Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"If we limit ourselves, we hand the advantage to Putin."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:19⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to a special edition of the Ukraine War News Update, focusing solely on military aid developments. The volume of information necessitates a dedicated video separate from the usual geopolitical news coverage.
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Ukraine Secures Artillery Shells & European Procurement Efforts
🎦 00:19-01:59⏩
- Ukraine has independently procured over 350,000 artillery shells from European defence industries, supplementing the pledged 1 million shells from the EU's initiative.
- The EU is striving to fulfill its shell pledge, with Czechia and France leading efforts to source 800,000 shells from non-EU nations.
- This procurement effort may be contributing to the observed increase in Ukrainian counter-battery fire and artillery usage.
Czech Republic & France Partner to Bolster Ammunition Supply
🎦 02:00-05:19⏩
- France joins Czechia's initiative to procure ammunition for Ukraine from sources outside of the EU, recognizing the urgent need despite their initial preference for intra-EU procurement.
- The Czech Republic and Ukraine are collaborating to transform World War II-era buildings into an arms and ammunition hub, demonstrating Europe's commitment to rapidly replacing delayed US military aid.
- This facility, owned by Excalibur Army, a company known for upgrading T-72 tanks for Ukrainian use, plays a crucial role in providing arms to Ukraine.
- A coalition of countries, including the Netherlands, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Czech Republic, and the United States, are funding the procurement of 800,000 artillery shells through the Czech Republic to meet Ukraine's immediate needs.
- With an estimated 2 million large-caliber ammunition rounds available globally, there's potential to further bolster Ukraine's supplies.
- The EU expects to increase shell production to 1.4 million rounds by the end of 2024, nearly tripling the previous year's output.
- This upscaling effort highlights Europe's commitment to supporting Ukraine despite challenges in rapidly adjusting to the demand.
Macron's Leadership & The Need for a Unified European Response
🎦 05:20-09:58⏩
- Jonathan posits that French President Emmanuel Macron is positioning himself as a central figure in rallying support for Ukraine, a role previously considered for British leaders Boris Johnson or potentially Rishi Sunak.
- He suggests that Macron's strong stance on Ukraine's defense aligns with his personal political goals and the EU's need for a unified response against Russia's threat.
- Jonathan sees this as a positive development, emphasizing that Macron's leadership is crucial for both Europe and Ukraine.
- He observes a growing realization among European leaders since late last year that the war in Ukraine poses a graver threat than initially perceived.
- The stalled Ukrainian counteroffensive and the delay in US aid have further emphasized the need for a more robust and unified European response, with Macron potentially at the helm.
France's Military Support & The Future of European Defense
🎦 09:59-13:20⏩
- France donates four LRU multiple launch rocket systems to Ukraine, scheduled for replacement in 2027, with plans to procure 13 new units from 2028 and increase the total to 26 by 2035.
- This move suggests the possibility of Ukraine receiving additional LRUs as replacements become available.
- Jonathan highlights the CEO of Thales Group, a French defense manufacturer, expressing willingness to provide more GM-200 radars to Ukraine, signaling France's proactive approach in supplying military aid.
- He underscores the interconnectedness of military, industrial, and economic strategies, drawing parallels to the EU's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and advocating for a unified military strategy within the EU, potentially leading to the establishment of an EU army.
Czech & French Presidents Discuss Military Aid and Potential Western Troop Deployment
🎦 13:20-15:50⏩
- Czech President Petr Pavel advocates for continued discussions on sending Western troops to Ukraine in non-combat roles, echoing Macron's earlier statements.
- Both leaders emphasize the need to explore all options for supporting Ukraine and avoid self-imposed limitations that could hinder their ability to respond effectively.
- Jonathan supports this open dialogue, believing that normalizing the idea of Western troops in non-combat roles in Ukraine is crucial.
- He criticizes Western media outlets downplaying support for Macron's stance, highlighting similar statements from Canada, Czechia, and Baltic nations.
Czech & French Procurement Plans for Ukraine
🎦 15:50-16:20⏩
The Czech President and French President discussed the purchase of 500,000 155mm and 300,000 122mm artillery shells for Ukraine, requiring €1.5 billion in funding.
- Jonathan believes they've raised around 60% of the needed funds, with contributions from France and Germany, indicating significant progress towards the goal.
Macron's Speech on the Ukraine War & European Security
🎦 16:20-19:24⏩
- Jonathan plays a clip of Macron's speech emphasizing the war's impact on Europe and urging a collective awakening to the reality of the situation.
- Macron criticizes the tendency to focus on limitations rather than possibilities and highlights the absurdity of expecting Putin to adhere to rules he consistently disregards.
- Jonathan agrees with Macron's assessment, praising his strong leadership and the urgency of his message for Europe and Ukraine.
- He cites Michael Weiss, who commends Macron's proactive stance and leadership.
French Foreign Minister Stresses European Unity & Support for Ukraine
🎦 19:25-20:23⏩
- French Foreign Minister Stéphane Sojourné emphasizes the need for unwavering European unity against Russia's ongoing threat.
- He warns of dire consequences for both France and Europe if Ukraine falls and emphasizes the importance of continued support through alliances, bilateral agreements, and significant assistance.
- Sojourné believes that Putin aims to exploit any weakness in European solidarity.
Proposal for EU Bonds to Fund Weapons Production
🎦 20:24-22:34⏩
- France and Estonia propose issuing EU bonds to fund the weapons production industry, similar to the €800 billion fund established to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Jonathan, citing Thomas Tyner, views this as a viable solution, arguing that investing €1 trillion in European and Ukrainian defense would bolster both economies and strengthen resistance against Russia.
- He emphasizes the interconnectedness of military, industrial, economic, and political strategies and highlights the potential of this proposal to address multiple challenges simultaneously.
EU's New Defence Industrial Strategy & Its Implications
🎦 22:35-28:54⏩
- The EU's latest defence industrial strategy mandates member states to procure at least 40% of their defence equipment through collaborative efforts by 2030 and spend at least 50% of their procurement budget on European-made products.
- Jonathan anticipates concern from the United States, the world's largest arms exporter, as this strategy could impact US arms sales and potentially reduce European reliance on US military equipment.
- He argues that this shift towards European defence independence is driven by concerns over US political reliability, particularly following the recent Congressional debates over aid to Ukraine.
- Jonathan acknowledges the potential challenges, noting that some European nations, like Poland, have committed significant funds to purchasing US equipment.
- However, he believes that this strategy could incentivize European defence manufacturers to enhance the quality and competitiveness of their products.
- He suggests that increased demand for European equipment could lead to economies of scale, making them more affordable and potentially offsetting the cost advantages of non-EU suppliers.
Bulgaria Sends Military Equipment to Ukraine
🎦 33:28-34:08⏩
Bulgaria is sending 122mm 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers and BDR-BHDM2 armored vehicles from its reserves to Ukraine, further bolstering Ukrainian forces.
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Germany Delivers Biber Bridge-Laying Tanks to Ukraine
🎦 34:08-35:13⏩
- Germany has delivered 15 Biber bridge-laying tanks to Ukraine, with 11 more planned for the future.
- These tanks are helpful for quickly bridging small obstacles but are less practical in active combat zones close to the front lines.
- Jonathan acknowledges the limitations of such equipment but recognizes their value in specific scenarios.
Ukrainian Forces Utilize Bergepanzer II Recovery Vehicle
🎦 35:14-35:52⏩
Ukrainian forces, specifically the Third Assault Brigade, are utilizing German-provided Bergepanzer II armoured recovery vehicles to evacuate a damaged Russian T-72 tank near the Avdiivka coke plant, demonstrating their effectiveness in close-to-frontline operations.
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Ukraine Procures DJI Mavic 3 Drones
🎦 35:53-36:30⏩
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense will procure 20,000 DJI Mavic 3 drones through the Prozorro system, highlighting the increasing reliance on drones in modern warfare by both sides of the conflict.
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The Integration of Drones in Warfare & Ukrainian Drone Preparations
🎦 36:31-38:05⏩
- Jonathan delves into the evolving role of drones in warfare, referencing discussions on the merits of dedicated drone units versus their integration into existing infantry and mechanized units.
- He concludes that a combined approach, with specialized drone units for complex operations and drone integration within standard units for immediate support, is ideal.
- Jonathan highlights the Ukrainian military's practice of keeping a set of 20 prepped FPV drones at each position, ready for immediate deployment, drawing a parallel to having mortar rounds prepped for enemy assaults.
Ukrainian Volunteers Construct D-20 Howitzer Decoy
🎦 38:06-38:55⏩
Jonathan showcases a D-20 howitzer, initially mistaken as real but later identified as a decoy.
- While the decoy lacks a barrel, it exemplifies the ingenuity of Ukrainian volunteers in bolstering their defenses through resourcefulness and innovation.
Ukraine Develops New Version of Sea Baby Naval Drone
🎦 38:56-40:55⏩
- Ukraine is testing a new version of its Sea Baby naval drone, featuring a redesigned hull capable of carrying up to 10 centers of explosives over distances of 1,000 kilometres.
- This drone offers versatility beyond its kamikaze role, with the potential for modules enabling attacks on coastal targets and integration of air defense systems.
- Jonathan enthuses about the potential for these drones, envisioning their use in various scenarios, including disrupting Russian naval activities and striking strategic targets.
Russia Increases Production of Shahid Garan Loitering Munitions
🎦 40:56-42:18⏩
- Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels share footage of a Shahid Garan loitering munition (drone) production plant in the Yelabuga region of Russia.
- The video showcases a large number of drones in various stages of assembly, indicating a ramp-up in Russia's domestic production capabilities.
- Jonathan expresses concern over this development, as it reduces Russia's reliance on Iranian-supplied drones.
Indian Citizens Forced into Russian Military Service
🎦 42:19-44:39⏩
- Seven Indian citizens released a video claiming they were coerced into fighting for Russia in Ukraine after being misled into traveling to Belarus without proper visas.
- They allege that their travel agents abandoned them in Belarus, leading to their detention and subsequent forced enlistment in the Russian army under threat of imprisonment.
- While the veracity of their claims remains uncertain, Jonathan finds the story plausible and indicative of Russia's desperate measures to bolster its depleted forces.
Wrap up
🎦 44:40-45:11⏩
- Jonathan concludes the video by encouraging viewers to share their thoughts on the evolving European defence strategies and their potential impact on the US.
- He ponders whether the actions of Republican lawmakers in the US Congress will ultimately harm American defence industries by pushing Europe towards greater self-sufficiency.
