Ukraine War Update NEWS: Geopolitical News

"If you took that in hook, line and sinker, you were being lied to."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:15⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics video. This is the third part of the Ukraine war news update for 22nd February 2024, focusing on geopolitical news relating to the conflict.

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UK Companies Accused of Bolstering Russia's War Effort

🎦 00:15-07:34⏩

Jonathan discusses an analysis by Sky News (and Ed Conway) which reveals that British companies are supplying Russia's war effort. While official figures suggest that UK trade with Russia has plummeted, exports to neighbouring states like Kyrgyzstan and Armenia have surged. These exports often comprise machinery and car parts, categorised as "dual-use" items, which could be used in weapons manufacturing. Jonathan acknowledges the difficulty in policing these exports but expresses concern that the UK government's efforts are insufficient and questions why exporters aren't being held accountable. He cites the work of Robin Brooks who has been highlighting these issues via EU figures.

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UK Imposes New Sanctions on Russia

🎦 07:34-07:38⏩

In more positive news, the UK government has imposed new sanctions on Russia targeting key figures in diamond and gas companies, including Alroza, Novatec, and AGD Diamonds. The sanctions also extend to companies in China, Belarus, Turkey, and the UAE.

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Denmark Signs 10-Year Security Guarantee with Ukraine

🎦 07:38-09:35⏩

Denmark has signed a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine. Jonathan digresses to discuss the potential candidates for the next NATO Secretary General. He notes that Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was previously considered a strong contender, as was Ursula von der Leyen. However, according to journalist Francis Farrell, there are concerns that a female NATO leader might exacerbate tensions with Donald Trump, should he be re-elected in 2024. Consequently, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has emerged as the likely frontrunner. Jonathan expresses his admiration for Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.

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Lithuania Closes Border Crossings with Belarus

🎦 09:36-09:53⏩

Lithuania is closing two more border crossings with Belarus, leaving only two checkpoints open. This follows the closure of two crossings in August.

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Russia Accuses Germany and UK of "War-Mongering" in the Balkans

🎦 09:53-12:33⏩

Jonathan reports on Russia's attempts to stoke tensions in the Balkans, specifically in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. Russian Telegram channels, following a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Bosnian Serb representative Milorad Dodik, have accused Germany of preparing for war in Bosnia. Similar accusations of warmongering have been levelled at the UK regarding Kosovo. These accusations, according to analyst Ivana Stradina, often involve the projection of Russia's own intentions onto its adversaries. Jonathan suggests that Russia is trying to destabilise the region by exploiting existing ethnic and political divisions. He encourages viewers interested in Balkan geopolitics to monitor Russian disinformation campaigns.

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Upcoming US Sanctions Package

🎦 12:33-13:32⏩

Jonathan discusses the upcoming US sanctions package against Russia. While he supports the move, he reiterates his previous point about the ease with which sanctions can be circumvented. He argues that the package needs to be significant to maintain the pressure on Russia and uphold President Biden's promise of "devastating consequences" following the death of Alexei Navalny.

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Republican Opposition to Ukraine Aid Linked to Russian Disinformation

🎦 13:32-27:39⏩

Jonathan tackles the issue of Republican opposition to Ukraine aid in the US, suggesting links to a wider network of Russian disinformation. He highlights the case of a former FBI informant, Igor Smirnoff, who was a key source for Republicans seeking to impeach President Biden over alleged corruption involving his son, Hunter Biden, and the Ukrainian energy company Burisma. Smirnoff has since been discredited and arrested for lying, with his information allegedly originating from Russian intelligence. Jonathan points out that several Republican congressmen who oppose Ukraine aid were among those who championed Smirnoff's claims. He argues that these individuals, along with certain media outlets like Fox News, were aware of Smirnoff's dubious credibility but chose to ignore it due to their eagerness to damage Joe Biden politically. Jonathan plays a clip from MSNBC featuring Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian-American businessman previously involved in efforts to dig up dirt on Joe Biden in Ukraine. Parnas states unequivocally that the allegations against Biden were fabricated and orchestrated by Russian agents, including Smirnoff. He criticises Fox News and prominent Republicans like Rudy Giuliani for knowingly pushing this false narrative. Jonathan expresses frustration at the way some individuals cling to disinformation, even when confronted with overwhelming evidence to the contrary. He asserts that Russia actively interferes in US politics by spreading disinformation and manipulating both politicians and the media. Jonathan calls on viewers to be vigilant against such tactics and to critically evaluate information from all sources.

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Republican Congressman Criticises Own Party Over Handling of Biden "Informant"

🎦 27:39-31:01⏩

Jonathan focuses on Representative Ken Buck, a conservative Republican who has criticised members of his own party, including prominent figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene. Buck has publicly acknowledged that Representatives James Comer and Jim Jordan, key figures in the attempt to impeach President Biden, were warned about the informant's lack of credibility. Despite this, Comer and Jordan continued to use the informant's claims to publicly attack Biden. Jonathan argues that this behaviour demonstrates a willingness to prioritise political expediency over truth and integrity. He expresses his disgust at the manipulation of information and the erosion of trust in public discourse.

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Russia Exploiting Polish Farmer Protests as Propaganda

🎦 31:01-32:06⏩

Jonathan shifts focus to Russian propaganda efforts, stating that they are exploiting protests by Polish farmers to sow discord between Ukraine and Poland. Ihor Chyshevych, a Ukrainian intelligence expert, emphasises the need for both countries to counter this disinformation campaign through proactive measures, such as exposing Russian bot activity and identifying sources of funding for these operations.

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Poland-Ukraine Border Update: Military and Humanitarian Cargo to be Allowed Through

🎦 32:06-33:05⏩

In a positive development, Jonathan reports that Poland has agreed to allow military and humanitarian cargo to pass through its border with Ukraine without delays. This decision, announced by Donald Tusk, leader of Poland's main opposition party, comes after concerns that a ban on Ukrainian grain imports was hindering aid deliveries. Tusk emphasised the interconnectedness of Ukrainian and Polish fates, stating that Ukraine's survival is paramount to Poland's security. Officials from both countries will meet to finalise the details of the agreement.

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Russian Pilot Who Defected to Spain Assassinated

🎦 33:05-34:22⏩

Jonathan discusses the case of a Russian pilot who defected to Spain with a Mi-8 helicopter earlier this year, only to be found dead in Alicante. Spanish intelligence services believe that the Kremlin orchestrated the assassination, given the pilot's high-profile defection and the presence of a sizeable Russian diaspora community in Spain. The Spanish government is reportedly taking the matter seriously and is prepared to respond decisively if Russia's involvement is confirmed.

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Jonathan's Local Pub Burns Down

🎦 34:22-34:57⏩

Jonathan ends on a personal note, sharing that his local pub burned down last night. He recounts childhood memories of the pub and expresses his devastation over its loss. In a humorous aside, he jokingly threatens Putin if he had anything to do with it.

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Wrap up

🎦 34:57-35:03⏩

Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and encourages them to like, subscribe, and share the video.

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