Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitics News
Table of Contents 📖
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"I think the ramifications to this bit of news are huge."
Hello Team!
Jonathan introduces the video, which is a Ukraine war news update recorded on the night of October 13th, 2023. Some of the news may be superseded by the time of viewing.
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Military Aid
- Boeing Saab is on track to supply Ukraine with GLSDB (Ground Launched Small Diameter Bombs) by autumn, which can fire up to 150km compared to 84km for current HIMARS rockets. This would allow Ukraine to reach key targets like the Kerch bridge from safer launch locations.
- Lockheed Martin announced a modernization for HIMARS that will allow them to hit moving targets. The combination of GLSDB and this capability could significantly shift the battlefield in Ukraine's favour.
- Next week, Ukrainian pilots will begin F-16 training in the US. The Netherlands will provide additional Patriot missiles.
- Germany allocated a €76 million grant to Ukraine for energy infrastructure and provided a new military aid package.
- The "Frankenstein" program is cobbling together air defence weapons for Ukraine using parts from various countries, including AIM-9M Sidewinder and RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles.
Russian Equipment Issues
A Ukrainian journalist reviewed a captured Russian T-90M tank and noted that while the air conditioning is an important innovation for crew comfort and equipment function, it appears to be missing in some recently produced tanks, suggesting Russia is cutting corners in production to get tanks to the battlefield faster.
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Russian Mobilization
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia is preparing for the next wave of mobilization but cannot announce it publicly at the moment. The mobilization lists and processes have been updated, and punishments for evasion or desertion strengthened. However, mass mobilization would be a powerful blow to Russia's economy.
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North Korea Supplying Russia
The US has learned that North Korea transferred 1,000 containers of military equipment to Russia. While there are questions about the quality, the geopolitical ramifications are significant:
- Greater sanctions on North Korea for violating UN resolutions, with potential knock-on effects for Russia.
- South Korea may now directly supply Ukraine with its high-quality military hardware.
- The US and allies may introduce new "red lines" and consequences for Russia, such as providing Ukraine with previously withheld weapon systems like ATACMs or fighter jets.
Geopolitics
- Dutch PM Mark Rutte made a surprise visit to Odesa, Ukraine and announced the delivery of Patriot missiles. The Netherlands has been a strong supporter of Ukraine.
- The UK is exploring using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defence. The UK has been a major centre for Russian money laundering, which the government is now reckoning with.
- Bulgaria introduced a 20% tax on the transit of Russian gas to the EU, which takes effect immediately. Bulgaria has been an important ally for Ukraine, supplying Soviet-era ammunition.
Wrap up
Jonathan notes there will likely be more news developing overnight, which he will try to cover in his next update on Sunday. He thanks the viewers and signs off.
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