Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
“It's great if Western and Allied troops support Ukraine inside Ukraine. And I guess it's different training to like fighting on the front lines but there must certainly be a bit of an issue if you have troops coming from other countries to support Ukraine when there are draft evaders from Ukraine who won't do it themselves”
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:20⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to part two of his Ukraine War Update News video for 28th May 2024 focusing on military aid.
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France to send troops to Ukraine?
🎦 00:20-05:30⏩
Jonathan discusses the claim by Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Zaluzhnyi, that France will send troops to Ukraine for training purposes. While this has not been formally verified, General Zaluzhnyi is considered a reliable source. The French Ministry of Defence has clarified that they are still considering the proposal, but Jonathan believes the move is likely going ahead. He suspects this may be a deliberate leak by the French to gauge public reaction. Jonathan expresses concern that the upcoming Paris Olympics may hinder France's support for Ukraine, both in terms of military equipment and political will.
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Jonathan defends France's military contribution in WW2
🎦 05:30-11:47⏩
Jonathan takes a moment to address what he sees as an unfair portrayal of the French military as weak, particularly in relation to their performance during World War II. He argues that Britain’s island geography played a pivotal role in its ability to withstand a German invasion, which greatly benefited the Allied forces. He feels that judging France's actions without acknowledging the strategic advantage Britain had is unfair.
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Latvia, Netherlands, Belgium Military Aid Updates
🎦 11:47-19:45⏩
- Latvian President Egils Levits has criticised the West's restrictions on striking Russian territory, believing Ukraine should have the capability to hit military targets within Russia.
- The Dutch Defence Minister, Kajsa Ollongren, states that the Netherlands has never ruled out the possibility of Ukraine needing to strike inside Russia.
- NATO Ministers will discuss the creation of a €100 billion fund for Ukraine.
- Hungary is facing criticism for blocking €7 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
- A summit is being held in Prague to discuss speeding up ammunition procurement for Ukraine, with leaders from Denmark, the Czech Republic, Poland, Latvia, and the Netherlands in attendance.
- Belgium has agreed to a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine and will send 30 F-16 fighter jets over the next four years. This brings the total number of F-16s pledged to Ukraine by Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark to 85. Jonathan notes that providing training, maintenance and replacement aircraft will be crucial.
- Belgium has also pledged €977 million in military support to Ukraine in 2024.
- The Netherlands, with the support of other Patriot-owning countries, plans to assemble and transfer a Patriot system to Ukraine. Jonathan commends this approach as it allows for burden sharing.
Latvia invests in Drone Technology
🎦 19:45-20:54⏩
Latvia is investing €20 million in Ukraine's drone army and the same amount in its own drone defences. Jonathan observes that many countries are finding that supporting Ukraine's defence industry also benefits their own security and technological advancement.
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Ukraine receives AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles for NASAMS
🎦 20:54-22:35⏩
Jonathan, referencing information from John Ridge of the Tochny Team, reports that Ukraine has received AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles. These will be used with the US/Norwegian NASAMS air defence systems, enhancing Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian air threats. Jonathan confirms these are surface-to-air variants but it is not clear if they have anti-ballistic missile capability.
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Convicts in the Ukrainian Armed Forces
🎦 22:35-25:57⏩
Jonathan discusses the increasing number of convicts released from Ukrainian prisons to fight against Russia. The number has now risen to 613. He ponders the implications of keeping these convict soldiers in separate units, questioning whether this will improve their adherence to military regulations or potentially exacerbate challenges. He also raises an interesting point about the potential tension arising from foreign troops fighting in Ukraine while some Ukrainian citizens are evading the draft.
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Russian Shahed Drone Production and Exploitation of African Workers
🎦 25:57-31:26⏩
Jonathan discusses a Wall Street Journal report about Russia’s Alibuga drone plant, previously highlighted by researcher Chris Owens.
- The plant reportedly exploits young Ugandan women, recruited through deceptive means, to work in what are described as sweatshop conditions.
- The plant aims to produce 6,000 Shahed drones annually (approximately 115 per week) and by the end of April 2024, had already produced 4,500, exceeding its production target.
- Jonathan is concerned about the increasing numbers of Iranian-designed drones being produced, suggesting that this should be a primary target for Ukrainian forces.
- The plant also manufactures Albatross reconnaissance drones which are being used to provide the Kremlin with detailed intelligence about Ukrainian positions.
Iran supplies Russia with Qaim-5 Guided Bombs
🎦 31:26-32:53⏩
Jonathan reports that Iran has supplied Russia with advanced Qaim-5 guided bombs. This intelligence comes from analysis of a downed Iranian Mujahid-6 drone that crashed in Russia's Kursk region. The drone, believed to be targeting the Sumy region of Ukraine, was carrying the Qaim-5 bombs. Jonathan believes this highlights the strengthening military cooperation between Russia and Iran, calling them an “axis of evil” alongside North Korea and China. He questions the international community's lack of action in response to these developments.
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Russian Military Production and Treatment of Wounded Soldiers
🎦 32:53-35:53⏩
- Jonathan reports that Russia's production of UMPB glide bombs has reached at least 12 per day and is likely to increase. He expresses concern over the escalating production of drones, glide bombs, and other munitions.
- Jonathan highlights the challenges Russia faces in maintaining its military personnel, citing reports of wounded soldiers being mistreated and coerced into returning to the front lines. He shows a video of Russian soldiers who are refusing to fight being subjected to violence and degrading conditions.
- He notes the irony of them protesting about their treatment rather than the morality of the war itself.
Wrap Up
🎦 35:53-36:00⏩
Jonathan signs off, mentioning he needs a cup of tea.
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