Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"Russia, whose constitution forbids mercenaries... is using thousands of them to send them to their deaths in Ukraine."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-02:12⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics video, a slightly delayed Ukraine War News Update for March 19th, 2024. He explains the delay was due to a recording with Tom. He thanks Lawrence22, a valued member of the community, and addresses issues with comment moderation. Jonathan explains that he personally reads as many comments as possible but, due to YouTube’s system, struggles to see replies to his own comments. He encourages viewers to reach out through other means if their comments are missed. Jonathan notes that he might split the update into two videos due to the volume of news following the Ramstein meeting in Germany. He highlights Lloyd Austin’s statement that the USA will not allow Ukraine to lose.
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Germany announces €500 Million Military Aid Package at Ramstein Meeting
🎦 02:12-03:41⏩
Jonathan reports that Germany has announced a €500 million military aid package for Ukraine. The package, revealed at the Ramstein meeting in Germany, includes:
- 10,000 155mm artillery shells from German stockpiles.
- 180,000 155mm artillery shells from the Czech ammunition initiative.
- 100,000 155mm artillery shells newly ordered by Germany.
- 100 armoured vehicles for infantry.
- 100 transport vehicles.
Belgium Approves €412 Million Aid Package for Ukraine
🎦 03:41-06:17⏩
Jonathan discusses Belgium’s approval of a substantial €412 million aid package for Ukraine, emphasizing that Belgium regularly contributes to EU funding for Ukraine. The package includes:
- Nearly 300 IVECO LMV Lynx vehicles, which are Italian-made, mine-resistant armoured personnel carriers.
- €373.1 million worth of artillery ammunition sourced from Belgium’s own stockpiles and through international group purchases.
- 3 armoured ambulances
- 3 mine hunters, in collaboration with the Netherlands.
Jonathan highlights a comment from "Jay in Kyiv" comparing Belgium's aid package to the US, noting that while the US contribution is significant in absolute terms, it represents a smaller percentage of GDP compared to many European nations, including Belgium.
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Romania Facilitates Transfer of Finnish Military Aid to Ukraine, Including Assault Boats
🎦 06:17-07:15⏩
Jonathan reports that Romania has agreed to transport Finnish military equipment to Ukraine, potentially including a large vessel. Romanian President Johannes has also approved the training of dozens of Ukrainian soldiers on F-16 fighter jets at the Fetesti military base in Romania. This aid package includes 30-ton assault boats gifted by Finland, with Romania providing logistical support, hosting training, and facilitating their placement in the Black Sea, from where Ukraine will have full control over their use. Jonathan highlights Finland's low-profile approach to announcing their military aid contributions, despite being significant.
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EU Prepares Legislation for Ukraine to Receive Profits from Frozen Russian Assets by July
🎦 07:15-07:51⏩
Jonathan discusses the EU's preparation of legislation to enable Ukraine to start receiving profits generated from frozen Russian assets as early as July. While previous discussions suggested this would be a topic for the G7 meeting in July, the legislation appears to be on track for enactment prior to the meeting.
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EU Approves Additional €5 Billion in Flexible Military Aid for Ukraine
🎦 07:51-08:25⏩
Jonathan announces that the EU has approved an additional €5 billion (or $5.4 billion) in flexible military aid for Ukraine. This funding will be allocated to the new Ukraine Assistance Fund (UAF) within the European Peace Facility (EPF). He explains that while the funding can theoretically be used for procurement outside the EU and Norway, the EU will likely prioritize spending within its own bloc or with EU-based companies.
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14 EU Countries Advocate for Increased European Investment Bank Financing for Europe's Defence Industry
🎦 08:25-09:20⏩
Jonathan reports that 14 EU countries, notably France, Germany, and Italy, are urging the European Investment Bank to increase financial support for Europe's defence industry. This push comes as the European executive aims to have 50% of military equipment ordered by member states supplied by European industry by 2030. This initiative is driven by the desire to reduce dependence on American manufacturers, who currently supply 68% of EU arms purchases for Ukraine, and to bolster the EU's own defence capabilities.
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Czech President Pavel Highlights Increasing European Ammunition Production, Meeting Ukraine's Needs
🎦 09:20-10:45⏩
Jonathan discusses the Czech ammunition initiative, highlighting Czech President Petr Pavel's statement that European production is increasing to a level capable of meeting Ukraine's needs. Pavel believes that European companies will soon be able to produce enough ammunition to replenish European stockpiles while continuing to supply Ukraine. Jonathan contrasts this with earlier concerns about whether European ammunition production could match the scale of US output. He praises the Czech initiative for motivating the European defence industry to ramp up production.
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Romania Approves Training for 50 Ukrainian Pilots on F-16 Fighter Jets
🎦 10:45-11:11⏩
Jonathan reiterates that the Romanian president has approved the training of 50 Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, clarifying the number of pilots involved. He points out that this training is not limited to Romania, as Ukrainian pilots are also undergoing training in the US and potentially Denmark.
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Senator Lindsey Graham's Controversial Statements on Ukrainian Mobilization During Kyiv Visit
🎦 11:11-14:08⏩
Jonathan delves into the controversy surrounding Senator Lindsey Graham’s recent statements during his visit to Kyiv. Graham, known for his fluctuating stance on supporting Ukraine, suggested that Ukraine should send individuals under 25 to the front lines and pass a new mobilization law immediately. Jonathan acknowledges the complexities of mobilization for Ukraine, including potential economic repercussions and damage to Zelenskyy’s popularity. While recognizing the need for more troops, Jonathan criticises Graham’s approach, suggesting it was insensitive and poorly timed.
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Lindsey Graham Advocates for Loan Conversion of US Aid to Ukraine
🎦 14:08-14:54⏩
Jonathan shifts focus to Senator Lindsey Graham's advocacy for converting some US aid to Ukraine from grants into loans. Graham believes this approach makes more sense and expresses hope for its swift passage in the House of Representatives. Jonathan notes that while some view this as a positive step, others believe Graham should prioritize addressing opposition within the US government rather than lecturing Ukraine.
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NATO Parliamentarians Call for Increased European Supply of Scalp-EG Missiles, Mirage 2000s, and Gripen Jets to Ukraine
🎦 14:54-15:19⏩
Jonathan highlights a report from French newspaper Le Monde stating that a group of NATO parliamentarians are urging European governments to increase the supply of Scalp-EG missiles, Mirage 2000 fighter jets, and Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. This call for heavier weaponry reflects a growing sentiment within Europe that Ukraine needs greater military support.
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London to Send Used Vehicles to Ukraine as Aid Following Klitschko's Appeal
🎦 15:19-17:54⏩
Jonathan discusses the UK’s decision to send used vehicles, including ambulances, to Ukraine, following an appeal from Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko. He details the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scrappage scheme in London, which initially faced legal hurdles in redirecting scrapped vehicles to Ukraine. After intervention from the central government, the scheme now allows for the transfer of these vehicles to Ukraine.
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Times Video Features Medic Brandon Mitchell Discussing Drone Warfare and Need for Components
🎦 17:54-20:05⏩
Jonathan recommends a Times video featuring medic Brandon Mitchell, who has experience on the front lines in Ukraine. Mitchell, drawing on information from his former commander in the 35th Brigade, provides insights into the evolving role of drones in the conflict. Jonathan connects this with previous discussions on Andrew Perpetua's drone data analysis, noting Ukraine's increasing effectiveness in drone warfare, particularly in targeting positions and utilizing thermal imagery and night vision capabilities. Mitchell emphasizes the urgent need for drone components to support Ukraine’s expanding drone operations.
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Mitchell Suggests Repurposing Confiscated Migrant Boats for Ukrainian Use on Dnipro River
🎦 20:05-20:43⏩
Jonathan expands on Brandon Mitchell’s observations, highlighting Mitchell’s suggestion of sending confiscated migrant boats to Ukraine. Mitchell argues that the UK government should repurpose boats and engines confiscated from migrants attempting to cross the English Channel and send them to Ukraine, where they are desperately needed for operations on the Dnipro River.
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North Korea Continues Supplying Russia with Artillery Ammunition, Increasing to 7,000 Ammo Containers
🎦 20:43-21:16⏩
Shifting to Russian developments, Jonathan reports that North Korea is continuing to supply Russia with artillery ammunition. South Korea's Minister of National Defence estimates that 7,000 ammo containers have been shipped from North Korea to Russia, a 300 container increase from previous assessments. While the quality of this ammunition may be questionable, Jonathan emphasizes its utility for the Russians in maintaining their artillery advantage.
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Sky News Investigates Russia’s Recruitment of Nepali Mercenaries
🎦 21:16-22:32⏩
Jonathan discusses a Sky News investigation revealing Russia's recruitment of thousands of Nepali men to fight in Ukraine. Despite Russia's constitution prohibiting mercenaries, Sky News interviewed a Nepali recruit who described being treated as "cannon fodder" and subjected to beatings and starvation by Russian forces. Jonathan points out the irony of Russia, a country that officially prohibits mercenaries, relying heavily on foreign fighters, including those from Nepal, India, Sierra Leone, Cape Verde, Cuba, and other nations. He contrasts this with Ukraine’s limited ability to recruit foreign fighters and their current consideration of recruiting from prisons.
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Wrap up
🎦 22:32-22:36⏩
Jonathan concludes the video by encouraging viewers to share their thoughts in the comments and to like, subscribe, and share the video.
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