Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"If you need to use only one of these [shells] compared to using five other shells, then actually you have these being five times better."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:16⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics video, a military aid and equipment update for the Ukraine war on the 17th of April 2024. He mentions there will be a separate geopolitics video to follow.
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Canada's Military Aid Budget
🎦 00:17-01:14⏩
Canada has earmarked $1.16 billion in its 2024 budget for military aid to Ukraine over the next five years. Jonathan points out that Canada has faced criticism for not meeting the NATO target of 2% GDP spending on defence (currently at 1.76%). He suggests this could be perceived as Canada "free riding" on the US.
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Denmark's Military Aid Package
🎦 01:14-01:47⏩
Denmark has announced a $313 million military aid package for Ukraine. The funds will be used to develop Ukraine's maritime capabilities, drones, and missile part production in cooperation with the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. Jonathan praises Denmark for being one of the highest contributors to Ukrainian aid in terms of GDP percentage.
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Czech Shell Initiative and Ammunition Quality
🎦 01:47-04:10⏩
Jonathan discusses the Czech initiative to supply artillery shells to Ukraine.
- There are reports that, of the initial claim of 800,000 shells, only 180,000 had been contracted, though this figure may have risen to 500,000.
- Jonathan highlights a comment from French Aid to Ukraine, which references Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur's statement about the need to physically inspect the quality of the shells.
- He emphasises the danger of poor-quality ammunition, using a quote from a Ukrainian commander (Hitman) who stated that some Russian units using Iranian ammunition had shells exploding prematurely.
- Jonathan refers back to a previous point about the importance of supplying Ukraine with high-quality ammunition for both safety and effectiveness.
France's Role in the Czech Initiative
🎦 04:10-05:41⏩
Jonathan explains that France is heavily involved in the Czech shell initiative, focusing on:
- Identifying manufacturers capable of producing powder, shells, and components.
- Ensuring the quality of the shells being sent to Ukraine.
- He notes that France, despite significantly increasing its shell production, is still not producing a large volume for Ukraine but emphasises the high quality of the shells they are providing. Jonathan suggests this smaller quantity of high-quality ammunition is more valuable than a larger quantity of lower quality.
Czech Prime Minister's Statement on Ammunition Supply
🎦 05:41-06:28⏩
Jonathan highlights Czech Prime Minister Fiala's statement at the Hudson Institute that the Czech Republic can now provide 500,000 rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine. He points out the distinction between pledged money and actual funds available and suggests there are delays in converting pledges to readily available resources, including quality assurance for the shells.
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Dmytro Kuleba's Response to US Concerns
🎦 06:28-07:55⏩
Jonathan discusses Dmytro Kuleba's response to the US urging Ukraine to cease attacks on Russian gas and oil infrastructure.
- He quotes Kuleba: "You have to think in your own interests. If your partners say, 'we are giving you seven Patriot batteries tomorrow, but we asked you not to do this and this and this,' then there is something to talk about. But if you don't have those batteries, and there is no help package, and at the same time, you ask not to do something, what should we talk about? Then everyone survives as best as they can."
- Jonathan interprets this as Kuleba implying that Ukraine is willing to consider limiting certain attacks in exchange for substantial military aid. He suggests Ukraine faces difficult decisions in balancing its immediate survival with the potential long-term support of allied governments.
Ukrainian Patriot System Training in Spain
🎦 07:55-08:32⏩
Jonathan reports that Ukrainian military personnel are training on a Patriot system in Spain. While it's unclear whether Spain will provide Ukraine with one of their own systems, it's possible they are training personnel to operate a system provided by another country, such as Germany, which is expected to deliver an additional system soon.
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Germany Supplies E-Bikes to Ukrainian Special Forces
🎦 08:32-11:14⏩
- Jonathan reports on the confirmed delivery of electric bikes (EMUs) to Ukrainian special forces by Germany, originally part of a €20 million package announced in October 2023.
- He highlights the tactical advantages of these e-bikes, including:
- Quiet operation
- 60km range
- Quick battery change capability
- "Blackout" mode for stealth
- He digresses, comparing the quick battery-swapping capability to a proposed system for electric cars by a Chinese manufacturer, contrasting this to the longer charging times associated with traditional electric car charging stations.
- Jonathan concludes by saying the silent, long-range, and stealth-capable e-bikes are likely a welcome addition to Ukrainian special forces.
Zelensky Signs Mobilisation Law
🎦 11:36-12:07⏩
Jonathan notes that Zelensky has signed the mobilisation law after its second reading, acknowledging he hasn't had a chance to review the 4,000 amendments in detail yet. He believes this law is crucial for Ukraine to sustain its war effort by bolstering its troop numbers.
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Russian Perspective on Mobilisation and the War's Slow Progress
🎦 12:07-17:07⏩
Jonathan discusses a conversation between two unnamed Russians about mobilisation:
- One Russian highlights Russia's achievements, stating they have seized the initiative on the battlefield and increased high-precision weapon production, which Jonathan concedes is true.
- The Russian argues against rushing the offensive, saying it would lead to unnecessary casualties.
- He acknowledges the need to capture Ukrainian territory but backtracks on using the word "capture," emphasizing "liberation" instead.
- The Russian then addresses concerns about potential mobilisation, stating Russia currently has enough troops and highlights the logistical challenges and economic costs associated with mass mobilisation.
- He cites potential labour shortages, wage inflation, and the strain on the military-industrial complex as reasons against it, arguing that they are already operating at maximum capacity.
- Jonathan finds this perspective interesting, revealing the potential economic ramifications of mass mobilisation for Russia.
Russian Unmanned Medevac Vehicle and Military Exhibitions
🎦 17:07-18:14⏩
Jonathan briefly mentions an unmanned Russian medevac vehicle displayed at a recent exhibition where Shoigu inspected various new weapons. He expresses caution about the practical applications of showcased Russian military technology, questioning the ability to transition prototypes to battlefield-ready equipment given the economic constraints and potential production limitations.
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Wrap Up
🎦 18:14-18:18⏩
Jonathan concludes the video and tells viewers he'll be back soon with a geopolitical analysis.
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