Ukraine War Update NEWS: Geopolitical News
Table of Contents 📖
"De-escalation requires the attacker to attack less, not the victim to defend less."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:18⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics video, a Ukraine War Update - the third part for 21st November 2024.
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Hungary: Orban's Gerrymandering Tactics
🎦 00:18-01:07⏩
- Orban's government introduces new gerrymandered election districts in Budapest and Pest County, designed to hinder the rising TISA party's chances.
- Jane Keefe highlights that this is a typical tactic of autocratic regimes facing potential electoral defeat.
- Jonathan expresses his disapproval but acknowledges that it's unsurprising behavior from Orban.
Hungary: Orban's Eurasian Century Prediction and US Hegemony
🎦 01:07-01:59⏩
- Orban declares the 500-year era of Western civilization dominance over, predicting that the next century will belong to Eurasia.
- Jonathan questions the previous US conservative support for Orban, considering his statement undermines US global leadership.
- He argues that the US should engage in global affairs to maintain its leading position.
France: Macron's Call for South American Support for Ukraine
🎦 01:59-03:15⏩
- Macron, speaking in Chile, urges South American leaders to follow Chile's example and support Ukraine.
- Jonathan commends Macron's efforts, emphasizing the global significance of the war for security and economic stability, particularly for Europe.
- He points out the need for greater support from South American countries, especially Brazil.
Belarus: Extradition of Belarusian Fighter from Vietnam
🎦 03:15-04:18⏩
- Belarusian soldier Vasil Ramichik, who fought for Ukraine's Kalinouski Regiment, is extradited from Vietnam to Belarus and faces imprisonment.
- The Kalinouski Regiment has been designated a terrorist organization by the Belarusian Supreme Court.
- Jonathan condemns Lukashenko's actions, highlighting his subservience to Putin.
Russia: Debate Over the Type of Missile Launched at Ukraine
🎦 04:18-05:10⏩
- There's debate on whether the missile Russia launched was an ICBM or an IRBM.
- Shashank Joshi points out discrepancies in the Defense Intelligence Agency's (DIA) reports regarding the classification of the RS-26 missile.
- The DIA's 2024 report suggests the RS-26 remains in development and may be facing delays.
Russia: Analysis of the Russian MIRV Ballistic Missile Strike
🎦 05:10-07:37⏩
- Tyler Ruggerway analyzes the Russian MIRV ballistic missile strike on Ukraine, noting the multiple warheads observed in the footage, although their exact nature (warheads or decoys) is uncertain.
- He raises concerns about potential US reactions and standard alert procedures had they lacked prior intelligence on the launch.
- Ruggerway emphasizes that the event's uniqueness requires further investigation to understand the US's awareness of the launch and its implications.
Russia: Maria Zakharova Silenced on Missile Launch
🎦 07:37-08:37⏩
- Maria Zakharova, a Russian spokeswoman, was instructed to remain silent about the ballistic missile launch during a live TV briefing.
- Jonathan finds this interruption intriguing, suggesting the Russian government is attempting to control the narrative surrounding the event.
Russia: Conflicting Classifications and Putin's Response
🎦 08:37-09:51⏩
- A US national security advisor claims Russia launched an experimental medium-range ballistic missile.
- Jonathan observes the ongoing debate over the missile's classification and notes Putin's first public appearance since November 7th, addressing the Russian people about the use of long-range weapons on Russian soil.
Russia: Putin's Claims and Justification for Missile Strike
🎦 09:51-11:50⏩
- Putin, in his televised address, states that the conflict has acquired a global character.
- He alleges that Western missiles struck Russian military facilities on November 19th and 21st and justifies the strike on Ukraine as a response to these attacks.
- Putin claims the US violated an agreement on long-range missiles, which the US denies.
- Jonathan vehemently refutes Putin's justifications, arguing that it's nonsensical to equate Ukraine's limited retaliatory strikes with Russia's extensive, devastating attacks on Ukraine.
Russia: Escalation Dynamics and Putin's Rhetoric
🎦 11:50-12:28⏩
- Putin vows a decisive, mirrored response to any escalation, despite Russia's already aggressive actions.
- Jonathan criticizes the hypocrisy of Putin's stance, noting that Russia dictates what constitutes acceptable retaliation for Ukraine.
- He emphasizes the importance of challenging such narratives and holding Russia accountable for its actions.
EU and Experts' Reactions to Russia's Actions
🎦 12:28-14:07⏩
- EU spokesperson Peter Stano attributes the escalation to Putin, emphasizing his lack of interest in peace.
- Gustav Gressel, a military expert, criticizes the Biden administration's red line policy, arguing that it emboldened Moscow's aggression.
- He suggests that strategic ambiguity would have been a more effective approach in deterring Russia.
- Jonathan concurs, believing the West's self-imposed limitations have backfired.
Analysis of US Red Line Policy and Russia's Exploitation
🎦 14:07-16:26⏩
- Gressel explains that the US's excessive focus on red lines and limiting support for Ukraine to avoid escalation has undermined Western credibility and empowered Putin.
- He points to the deployment of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine as a deliberate crossing of a US-imposed red line.
- Jonathan agrees that the West has inadvertently constrained itself by setting arbitrary red lines that Russia has exploited.
Analysis of Russia's Limited Response and Escalation Capabilities
🎦 16:26-18:57⏩
- Gressel observes that Russia's response, despite aggressive rhetoric, has been relatively restrained due to its limited military capacity and depleted resources.
- He highlights the risks for Russia if the US deploys conventional forces in response to nuclear threats, noting that China, a key economic lifeline, would likely disapprove of an escalated conflict.
- Gressel argues that Russia will continue to exploit nuclear fear in the West while engaging in actions below the NATO Article 5 threshold.
- Jonathan agrees with Gressel's assessment and believes that a nuclear test by Russia was more likely than an actual escalation.
Experts' Opinions on the Political Purpose of the Missile Strike
🎦 18:57-20:34⏩
- Ruth Dayamon and Fabian Hoffman agree that the missile strike served a political purpose rather than having any significant military value.
- Hoffman believes Russia is engaging in symbolic actions because it cannot escalate further without risking major consequences.
- Jonathan agrees, arguing that the strike was likely a desperate attempt by Russia to maintain a facade of strength.
Discussion on the Effectiveness of a NATO No-Fly Zone
🎦 20:34-21:13⏩
- French Army Corps General Michel Yakovlev suggests a NATO no-fly zone over Ukraine would be a significant turning point in the war.
- Jonathan and his friend speculate that a no-fly zone implemented earlier in the war might have been justified and less escalatory than the current situation.
Ukraine Ambassador's Perspective on the Third World War
🎦 21:13-21:47⏩
- Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, believes the Third World War has already begun, citing the involvement of North Korean soldiers, Iranian drones, and Chinese military components used by Russia.
- Jonathan agrees, highlighting the global nature of the conflict and the participation of Ukraine's allies in providing support.
Analysis of Putin's Behavior and Escalation Management
🎦 21:47-23:40⏩
- Ilya Ponomarenko observes Putin's absence from public view since November 7th, suggesting he is avoiding association with Russian setbacks.
- He criticizes the Kremlin's propaganda and fear-mongering tactics, aimed at undermining Ukraine's ability to defend itself.
- Ponomarenko argues that appeasing Putin only emboldens his aggression and that true de-escalation requires Russia to stop its attacks, not Ukraine to weaken its defense.
- Jonathan agrees with Ponomarenko's assessment, drawing a parallel between Putin's behavior and that of a cowardly thug who retreats when confronted with strength.
UK Prime Minister's Call for Russian Withdrawal from Ukraine
🎦 23:40-24:17⏩
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterates his call for Putin to withdraw from Ukraine at the G20 summit in Brazil, marking 1,000 days of the war.
- Putin did not attend the summit.
Poland's Emerging Role in European Security
🎦 24:17-26:41⏩
- Jonathan observes Poland's growing importance in European and global security, particularly concerning Ukraine.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announces a meeting with Scandinavian and Baltic countries to discuss a unified stance on supporting Ukraine.
- He suggests that Poland is strategically positioning itself as a key security provider and a strong US ally.
Poland's Defense Investments and Commitment to Ukraine
🎦 26:41-27:23⏩
- Jonathan highlights Poland's significant defense spending, exceeding the US in terms of GDP percentage allocated to defense.
- He commends Poland's investments and actions in supporting Ukraine's defense.
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba states that Ukraine will not accept any peace proposals that compromise its territory or sovereignty.
- Jonathan acknowledges that both Ukraine and Russia are unlikely to compromise at this stage.
Five Eyes Intelligence Group Meeting in Japan
🎦 27:23-28:39⏩
- The Five Eyes Intelligence Group (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) is meeting in Japan for the first time.
- Jonathan emphasizes the significance of this meeting, particularly for Indo-Pacific security.
- He sees it as a sign of Japan's growing importance as a reliable partner in monitoring China and Taiwan and countering Chinese influence operations in the region.
US Sanctions on Gazprom Bank and Russian Financial Institutions
🎦 28:39-30:24⏩
- The US Treasury Department sanctions Gazprom Bank, Russia's third-largest bank, and takes further measures to restrict Russia's access to the international financial system.
- Jonathan praises the Treasury Department's efforts, emphasizing the crucial role of sanctions in pressuring Russia.
Trump's Alleged Support for Ukraine Strikes Inside Russia
🎦 30:24-31:23⏩
- An unconfirmed report suggests that Trump supported Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to strike targets deep inside Russia.
- Boris Pinkers, president of the Republican Club, claims that Biden consulted Trump and received a positive response.
- Jonathan finds this revelation interesting, as it potentially contradicts the narrative of MAGA Republicans who criticize Biden's policy on Ukraine.
Analysis of Russian Propaganda and Fear-Mongering Tactics
🎦 31:23-32:44⏩
- Ilya Ponomarenko criticizes the irrational fear-mongering and propaganda being disseminated by Russian assets in response to Ukraine's self-defense measures.
- He calls out Tucker Carlson for his pro-Russian rhetoric and criticism of Biden's policy on Ukraine.
- Jonathan emphasizes that de-escalation requires the aggressor, Russia, to reduce its attacks, not the victim, Ukraine, to limit its defense.
Criticism of Trump's Intelligence Pick, Tulsi Gabbard
🎦 32:44-35:34⏩
- Jonathan reiterates his criticism of Tulsi Gabbard's nomination as Director of National Intelligence, calling her unfit for the position.
- Nikki Haley, former GOP presidential candidate, slams Gabbard as a Russian sympathizer, citing her pro-Russian statements that align with Russian and Chinese propaganda.
- Jonathan commends traditional Republicans for speaking out against Trump's controversial picks.
Trump's Controversial Cabinet Picks and the Concept of Accelerationism
🎦 35:34-38:14⏩
- Jonathan criticizes Trump's controversial cabinet nominations, including Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, RFK Jr. for Health and Human Services, and Pete Hegseth for Defense, citing ethical, competence, and ideological concerns.
- He introduces the concept of "accelerationism" - the idea of letting Trump's administration self-destruct due to incompetence, leading to a more substantial political reset.
- Jonathan discusses Matthew Whittaker's nomination as NATO ambassador, highlighting his lack of relevant experience and suggesting it could contribute to the US's declining global standing.
Scott Ritter's Pro-Russian Rhetoric and Community Note
🎦 38:14-39:34⏩
- Jonathan criticizes Scott Ritter, a known Russian propagandist, for labeling Americans serving in the Ukrainian army as traitors.
- He highlights Ritter's community note on Twitter, which corrects his statement and points out his convictions for child sex offenses.
- Jonathan expresses his contempt for Ritter, dismissing his moral pronouncements.
Wrap Up
🎦 39:34-39:54⏩
- Jonathan concludes the video, mentioning his plans for a mapping update.