Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitical News
Table of Contents 📖
"It is cheaper and more efficient to win in Ukraine rather than a couple of years later be spending 10 times the amount in order to win in NATO"
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:13⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to the channel - it's the second part of his Ukraine War Update NEWS for the 26th March 2024. Today's video will cover military aid and geopolicical news.
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France to increase production of AAS hammer bombs; to supply 100 to Ukraine by end of March, 40 Scalpe G cruise missiles also confirmed
🎦 00:13-01:31⏩
France has confirmed it will increase production of AAS hammer bombs: 600 will be produced in 2024 and 1200 in 2025. 100 units will be sent to Ukraine by the end of March. Jonathan notes that footage has already emerged of Ukrainian planes loaded up with the bombs so they're already in use. MBDA will also supply 40 Scalpe G cruise missiles. Jonathan questions whether these are new orders or part of a previous order. A viewer confirms that the missiles are newly produced.
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France: 200 Aster missiles ordered, 400 pieces of equipment from KNDS sent to Ukraine, plans to adapt AAS bombs to F-16s
🎦 01:31-02:36⏩
Jonathan reports that 200 Aster air defence missiles have been ordered at a cost of nearly 2 billion euros. Over 400 pieces of equipment have also been supplied to Ukraine by KNDS - a French defence company that's working with Germany to set up a factory in Ukraine. Discussions are also underway to adapt the AAS bombs (currently being used on MiG-29s) to F-16s.
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France, Denmark and Ukraine to finance 78 CAESAR howitzers; France to produce 100,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition (80,000 for Ukraine); Additional VAB armoured personnel carriers and AMX-10 tanks to be delivered.
🎦 02:36-03:16⏩
Jonathan reports that France, Denmark and Ukraine are financing 78 CAESAR self-propelled howitzers. Jonathan notes that it will take some time for production and delivery to take place. He also reports that France will produce 100,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition in 2024, 80,000 of which will go to Ukraine (20,000 for France). Additional VAB armoured personnel carriers and AMX-10 light/reconnaissance tanks will also be delivered to Ukraine.
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Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba discusses strengthening Ukraine's air defence (including Patriots) with EU's Josep Borrell
🎦 03:17-04:16⏩
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has reportedly discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defence system with the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. Jonathan refers to a previous video in which Kuleba asked Politico "give us a damn Patriot!". Kuleba believes that with enough Patriots, Ukraine could protect not only the lives of its people but also its economy. Jonathan sympathises with Kuleba's stance given the "dodgy" excuses from Germany regarding the provision of Taurus cruise missiles.
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Germany to send additional Skynex air defence system to Ukraine, Iris-T SLM also expected imminently
🎦 04:16-05:10⏩
Jonathan reports that Germany will deliver another Skynex air defence system to Ukraine this month. He describes the Skynex as "the new version of Gepard" (anti-aircraft gun) and "pretty effective". The Ukrainian Air Force is also expecting another Iris-T SLM air defence system from Germany imminently. Jonathan notes that both systems may already be in Ukraine but are yet to be officially confirmed.
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Zelensky: 2 new air defence systems have arrived in Ukraine - could be Patriots, Iris-T or Skynex
🎦 05:10-06:37⏩
Zelensky has announced that 2 new air defence systems have arrived in Ukraine. Jonathan speculates as to whether these are the Iris-T SLM and Skynex previously mentioned, or the long awaited Patriot batteries ordered directly from Raytheon (now RTX). Zelensky would not be drawn on specifics. However, he did describe the systems as being "capable of intercepting everything" leading Jonathan to believe that they are Patriots. Jonathan acknowledges that Ukraine needs many more such systems and suggests that they should be deployed offensively closer to the front lines in order to threaten Russian air power, despite the risks involved.
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US: $300m to arm Ukraine but funding has already been spent
🎦 06:37-08:05⏩
Jonathan reports that the US Congress has approved $300 million to arm Ukraine. However, the money has already been spent. Although included in the $1.2 trillion government funding package, the money was actually obligated in November and is earmarked for future deliveries of munitions and equipment. The revelation is a blow given that the US has now depleted its Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds. Jonathan laments that the Republicans have held up $60 billion in military aid for months.
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US combat nurse in Ukraine: "My guys on the frontline are powerless as long as Congress denies them weapons"
🎦 08:05-08:33⏩
A US combat nurse working with the Ukrainian Army has told Business Insider that "her guys on the front line are powerless" whilst Congress continues to block aid packages. Jonathan is disgusted by the situation, describing it as an "absolute political disgrace".
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US Department of Defense signs contract with General Dynamics to expand production capacity of M31A2 propellant at factory in Quebec
🎦 08:33-09:30⏩
In better news, the US Department of Defense has signed a contract with General Dynamics to expand production capacity of M31A2 propellant (used in 155mm artillery charge systems) at their factory in Quebec. Colby Badwar has welcomed the agreement but is critical of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's refusal to fund such projects.
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Japan donates 90 construction and utility vehicles (manufactured by Komatsu) to Ukraine's Ministry of Agriculture
🎦 09:30-10:17⏩
Japan has donated a number of Komatsu construction and utility vehicles to Ukraine's Ministry of Agriculture. More than 90 vehicles will be provided as part of Japan's contribution to the "Arise" scheme - an initiative designed to support Ukraine's agricultural sector.
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Iceland to donate €2 million to Czech initiative to buy ammunition for Ukraine
🎦 10:17-10:34⏩
Iceland has pledged to donate €2 million to a Czech-led initiative to buy ammunition for Ukraine.
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UK confirms involvement in Czech initiative to buy ammunition for Ukraine; Ukraine receives $8.88bn from IMF
🎦 10:35-11:15⏩
The UK's Ambassador to the US, Dame Karen Pearce, has confirmed the UK's involvement in the Czech-led initiative to buy ammunition for Ukraine. In other news, Ukrainian PM Denys Shmyhal has announced that Ukraine has received $8.88 billion from the IMF (International Monetary Fund). The funds will be allocated to cover budget expenditures and uphold macrofinancial stability.
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Russia to create 2 new armies comprising 14 divisions and 16 brigades
🎦 11:15-12:58⏩
Citing the UK's Ministry of Defence, Jonathan reports that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has announced that Russia will create 2 new armies in 2024. The armies will reportedly be formed of 14 divisions and 16 brigades and will include mechanised, armoured, artillery and logistics units. Although Russia is likely to have sufficient manpower, Jonathan questions whether it has adequate equipment and training facilities. He suspects that the new units will likely suffer similar resourcing issues to those already encountered.
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Poland: NATO considering shooting down Russian missiles near its borders
🎦 12:58-15:03⏩
The Polish Foreign Ministry has stated that NATO is considering shooting down Russian missiles near its borders. The announcement follows the violation of Polish airspace by a Russian missile over the weekend. The missile reportedly flew over 8-10km of Polish territory. Jonathan draws parallels with a hypothetical land incursion, arguing that allowing a Russian missile to travel over its territory is no different from allowing Russian troops to do the same. He believes that Russia is testing NATO's resolve and that the alliance should respond accordingly. NATO is now said to be considering shooting down any missiles in close proximity to its border, with Ukrainian consent.
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Russian missile violates Polish airspace for 39 seconds; Anton Gerashenko: "Russia might not want to attack NATO directly - it will be happy if it just breaks down"
🎦 15:03-15:46⏩
Jonathan reports that the Russian missile (travelling at 800km/hr) was in Polish airspace for 39 seconds, near the village of Ozadao in the Lublin Voivodeship. Citing Anton Gerashchenko, Jonathan argues that Russia is trying to provoke a response from NATO and would be happy if the alliance was to collapse from within as a result of its actions, rather than from a direct attack.
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Kremlin: Ukraine responsible for Kroka City Hall terrorist attack
🎦 15:46-16:25⏩
When asked who was responsible for the terrorist attack in Kroka City Hall, Russia's Security Council Secretary Nikolai Petrushev replied "Of course Ukraine. Who needs investigations when you've got fanatical beliefs?". Jonathan is angered by Russia's attempts to blame Ukraine for the attack. He is also critical of what he sees as a lack of effort to call out Russia's disinformation campaign.
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BBC Verify debunks false claims about Moscow attack
🎦 16:25-17:22⏩
Jonathan praises the BBC for its work in debunking false claims about the Moscow attack, citing BBC Verify as an example of good practice in the fight against disinformation. He calls for a more strategic approach to messaging, advocating for news organisations to amplify the truth and counter Russian disinformation. He believes that it is vital that voters have access to accurate information in order to make informed decisions.
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Kyiv Independent: Macron now believes "peace with Russia under Putin is impossible and that Ukraine has to win"
🎦 17:22-18:02⏩
Jonathan cites a Kyiv Independent article (an Op Ed by Roland Freudenstein) in which it is claimed that Macron now believes that "peace with Russia under Putin is impossible and that Ukraine has to win". Jonathan believes that Macron has had a "road to Damascus" moment and changed his stance towards the war.
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French TV channel LCI TV outlines 5 scenarios for French military intervention in Ukraine
🎦 18:02-20:30⏩
Jonathan reports that French TV channel LCI TV has published 5 possible scenarios for sending French soldiers to Ukraine:
- Construction of military factories in Ukraine under the supervision of French engineers.
- French military to provide demining and training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Jonathan notes that it would be more logistically efficient to train Ukrainian troops in Ukraine but that this would require a significant commitment from NATO in terms of personnel and equipment (to provide protection).
- Defence of Odesa and installation of an air defence system. Jonathan views this as direct participation in the conflict.
- Creation of a defence zone where the military would take over some of the tasks of the Ukrainian army. Jonathan initially interprets this as French troops fighting in Ukraine but then revises his view, believing that it is more likely to relate to logistics and training.
- Direct participation in hostilities alongside Ukrainian forces, which could lead to World War III.
Jonathan agrees with the journalist's assessment that scenarios 4 and 5 would only be considered if the Ukrainian front were to collapse.
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Ukraine and Sweden discuss deepening cooperation in nuclear energy
🎦 20:30-21:30⏩
Ukraine and Sweden have held talks about deepening cooperation in the nuclear energy sector. Concerned about Russia's dominance of the market through Rosatom, both countries are keen to reduce their reliance on Russia. They are particularly encouraged by the use of Western-made fuel in Soviet-era reactors in Ukraine.
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Poland: Licensing system for Ukrainian goods could be finalised this week
🎦 21:30-22:10⏩
Poland's Economic Development and Technology Minister has said that talks on creating a licensing system for Ukrainian goods have progressed and could be finalised this week. Discussions are focussing on cereals, rapeseed, corn, sugar, poultry, eggs, soft fruits and apples.
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Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis: "It is cheaper to win in Ukraine rather than spend 10 times the amount a couple of years later defending and winning in NATO"
🎦 22:10-22:59⏩
Jonathan plays a clip of Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis talking at the Hudson Institute. Landsbergis argues that Britain spent 4% of its GDP on defence prior to the Second World War but 40% during the conflict. He believes that the same rules apply with regard to Ukraine, i.e., "it is cheaper and more efficient to win in Ukraine rather than a couple of years later be spending 10 times the amount in order to win in NATO". Jonathan agrees, adding "You've got to spend more now to spend less later."
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Gabrielius Landsbergis: NATO must "change its posture" and shoot down Russian missiles violating its airspace
🎦 22:59-24:49⏩
In a clip from Fox News, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis is asked for his reaction to the recent violation of Polish airspace. He highlights that it is not the first time that this has happened, with Romania also experiencing airspace violations. In a stark warning to Russia, he states that NATO must "change its posture" and shoot down any missiles or drones entering its airspace. He also calls on the US to provide more support to Ukraine.
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The Bulwark podcast: Ukraine funding unlikely to be agreed until after the US election
🎦 24:49-29:40⏩
Jonathan plays a clip from a recent episode of The Bulwark podcast, in which the hosts discuss the likelihood of a deal being reached on Ukraine funding. They seem to be in agreement that no decision will be made until after the election. They also discuss the fact that there are two discharge petitions relating to Ukraine:
- One is a quasi-mirror of the Senate deal (that includes border funding). It has the support of 12 Democrats.
- The other is a straight aid discharge that is a copy of what passed the Senate (Israel/Taiwan/Ukraine funding). 180 Democrats have signed this along with Republican Ken Buck. Jonathan notes that Ken Buck has since resigned but that his signature still stands.
Jonathan believes that the existence of two petitions provides so-called moderate Republicans with an out: by signing Fitzpatrick's petition, they can claim to be doing enough for Ukraine without having to sign the Democrat's bill.
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The Bulwark podcast: Republicans and Democrats must put pressure on Mike Johnson to bring the Ukraine bill to the floor
🎦 29:40-34:34⏩
The host of The Bulwark podcast expresses concern over the lack of progress being made on Ukraine funding. One of the contributors (Joe) is particularly pessimistic, arguing that if there was a will to strike a deal, it would have happened already. Jonathan shares Joe's pessimism. He is baffled that aid is being blocked given the desperate need for support. He questions where the Republicans who claim to care about Ukraine are. Jonathan suggests that those Republicans who genuinely support Ukraine should put pressure on Mike Johnson to bring the Ukraine bill to the floor. The Democrats could also use their leverage, making it clear that they are unwilling to protect Johnson from attempts to vacate the chair if he does not cooperate.
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The Bulwark podcast: Is Mike Johnson serious about Ukraine?
🎦 34:34-35:54⏩
Jonathan speculates that even if the Democrats were to agree to protect Johnson from a vote to vacate the chair, he might respond by creating a watered-down version of the Ukraine bill. Jonathan believes that this would indicate that Johnson is not serious about providing adequate support to Ukraine.
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Russia supplying oil to North Korea in defiance of UN sanctions
🎦 35:54-36:57⏩
Satellite images published in the Financial Times appear to show Russia supplying oil directly to North Korea. Jonathan is angered by Russia's flagrant disregard for UN sanctions. He believes that Russia should be removed from the UN Security Council and is highly critical of Russia's attempts to portray itself as a member of the international community. He refers to a recent livestream in which he discussed Russia's status at the UN with Talaria.
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Russia's paid influencers spreading disinformation ahead of a potential invasion of the Baltics
🎦 36:57-37:23⏩
Citing a post by Jane Keefe, Jonathan warns that Russian influencers are already laying the groundwork for a potential invasion of the Baltics. He refers to a video by a Russian influencer in which she describes Latvia as a fake country that has never really been free, calling Latvians "slaves who don't have a past". Jonathan sees this as part of a deliberate strategy by Russia to distort the information space and normalise certain narratives ahead of any potential invasion. He is also critical of Latvia for allowing the influencer to remain in the country.
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Georgia: Ruling party proposes legislation to restrict LGBTQ+ rights
🎦 37:23-40:58⏩
Jonathan reports that the Georgian Dream party has proposed a bill to restrict LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The move comes just days after the party proposed similar legislation targeting "foreign agents". Jonathan views the proposal as part of a wider move towards authoritarianism, similar to that witnessed in Russia. He believes that the legislation is designed to appeal to conservative elements of Georgian society and will be used to restrict freedom of expression and control the population. He describes it as a "canary in the coal mine", demonstrating Georgia's slide away from the West and towards Moscow.
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China: Coastguard attacks Philippine Coastguard ships with water cannons; Pakistan: Two attacks on military in Balochistan
🎦 40:58-42:00⏩
Jonathan provides an update on the global security situation:
- The Chinese Coastguard has attacked Philippine Coastguard ships with water cannons. He believes that China is emboldened as a result of the West's weak response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- There have been two attacks on military targets in Balochistan in Pakistan in under a week. An attack on a Chinese target in Northern Pakistan has also been reported.
Wrap Up
🎦 42:00-42:12⏩
Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and asks them to like, subscribe and share the video.
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