Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News, US Weapons Use Analysis

"Do we allow Russia and China to win? Do we back down and say, 'Oh, sorry, didn't mean to annoy you, China?' Or do we stand strong and do we support Ukraine as much as possible?"

Hello Team🎦 00:00-00:09⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to part two of the Ukraine War News Update for May 22nd, 2024, and introduces the primary topic of US weapon use in Ukraine.

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Zelensky on Restrictions of US/Allied Weapon Use🎦 00:09-02:34⏩

• Jonathan discusses Zelensky's frustration with restrictions on using US/Allied weapons to strike Russian territory.
• Zelensky highlights the disadvantage of not being able to target Russian military assets launching attacks from within Russia.
• He argues that this inability to strike back hinders Ukraine's ability to defend itself effectively.

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US Response and Strategic Ambiguity🎦 02:34-05:46⏩

• Jonathan analyses the US's response, particularly Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder's statements, which reiterate existing policy without providing justification for the restrictions.
• Jonathan questions if this reflects deep-rooted US military doctrine or fear of escalation.
• He critiques Ryder's use of "word salad" and avoidance of direct answers.

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US Lawmakers' Call for Increased Support🎦 05:46-12:24⏩

• Jonathan highlights growing pressure from US lawmakers, citing Senator Jim Risch's call to allow Ukraine to defend itself by striking Russian military targets.
• A bipartisan group of Congress members urges the Biden administration to:
• Lift the embargo on using US weapons to strike within Russia.
• Train more Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.
• Expedite the delivery of air defence systems, including seven more Patriot batteries.

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Viewer Comment: Biden's Background and Fear of Escalation🎦 12:24-15:21⏩

- Jonathan reads and analyses a comment from viewer Viggo Holmsten. - Viggo suggests that Biden's history with disarmament and non-proliferation might be influencing his cautious approach, leading to a stalemate where Russia is degraded but not defeated. - Jonathan agrees that while Biden successfully unified the Western alliance, his fear of escalation limits aid, hindering a decisive Ukrainian victory.

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Jonathan's Perspective on US Political Options and the China Factor🎦 15:21-20:20⏩

• Jonathan questions whether this cautious approach is solely Biden's or reflects broader US strategic thinking.
• He challenges the notion of a Trump administration being more supportive, arguing that Trump prioritizes his interests above all else.
• Jonathan emphasizes the need for a strong, unified stance against Russian aggression from NATO, Europe, and the US.
• He expresses concern about potential Chinese military aid to Russia, escalating the conflict into a global one.

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China Providing Lethal Aid to Russia🎦 18:16-20:20⏩

- Jonathan expresses deep concern over UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace's revelation of confirmed intelligence: China is now providing lethal aid to Russia. - He highlights the significance of this development, marking China's shift from a supposedly neutral actor to an active supporter of Russia's military campaign.

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Sweden's Long-Term Military Aid Package for Ukraine🎦 20:20-24:16⏩

- Sweden pledges 75 billion Swedish krona (approximately $7 billion) in military support to Ukraine from 2024 to 2026. - This long-term commitment aims to provide consistent support, regardless of potential political shifts in other countries. - Jonathan praises Sweden's decision, highlighting the significance of sustained aid and its message of unwavering support.

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Sweden Orders New CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (Possibly for Ukraine)🎦 24:16-24:58⏩

• Sweden orders a new batch of CV9035 Mark III C infantry fighting vehicles from BAE Systems to replace the CV9040s already sent to Ukraine.
• Jonathan speculates that this purchase might be intended to both bolster Sweden's military and provide additional support to Ukraine.

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EU to Transfer Funds from Frozen Russian Assets to Ukraine🎦 24:58-26:15⏩

• The European Commission announces the first payment from seized Russian assets to Ukraine will be made in July 2024.
• Approximately 2.5 to 3 billion euros will be allocated to Ukraine's economic recovery through the "Ukraine Facility" program.
• 90% of the funds will go towards Ukraine's military, while the remaining 10% will be used for humanitarian aid in countries like Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland, who opted out of supporting Ukraine's military directly.

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Potential Transfer of Seven Patriot Systems to Ukraine at NATO Summit🎦 26:15-26:56⏩

• A decision to transfer seven Patriot missile systems to Ukraine may be made at the upcoming NATO summit in Washington D.C. in July.
• While Ukraine needs 20-30 systems, these seven would offer crucial protection for key economic and energy sectors.
• Jonathan questions the delay in decision-making and procurement, emphasizing the urgency of strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

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ULEZ Scheme Update: London's Scrapped Vehicles Donated to Ukraine🎦 26:56-29:47⏩

• Jonathan provides an update on the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) scrappage scheme in London.
• Initially, legal hurdles prevented scrapped vehicles from being sent to Ukraine.
• Thanks to efforts from various groups and individuals, the UK government amended the regulations, allowing over 100 vehicles to be donated to Ukraine for medical and humanitarian purposes.
• Jonathan acknowledges the contribution of British-Ukrainian Aid (BUAID) and Transport for London in facilitating this initiative.

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German Aid Convoy Delivers Essential Supplies to Chernivtsi🎦 29:47-32:22⏩

- A lorry filled with food, hygiene products, appliances, and bicycles departs from Dusseldorf, Germany to Chernivtsi in southwestern Ukraine. - This initiative, a collaboration between the city of Dusseldorf, the German association Akzepanz Vertrauen Perspektiv (AVP), and the US non-profit United Help for Ukraine, highlights international efforts to support Ukraine. - Jonathan points out the effectiveness of city-to-city partnerships in providing targeted aid and fostering stronger bonds between nations.

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German Air Defense Initiative Disappoints🎦 32:22-33:58⏩

• Despite securing €1 billion in funding, the German-led air defence initiative disappoints as no other country committed to providing air defence systems, only financial contributions.
• While Lithuania pledged radars, Romania, initially thought to be a potential Patriot battery contributor, did not participate in the system donations.
• Jonathan expresses disappointment with the lack of support from key allies, emphasizing the critical need for robust air defence systems in Ukraine.

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French Caesar Howitzers: Performance and Maintenance🎦 33:58-36:27⏩

- Jonathan discusses the French-supplied Caesar self-propelled howitzers, noting their effectiveness and robustness compared to other Western artillery systems. - While the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence praised the Caesar's performance, its intensive use requires efficient maintenance and a steady supply of spare parts. - To address logistical challenges, components of the Caesar might be manufactured in Ukraine to ensure quicker repairs and maintenance.

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Finland Ramps Up Artillery Shell Production🎦 36:27-38:53⏩

• Finland has increased its artillery shell production by five times since the war began.
• Jonathan commends Finland's efforts, stating that with the US's planned production increase, the combined output from Western nations might soon exceed Russia's.
• He remains optimistic about Ukraine's long-term outlook if they can maintain accurate and effective artillery fire.

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Ukraine Acquires DJI Mavic 3E Drones and Upgrades Sea Baby Drones🎦 38:53-41:48⏩

• Ukraine's Ministry of Defence procured 8,200 DJI Mavic 3E drones from China for 1.1 billion hryvnias to bolster its drone capabilities.
• Jonathan notes previous sabotage attempts on these drones, where chips were deliberately damaged, but highlights the successful efforts to secure replacement chips.
• Ukraine's security service (SBU) unveils an upgraded "Sea Baby" naval drone capable of launching salvos of six Grad rockets.
• While acknowledging its limited effectiveness due to the unguided nature of Grad rockets, Jonathan believes it could still provide a psychological advantage and tactical utility in certain situations.

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Ukrainian Convicts Volunteer for Military Service🎦 41:48-43:12⏩

• More than 3,000 Ukrainian convicts have applied for conditional release to join the armed forces.
• Jonathan sees this as a positive development, potentially providing much-needed manpower for the Ukrainian military.

- He acknowledges potential concerns about social cohesion but believes the benefits, especially considering the potential for reduced costs, outweigh the disadvantages.

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Russian Military Equipment Train: Analysis and Implications🎦 43:12-44:50⏩

- Jonathan analyses footage of a train transporting Russian military equipment, including artillery, tanks, and support vehicles, through the Tula region of Russia, likely heading towards the Kharkiv front. - The presence of the "George Ribbon," a Russian military symbol, and the equipment's well-maintained appearance suggest it might be from recent victory day parades or possibly from Azerbaijan, where Russia withdrew peacekeeping forces. - Jonathan interprets this as a sign of potential equipment shortages, forcing Russia to redeploy assets from other areas or rely on older, refurbished equipment.

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Wrap Up🎦 44:50-44:57⏩

Jonathan thanks viewers for watching, encourages likes, subscriptions, and sharing, and signs off with his signature "toodlepips."

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