Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitical News

"You cannot on the one hand say, here's a guy that's awesome and then say, Europe should be doing more [to support Ukraine] because as part of Europe he's stopping Europe doing more."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-01:02⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to another Ukraine War Update. He informs viewers that part 3 of his documentary about his experiences in Ukraine in February will be available for members today, before being released publicly tomorrow.

Return to top⤴️

EU to provide Ukraine with a €35bn loan

🎦 01:02-03:53⏩

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has unveiled a €35 billion loan for Ukraine as part of the G7 pledge. Further details are awaited on how and when the loan will be distributed. Separately, the EU will also provide €400 million from frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's domestic production of Bohdana self-propelled howitzers.

Return to top⤴️

Netherlands considers incentives for Ukrainian refugees to return home

🎦 03:53-05:54⏩

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has suggested the Netherlands is considering withdrawing certain welfare provisions for Ukrainian refugees in an attempt to encourage their return. However, no timescale has been set for this and no specific mechanism has been developed. Jonathan notes this raises questions about refugee status in general and the obligations of host countries. He notes that many countries were initially keen to help, but two and a half years into the conflict, questions are being raised about the best approach. This comes at a time when countries like Poland and Czechia are actively training Ukrainian diaspora volunteers to fight for Ukraine.

Return to top⤴️

US Senate NDAA to include Lend-Lease for Ukraine

🎦 05:54-07:40⏩

The US Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has been delayed for months, will include a clause reauthorising Lend-Lease for Ukraine. While some commentators downplay the significance of Lend-Lease, Jonathan believes it could prove invaluable, especially if a less Ukraine-friendly administration, like a potential Trump administration, comes into power.

Return to top⤴️

Pentagon repeats claims about lack of strategically important targets in Russia

🎦 07:40-09:50⏩

Jonathan reads a user comment criticising the Pentagon for repeatedly claiming that there are no strategically important targets in Russia within range of ATACMS. The comment highlights that this narrative is disingenuous and harmful. In contrast to the US position, the European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on EU member states to lift all restrictions on Ukraine striking Russian territory. Jonathan notes the lack of suitable European weapons systems, with the exception of Scalp EG missiles, making it more important for the US to lift its restrictions on ATACMS.

Return to top⤴️

Ukraine asks Romania to shoot down Russian drones near its airspace

🎦 09:50-10:38⏩

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has urged Romania to consider shooting down Russian drones and missiles near its airspace, citing the risk they pose to Ukrainian nuclear power plants. Kuleba also thanked Romania for its donation of a Patriot missile system to Ukraine, which is expected to arrive shortly. Jonathan notes that there have been discussions within NATO about the possibility of shooting down Russian munitions over the airspace of member states such as Romania, Poland, and Latvia.

Return to top⤴️

France trains Ukrainian pilots on Alpha Jet aircraft

🎦 10:38-13:03⏩

France has finished training the first class of Ukrainian pilots on the Alpha Jet, following on from their initial training in the UK. Jonathan explains that these are new pilots who are learning to fly from scratch, rather than experienced pilots transitioning from Soviet-era aircraft to the F-16. He suggests that subsequent cohorts of pilots may transition to Mirage fighter jets, while more experienced Ukrainian pilots continue to train on F-16s.

Return to top⤴️

Russia upgrades Pantsir S1 air defence systems

🎦 13:03-14:06⏩

Jonathan shares footage of a Russian Pantsir S1 air defense system being upgraded with what appear to be makeshift coverings to protect against drone attacks. While acknowledging the ad hoc nature of the upgrades, Jonathan points out that they highlight the significant threat drones pose on the modern battlefield and the need for effective countermeasures.

Return to top⤴️

India to modernise T-72 tanks in collaboration with Russia

🎦 14:06-16:27⏩

India is working with Russia to modernise its T-72 tanks, with the intention of exporting them. Jonathan questions whether the tanks will actually be for export given Russia's heavy losses of military equipment. He notes the apparent contradiction in India supplying Ukraine with artillery ammunition, while simultaneously working with Russia to modernise tanks, likely to be sent back to Russia. Jonathan concludes that this transactional approach is indicative of India's pragmatic foreign policy, which prioritises its own interests.

Return to top⤴️

National Rally votes against EU resolution on support for Ukraine

🎦 16:27-18:14⏩

The National Rally, a French far-right political party led by Marine Le Pen, has voted against a draft resolution in the European Parliament concerning the ongoing financial and military support for Ukraine. This move is unsurprising given the far right's pro-Russian stance and likely links to Russia. Jonathan expresses concern about the National Rally's growing popularity and its potential impact on European support for Ukraine.

Return to top⤴️

EU considers ending visa-free travel for Georgia

🎦 18:14-20:40⏩

The EU is considering revoking visa-free travel for Georgian citizens in response to the country's democratic backsliding under the ruling Georgian Dream party. Jonathan sees this as a dilemma for the EU - should it punish Georgia for its backsliding or take a more conciliatory approach, particularly in light of the upcoming elections in October? He believes these elections are important for Georgia and will be a test of Russia's influence in the country.

Return to top⤴️

Georgian Dream party leader makes shocking statement

🎦 20:40-22:17⏩

Adding to concerns over Georgia's democratic backsliding, Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and de facto leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party, has suggested that Georgia should apologise to Russia for the 2008 war. This statement, which appears to demonstrate the extent of Russia's influence in Georgia, has shocked many Georgians. Jonathan believes the upcoming elections will be crucial in determining whether Georgia can free itself from Russia's grip.

Return to top⤴️

Bulgaria rejects "foreign agents" law

🎦 22:17-23:49⏩

In more positive news, Bulgaria's parliamentary committee on culture and media has rejected a bill that would have created a registry of foreign agents, similar to controversial laws passed in Russia, Hungary, and Georgia. Jonathan highlights the importance of this decision, given Bulgaria's proximity to Ukraine and its support for the country since the war began. He emphasizes that this seemingly small victory should not be underestimated.

Return to top⤴️

Germany no longer reliant on Russian Gas

🎦 23:49-25:11⏩

Germany has successfully overcome its dependence on Russian gas and is well-prepared for the upcoming winter. Jonathan highlights the speed and efficiency with which Germany was able to wean itself off Russian hydrocarbons, defying earlier concerns about the feasibility of such a move. He attributes this success to the adaptability of German industry.

Return to top⤴️

Zelenskyy to visit US and address the UN General Assembly

🎦 25:11-25:38⏩

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be visiting the United States soon to meet with President Biden. During the meeting, he will present Ukraine's "victory plan". Zelenskyy is also scheduled to meet with Kamala Harris and address the UN General Assembly, where he will hold bilateral talks with other world leaders.

Return to top⤴️

US imposes sanctions on individuals and entities involved in Russia-North Korea financial schemes

🎦 25:38-27:26⏩

The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on one individual and five entities for their involvement in illicit financial schemes between Russia and North Korea. These schemes, which were used to fund North Korea's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs, highlight the ongoing collaboration between the two countries. Jonathan praises the US Treasury Department for its tireless efforts in tracking and disrupting these illicit networks. He suggests that history will view their work favourably.

Return to top⤴️

Viktor Orbán's hypocrisy

🎦 27:26-39:06⏩

Jonathan reads an article from the National Review entitled "Viktor Orbán Versus America First." The article criticises Trump for praising Viktor Orbán, highlighting the Hungarian prime minister's close ties to both Putin and Xi Jinping. The article points out that while many US conservatives admire Orbán for his stance on cultural issues, they often overlook his undermining of US interests. For example, Orbán has been a vocal critic of European support for Ukraine and has blocked attempts to increase military aid. He has also deepened Hungary's reliance on Russian energy and granted a no-bid contract to Russia for a new nuclear reactor. The authors argue that Orbán's actions are at odds with the "America First" agenda that many conservatives claim to support. Jonathan agrees with the article's central argument, describing Orbán as a "genius in many ways, but freaking dangerous". He is particularly concerned about Orbán's growing influence among US conservatives and warns that they should be wary of his agenda.

Return to top⤴️

German Foreign Ministry calls out Russia's revisionist history

🎦 39:06-43:33⏩

In a brilliant Twitter exchange, the German Foreign Ministry has called out the Russian Foreign Ministry for its revisionist history. The Russian Foreign Ministry had attempted to justify the Soviet Union's invasion of Poland in 1939 by claiming it was necessary to prevent a genocide. The German Foreign Ministry responded by reminding Russia of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, in which Hitler and Stalin agreed to divide Poland between them. The tweet included a map showing the partition of Poland. Jonathan applauds Germany for acknowledging its own dark past, unlike Russia, which continues to deny its historical wrongdoings. He praises Twitter, despite its flaws, for facilitating such public exchanges.

Return to top⤴️

Wrap up

🎦 43:33-44:13⏩

Jonathan wraps up the video by mentioning that he will discuss the controversy surrounding American commentator Nick Shirley in a future video. He thanks his viewers for their support.

Return to top⤴️