Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitical News

"The habit we have is to sit down, agree on everything once, give money, and let it work. And it's really bad."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:39⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to another update, explaining that he is running behind schedule due to unforeseen circumstances, including a car accident and his son's ice skating lesson.

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EU Aid for Ukraine and Hungary's Veto

🎦 00:39-02:52⏩

Jonathan discusses a report from the Kyiv Independent regarding alternative funding options for Ukraine if Hungary continues to block the proposed €50 billion EU aid package. He highlights the potential for a challenge to Hungary from within the EU itself.

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France Launches Artillery Coalition with Ukraine

🎦 02:52-03:15⏩

France has taken a more prominent role in supporting Ukraine by launching an artillery coalition involving around 50 countries. The initiative, co-headed by France and the US, aims to provide short-term support and build long-term air defense structures for Ukraine.

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Germany Rejects Sending Taurus Missiles to Ukraine

🎦 03:15-05:38⏩

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has stated that Germany will not be sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine, arguing that no other country has provided comparable weapons. Jonathan disagrees with this rationale, pointing out that the UK and France have already supplied Storm Shadow missiles with a similar range. He suggests that Germany's reluctance might stem from a desire to avoid being the first to provide such weapons or because the Taurus missiles hold high strategic value for Germany's own military.

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Experts Predict Potential Russian Aggression Against NATO Within 5-8 Years

🎦 06:06-07:46⏩

Experts suggest that Russia could potentially attack a NATO country within the next 5 to 8 years. Jonathan acknowledges this possibility, referencing his previous video discussing NATO-Russia warfare. He believes that such a conflict would primarily involve nuclear posturing rather than conventional ground warfare, making it a dangerous game of "nuclear chicken." He argues that Russia is capable of engaging in this type of conflict despite its limitations in conventional warfare.

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Ukraine Expects First F-16 Airstrikes This Year

🎦 08:12-08:53⏩

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has announced that preparations for the first F-16 airstrikes by Ukrainian pilots are progressing as planned. This includes training, engineering, and infrastructure development. Jonathan acknowledges the potential for propaganda but views this as positive news, suggesting Ukraine is making progress in strengthening its air capabilities.

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Australia Rejects Ukraine's Request for Retired Taipan Helicopters

🎦 08:54-12:05⏩

Jonathan expresses frustration over Australia's refusal to provide Ukraine with its retired Taipan helicopters, citing bureaucratic delays and a lack of foresight. He questions whether this decision reflects genuine concerns about the helicopters' condition or a reluctance to support Ukraine. He believes that allied nations should prioritise sending military equipment to Ukraine instead of disposing of it.

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Estonia's Annual €14 Million Development Aid to Ukraine

🎦 12:05-13:46⏩

Estonia has pledged €14 million annually to support Ukraine's development. This includes funding for humanitarian aid, business cooperation, and the Estonian Development Cooperation Centre. Jonathan highlights the mutually beneficial aspect of such aid, where Estonian businesses can contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction while also benefiting from the economic opportunities.

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Russian Drone Production: Quality Concerns and Lack of Innovation

🎦 13:46-22:47⏩

Jonathan delves into a report from a Russian Telegram channel, "Marines of Sevastopol," which raises concerns about the quality and innovation of Russian drone production. The report acknowledges issues with theft, fraud, and a decline in the quality of drones despite increased production. Jonathan points to the challenges of centralised production and a lack of adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. He contrasts this with Ukraine's more decentralised approach, which allows for greater agility and innovation.

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European Parliament to Sue European Commission Over Funding to Hungary

🎦 22:47-26:24⏩

Jonathan discusses the European Parliament's decision to file a lawsuit against the European Commission over the allocation of €10.2 billion to Hungary. The lawsuit stems from concerns over Hungary's democratic backsliding, particularly regarding judicial independence. Jonathan believes that holding Hungary accountable for its actions is crucial for the EU's long-term health, even if it means delays in aid to Ukraine. He highlights the importance of upholding democratic standards within the EU and preventing countries like Hungary from undermining these principles.

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Correction: Donald Trump Found Liable for Sexual Assault, Not Rape

🎦 26:24-27:30⏩

Jonathan issues a correction regarding his previous statement about Donald Trump. He clarifies that Trump was found liable for sexual assault, not rape, in a civil court case. He emphasizes the importance of accuracy and provides the correct legal terminology.

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US Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's Stance on Ukraine Aid and Border Security

🎦 27:30-29:45⏩

Jonathan discusses US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's hardline stance on tying Ukraine aid to border security measures. He notes that McCarthy's position aligns with that of former President Trump and highlights the potential influence Trump still holds over the Republican Party.

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US Senate to Consider Ukraine Aid and Border Security Package

🎦 29:45-30:20⏩

The US Senate may debate a package linking Ukraine aid with border security as early as next week, as announced by Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell. Jonathan expresses uncertainty about what this means for the bill's passage, given the potential for disagreement within both the Republican and Democratic parties.

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Biden Makes Concessions on Immigration to Secure Republican Support for Ukraine Aid

🎦 30:20-30:45⏩

President Biden has reportedly made concessions on immigration policy to appease Senate Republicans and secure their support for Ukraine aid. Jonathan questions whether these concessions will be sufficient to satisfy hardliners like Kevin McCarthy, who demands significant border policy changes.

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White House Expresses Concerns Over Growing Russia-North Korea Military Cooperation

🎦 30:45-31:07⏩

The White House has expressed concerns about the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, warning that it could significantly alter the security threat posed by North Korea. Jonathan suggests that this development should serve as a wake-up call for US lawmakers to overcome the impasse on Ukraine aid.

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US Imposes Sanctions for Russian Oil Price Cap Violations

🎦 31:07-31:40⏩

The US Treasury Department has announced sanctions against companies found to be in violation of the $60 per barrel price cap on Russian crude oil. Jonathan welcomes this move, indicating the US is taking concrete steps to enforce the price cap and limit Russia's oil revenues.

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US Congress Passes Bill Preventing Unilateral Presidential Withdrawal From NATO

🎦 31:40-32:48⏩

Jonathan highlights a significant development: the US Congress has passed legislation prohibiting any future president from unilaterally withdrawing the United States from NATO. He sees this as a crucial check on presidential power, particularly in light of former President Trump's threats to pull the US out of the alliance.

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Ukraine Seeks Phone Call Between Zelenskyy and Chinese President Xi Jinping

🎦 32:48-33:10⏩

Ukraine is pushing for a direct phone conversation between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as confirmed by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba during the World Economic Forum in Davos. Jonathan views this potential dialogue as a positive step towards finding a resolution to the conflict.

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Latvia Begins Deporting Nearly 1,000 Russian Citizens

🎦 33:10-33:39⏩

Latvia has initiated the deportation of close to 1,000 Russian citizens residing in the country. This follows changes in Latvian immigration regulations requiring Russian citizens to meet specific criteria to maintain their residency.

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NATO Plans Large-Scale Military Exercises Involving 90,000 Troops

🎦 33:39-34:40⏩

NATO is preparing to hold its largest military exercises since the Cold War, involving 90,000 troops from member states and Sweden. The "Steadfast Defender" exercises aim to deter potential Russian aggression and demonstrate NATO's commitment to collective defense. Jonathan highlights Sweden's participation, even though its NATO membership is still pending. He hopes Sweden's accession will pave the way for Ukraine to receive Gripen fighter jets, further bolstering its air defense capabilities.

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Wrap up

🎦 34:40-36:00⏩

Jonathan thanks his viewers for their support, mentioning that he has recently purchased a new camera with their help for use in his upcoming trip to Ukraine. He discusses the camera equipment and clothing he needs to acquire before his trip. He also mentions that he received a large memory card from his father. Jonathan ends the update, expressing his gratitude to his viewers and signing off.

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