Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News - MTG & Mike Johnson Analysis

"Holy cow! Its range can reach 6.1 million square kilometers and strike 77 of Russia's 99 largest air bases. Goodness me the fact they've got 100 air bases is quite incredible, including most military factories and oil refineries. This is a massive warning for Russia, really. Absolutely incredible."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:46⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics video - the second part of his Ukraine War News Update for 5th April 2024. He explains that today's videos are lengthier due to the extensive analysis and news, including strikes deep within Russia, oil refinery updates, sanctions impact, and the wealth of information emerging about the war. He emphasises that viewers don't have to watch everything but it is there if they need it.

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US House Republicans & Ukraine Aid

🎦 00:46-09:40⏩

Jonathan discusses the efforts by the White House to persuade Mike Johnson, the Republican House Minority Leader, to present the $60 billion aid package for Ukraine for a vote. He highlights the pressure from Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has threatened to unseat Johnson if he proceeds with any Ukraine aid. Jonathan expresses his frustration with the partisan nature of this issue. He explains that Zelensky is unable to openly criticise these individuals for fear of jeopardising the aid, drawing a parallel with the Biden administration's restrained approach. He agrees with Timothy Snyder's assessment that Ukraine aid is unlikely to pass without a discharge petition and that Johnson's actions appear designed to obstruct its passage. Jonathan also notes concerns regarding the inclusion of Israeli aid in the Democrat-led discharge petition, citing growing unease over Israel's actions in Gaza. He suggests that the situation in the US House of Representatives could shift if even a few Republicans follow the lead of Gallagher and Buck in resigning, potentially changing the political landscape.

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US Defence Credibility and EU Defence Spending

🎦 09:40-11:14⏩

Jonathan highlights an article from Politico, shared by a viewer, suggesting that the US Congress has not only damaged America's defense credibility among allies but is also harming its own defense industry. As EU nations increase their defence spending to meet NATO requirements, they are becoming more independent from the US, procuring less US weaponry. Jonathan observes that while this independence may have been a goal for some in the US, it could inadvertently lead to a decline in the US defence sector.

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NATO Meetings & Antony Blinken's Comments

🎦 11:14-12:19⏩

Jonathan discusses the ongoing NATO meetings and quotes US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who stated that the US and its allies are committed to intensifying their efforts in providing resources to Ukraine. Jonathan points out the irony of Blinken's statement given the stalled $60 billion aid package in Congress.

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Norway's Position on Sending Troops to Ukraine

🎦 12:19-12:53⏩

Jonathan reports that Norway has indicated its openness to potentially sending troops to Ukraine in the long term. He highlights the statement made by Norwegian Foreign Minister, Anniken Huitfeldt, who stated that while there are no immediate plans, they are not ruling anything out. Jonathan views this as positive news, aligning with the growing number of countries echoing French President Emmanuel Macron's stance.

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Czech Republic's Ammunition Support for Ukraine

🎦 12:53-13:46⏩

Jonathan discusses the Czech Republic's commitment to delivering ammunition to Ukraine, with Czech Ambassador to NATO, Jakub Landovský, assuring its arrival by early June. He underscores the understanding that Ukraine urgently requires artillery and ammunition and notes that while some funds have been received, there's a significant shortfall for the remaining amount. Jonathan adds that Czechia has pledged tens of millions of euros to the ammunition initiative.

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Germany to Spearhead Search for Ukraine Air Defence Systems

🎦 13:46-15:17⏩

Jonathan reports that German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, has announced that Germany will lead the effort to locate additional air defense systems for Ukraine, specifically MIM-104 Patriot systems. He praises Baerbock's performance throughout the war, contrasting her with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Jonathan cites Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba's confirmation of Germany's pledge to deliver further Patriot missiles from existing Bundeswehr stockpiles within the coming weeks, following three previous deliveries. Jonathan emphasises the significance of this move, particularly Germany's role in spearheading the search for Patriot systems.

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Germany's Additional Military Aid to Ukraine

🎦 15:17-17:10⏩

Jonathan reports that Germany is also providing state-of-the-art anti-drone equipment upgrades to Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks that were previously supplied to Ukraine. He mentions that 250 Zetros trucks, in various configurations (4x4, 6x6, etc.), have been delivered to Ukraine. He highlights the German company, Aaronia AG's involvement in providing anti-drone training to Ukrainian soldiers since 2022 under a contract with the German government. He goes on to talk about fundraising efforts with Professor Gerdis, Greg Terry, and Ritley Ukrainian for four Land Rover Snatch armoured medevac vehicles to assist in evacuating wounded soldiers from war zones. These vehicles will be equipped with Kevlar armour and the most advanced anti-drone technology available. Jonathan emphasises that these vehicles and the anti-drone capabilities are essential given the widespread use of drones in the conflict.

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Lithuania's Military and Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine

🎦 17:10-18:50⏩

Jonathan announces Lithuania's plans to procure 3,000 Lithuanian-made drones for Ukraine and allocate €15 million towards rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian soldiers. This agreement was reached during Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal's visit to Vilnius. Furthermore, Lithuania will contribute €35 million to the Czech initiative for artillery ammunition procurement and allocate an additional €5 million for education, €12 million for veteran assistance, school and kindergarten reconstruction, and shelter arrangements. Jonathan commends Lithuania for its generosity, highlighting their contribution of 1.5% of their GDP to military aid for Ukraine, excluding other forms of support. A commenter points out that Lithuania spends 1.5% of its GDP on the defense of Ukraine and 2.75% on its own defense, surpassing the Czech Republic's 1.53% GDP spending on its own defense in 2023.

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Latvia's Military Aid Package for Ukraine

🎦 18:50-19:50⏩

Jonathan reveals that Latvia's Prime Minister, Krišjānis Kariņš, has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine in April, utilising reserves from the Latvian National Armed Forces. The package, valued at €22.2 million, will primarily consist of ammunition, explosives, weapons, transport, and personal and support equipment. Additionally, Latvia will dispatch its first batch of drones worth €1 million to Ukraine as part of the drone coalition. Jonathan highlights that Latvia plans to allocate at least €10 million for drone purchases in 2024, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to assisting Ukraine. He later clarifies, based on information from the comments section, that Latvia will allocate €9 million for drone purchases.

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Ukraine's New Long-Range Drones

🎦 19:50-22:21⏩

Jonathan discusses a report from the German tabloid, Bild, stating that Ukrainian manufacturers are set to deliver armed drones with a range of up to 2,500 kilometres this year. He highlights that this development puts approximately 80 Russian military bases within striking distance, including Engels Air Base (Olenia). He then presents a map illustrating the potential reach of Ukraine's new long-range kamikaze drone, the E300 Enterprise, which can reportedly fly over 3,100 kilometers into Russia carrying a 300-kilogram warhead. This expanded range, he explains, would allow Ukraine to target 77 of Russia's 99 largest air bases, along with numerous military factories and oil refineries. Jonathan emphasizes the significance of this development for the outcome of the war and Ukraine's capabilities. He briefly touches upon the recent attacks on Morozovsk air base, casting doubt on claims by a Russian Telegram source that no damage was inflicted.

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Wrap Up

🎦 22:21-22:30⏩

Jonathan concludes the military aid and equipment segment of the update, expressing hope that it has provided a comprehensive overview. He encourages viewers to like, subscribe, and share the video, promising to return soon with the geopolitical segment.

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