid and Drone Technology Support

🎦 06:34-08:12⏩

Jonathan details Germany's significant contributions, particularly winter-related aid. He lists 500 power generators, heaters, sleeping bags, winter clothing, a mobile field kitchen, and two drinking water treatment plants. He also mentions the German drone manufacturer, Quantum Systems, and their plan to open an R&D centre in Ukraine. Jonathan praises Germany's support, stating that they've "stepped up" and are "leading things" in Europe.

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Germany's Request to Defence Firms for Weapons List

🎦 08:12-09:09⏩

Jonathan highlights a Politico report that German defence firms have been asked to compile a list of weapons that could be sent to Ukraine next year. He views this as a positive development and reiterates his praise for Germany's proactive support for Ukraine.

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Artillery Ammunition Disparity Between Ukraine and Russia

🎦 09:09-11:34⏩

Citing a BBC article summarised by Shashank Joshi (Defence Correspondent for The Economist), Jonathan points out a concerning shift in artillery firepower. Previously, Ukraine had at times enjoyed a superior position in terms of artillery ammunition and usage. However, due to factors like Russia acquiring ammunition from North Korea, issues within US Congress impacting aid and global ammunition supply chain challenges, the situation has reversed. Ukraine now finds itself outgunned by Russian artillery, facing a ratio of 1:4 or 1:5. This ammunition shortage has serious implications, forcing Ukrainian forces to conserve ammunition, wait for high-value targets, and engage in closer combat, leading to higher attrition rates.

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Global Patriot Missile System Distribution

🎦 11:34-13:27⏩

Jonathan discusses the global distribution of Patriot missile systems. He references John Ridge's assessment that Ukraine could benefit from 14+ Patriot systems. He provides figures for US, German and other countries' Patriot battery holdings. He highlights that France and Italy possess the SAMP/T air defence system, comparable to the Patriot, with one already provided to Ukraine. He reiterates his suggestion of a "loan" system, allowing nations to provide high-value military assets without outright gifting them.

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French FAMAS Assault Rifles for Ukraine

🎦 13:27-14:21⏩

Jonathan reports that France has supplied Ukraine with FAMAS assault rifles, modified with advanced aiming systems for day and night use. He emphasises that France, despite being a major arms exporter, rarely publicizes its military aid contributions. He reminds viewers that France is providing substantial support to Ukraine.

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EU Accession Talks with Ukraine

🎦 14:21-17:40⏩

Jonathan discusses the EU's decision to formally open accession talks with Ukraine. He emphasises the significance of this step for Ukraine, considering it a major objective for the nation. He highlights Zelensky's message to EU leaders, urging a firm stance against Putin and stressing the need for unity. He details how Olaf Scholz (Germany's Chancellor) resolved the potential veto by Orban by simply suggesting he leave the room during the vote. Jonathan expresses relief and optimism about the outcome of the EU talks, underlining the EU's crucial role as a 'bastion' against Russian aggression. He encourages viewers to look past any personal opinions of the EU, emphasising the bloc's importance in opposing Russia's actions.

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Moldova's Support and Concerns

🎦 17:40-18:52⏩

Jonathan shares comments from Maia Sandu, President of Moldova (also seeking EU accession), who expresses solidarity with Ukraine and acknowledges their bravery against Russia's invasion. Jonathan emphasises Moldova's vulnerable position, particularly if Russia were to gain control of Transnistria and create a land bridge to Odessa. While he's skeptical of claims that Russia would continue its westward expansion if Ukraine falls, due to their current military constraints, he believes Moldova would be an easy target for annexation. He sees this development as a strong reason to support the EU as a bulwark against Russia's imperialist ambitions.

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New Sanctions Against Russia by EU, UK, and Japan

🎦 18:52-23:01⏩

Jonathan discusses the new sanctions against Russia imposed by the EU, UK, and Japan. He lists the measures, including tightening restrictions on Russian oil, banning imports of non-industrial diamonds and restrictions targeting Russian individuals and organizations.

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Austria's Request to Remove Raiffeisen Bank from Blacklist

🎦 23:01-24:29⏩

Jonathan reports that Austria is attempting to get Raiffeisen Bank removed from Ukraine's list of international sponsors of war in exchange for their support for additional EU sanctions against Russia. He draws parallels with Orban's previous insistence on removing a Hungarian bank from the same blacklist. Jonathan then shifts focus to Zelensky's busy schedule, mentioning his visit to Norway and a surprise visit to Germany to meet Olaf Scholz and US military personnel in Wiesbaden. He expresses admiration for Zelensky's energy and dedication.

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White House Response to Putin's Statements on Ukraine

🎦 24:58-27:35⏩

Jonathan analyses the White House's response to Putin's recent statements on Ukraine, in which Putin reiterated his goal of conquering Ukraine. Jonathan criticises those who downplay the threat or promote appeasement, arguing that Putin's statements clearly demonstrate his intentions. He highlights the White House's message that aid to Ukraine is critical and urgent, emphasising that events in Ukraine have global implications. He argues that Putin's actions are a challenge to the international order, the UN Charter, and democracy itself, and stresses that the world is watching how this unfolds.

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US House Passes NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act)

🎦 27:35-32:27⏩

Jonathan reports on the US House of Representatives passing the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) for the fiscal year 2024. The bill, typically a bipartisan effort, faced challenges due to attempts by some Republicans to include amendments related to social and cultural issues ('culture wars'). Jonathan expresses surprise at the shift in voting patterns, with more Democrats than Republicans supporting increased defence spending, a reversal of past trends. He highlights that the NDAA, now heading to Biden for signing, includes an extension of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through the fiscal year 2027, ensuring a degree of continued support for Ukraine's defence. However, he notes that the most substantial aid package proposed by the White House remains stalled in Congress due to partisan conflicts. He expresses concern over the increasing polarization of US politics, particularly the tendency to inject divisive social issues into unrelated legislation.

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US Senate to Vote on Ukraine Aid Package

🎦 32:27-33:48⏩

Despite initial indications that the US Congress would go on recess without voting on the aid package, the Senate is now scheduled to vote the following week. Jonathan expresses uncertainty about the House's position and hopes for a positive outcome.

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Biden and Erdogan Discuss Sweden's NATO Accession

🎦 33:48-34:49⏩

Jonathan discusses Biden's conversation with Turkish President Erdogan regarding Sweden's stalled NATO accession. He explains that Erdogan's coalition partners are setting conditions related to Palestine and Israel, making Sweden's accession unlikely in the near future. This is significant, as Sweden's NATO membership is seen as a precursor to potentially supplying Ukraine with Gripen fighter jets. He believes these security assurances, stemming from NATO membership, are crucial for countries like Sweden considering providing key military support to Ukraine.

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Stoltenberg's Comments on Supporting Ukraine

🎦 34:49-36:46⏩

Jonathan highlights a statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, emphasising that support for Ukraine is not charity but an investment in security. Jonathan agrees with this view, arguing that Western nations aid Ukraine out of strategic self-interest rather than pure altruism. He believes it's vital to communicate this perspective consistently to counter any narrative that downplays the West's stake in the conflict.

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Humorous Anecdote from Putin's Q&A

🎦 36:46-37:58⏩

Jonathan recounts an amusing incident during Putin's recent 'direct line' Q&A session with the Russian public. He highlights the likely censorship of questions but shares a message that momentarily appeared on screen: "We gave gas to Europe, we gave gas to China. When will gas be given to [Russian region]?" This underscores the irony of Russia, a resource-rich nation, struggling to provide for its own citizens while exporting vast amounts of hydrocarbons.

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Swiss 'Journalist' Exposed as Russian Agent

🎦 37:58-38:55⏩

Jonathan reports on a Swiss individual, Marcel Sado, posing as an independent journalist who was exposed as a Russian agent. He stresses the insidious nature of Russian disinformation campaigns, extending beyond online trolls to infiltrate media and decision-making circles. He emphasizes the importance of exposing such agents of influence.

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Macron's Message of Support to Zelensky

🎦 38:55-40:44⏩

Jonathan praises Macron's concise yet powerful tweet: "Ukraine will never be alone." He sees this as a deliberate message of support and solidarity with Ukraine. He encourages more world leaders to publicly condemn Russia and express unwavering support for Ukraine. Jonathan reiterates his belief in the importance of consistently reinforcing the narrative that Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine is the victim. He briefly gets sidetracked by his pronunciation of "Ukraine," acknowledging past corrections and clarifying his intentions.

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Wrap Up

🎦 40:44-41:09⏩

Jonathan concludes the video with a lighthearted observation about a picture comparing Putin and Lukashenko (Belarus), prompting viewers to spot the difference (the necktie). He thanks viewers for watching and asks them to like, subscribe, and share the video.

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