Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitical News
Table of Contents 📖
Czech Republic officially tells Russia to go fuck itself. I am so proud of my government.
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:22⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to the second part of the Ukraine War News Update for December 31st, 2023, wishing everyone a Happy New Year. He notes that he will still be posting videos tomorrow.
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Ukraine Develops Innovative Run-Flat Technology for Military Vehicles
🎦 00:22-02:40⏩
Jonathan discusses Ukrainian innovation in developing armoured wheels with run-flat technology for combat pickups. He highlights the crucial need for such technology to address the challenges of operating vehicles in conflict zones, particularly with the risk of tires being damaged. He references a video demonstrating the effectiveness of this technology and expresses hope for its scalability to larger vehicles like APCs.
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Germany Supports Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure with €24.5 Million
🎦 02:40-03:00⏩
Germany announces financial support of €24.5 million for the reconstruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
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France to Provide Additional AMX-10 RC Vehicles and VAB Armoured Vehicles
🎦 03:00-06:10⏩
France will be supplying Ukraine with additional AMX-10 RC wheeled armoured fighting vehicles, following a pattern of replacing older models with newer ones (in this case, the Jaguar). Jonathan notes that four AMX-10 RCs have been lost, captured, or abandoned, according to Oryx. Additionally, France will donate VAB armoured personnel carriers from their stock as they are replaced by Griffins. There is also potential for Ukraine to locally produce VAB Mark 3 vehicles in partnership with French companies.
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Jack Watling: Ukraine Can Win with Increased European Support
🎦 06:10-11:08⏩
Jonathan discusses an article by Jack Watling of RUSI (Royal United Services Institute), which argues that Ukraine can win the war but needs more support from Europe. Key points include:
- Ukrainian artillery firing rate has decreased, creating an imbalance in favour of Russia.
- An Estonian Ministry of Defence white paper suggests that Ukraine's defense needs are financially sustainable for supporting countries.
- The main obstacle is not funding but efficient delivery of military equipment.
- Ukraine needs a consistent flow of weapons throughout 2024, requiring increased contributions from European NATO members.
- The outcome of the US presidential election is significant, especially given potential shifts in US involvement in the conflict. Jonathan expresses concern about Trump potentially returning to power, highlighting his successful appointment of three conservative judges to the Supreme Court.
- European nations need to ramp up their weapons manufacturing capacity as existing stockpiles dwindle.
- Ukraine must address the shortcomings that led to the unsuccessful counteroffensive in 2023, focusing on troop training as a top priority.
- Jonathan believes there are reasons for optimism, citing the Ukrainian attack on the Russian landing ship "Novocherkassk" in Feodosia as an example of their capabilities with the right weaponry.
North Korea's Ongoing Arms Trade with Russia Poses a Threat to Ukraine
🎦 11:08-13:46⏩
Jonathan raises concerns about North Korea's ongoing arms supply to Russia, which continues despite sanctions and international condemnation.
- RUSI reports, based on satellite imagery, reveal consistent cargo shipments between North Korea and Russia.
- Joseph Byrne (RUSI) notes ongoing deliveries and transfers of military equipment between the two countries.
- Sue Kim (former CIA analyst) believes these activities will persist unless there are more substantial consequences than symbolic sanctions and reputational damage.
- Jonathan is particularly concerned about the impact of large quantities of North Korean artillery ammunition and rockets reaching Russian forces, highlighting the damage this could inflict on the Ukrainian front line. He urges for a stronger international response and suggests that South Korea could play a role by openly supplying weapons to Ukraine in response to North Korea's actions.
Czechia Rejects Russia's Security Council Summons, Condemning Disinformation and Aggression
🎦 13:46-16:52⏩
Jonathan praises Czechia's response to Russia's attempt to use the UN Security Council for spreading propaganda:
- Czechia refuses to participate in a Security Council briefing called by Russia, accusing them of using the platform for disinformation about the war.
- A letter from the Czech representative to the UN condemns Russia's aggression and reiterates support for Ukraine.
- Czechia's stance is commended by Jakub Janda (Director, European Values Center for Security Policy in Prague), who interprets it as Czechia telling Russia to "go fuck itself."
- Jonathan applauds Czechia's solidarity with Ukraine and their strong moral stance against Russia's actions.
Japan Joins Czechia in Condemning Russia's Use of the UN Security Council
🎦 16:52-19:12⏩
Jonathan highlights Japan's similar condemnation of Russia's actions at the UN Security Council, as voiced by Nagano Shunsuke (Councillor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN):
- Japan criticizes Russia's narrative on Ukraine as an attempt to deflect attention from the humanitarian crisis caused by their aggression.
- They question the value of Russia's frequent Security Council meetings, accusing them of being politically motivated and a waste of time and resources.
- Japan urges Russia to focus on adhering to the UN Charter and emphasizes the need for accountability for war crimes. They reaffirm their unwavering support for Ukraine.
Serbian Protests Against Vucic's Regime and Alleged Vote Rigging
🎦 19:12-20:45⏩
Jonathan revisits the protests in Serbia against President Vucic's regime and alleged election rigging.
- He highlights the case of Serbian actress Svetlana Bojković, who revealed irregularities during a protest, including the manipulation of cancer patients awaiting transplants to secure votes for the ruling party.
- Jonathan expresses concern about the democratic backsliding in Serbia, drawing parallels with similar trends in Hungary and Slovakia.
Wrap Up
🎦 20:45-21:06⏩
Jonathan concludes the video, thanking viewers for watching and bidding them farewell.
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