Ukraine War Update NEWS: Geopolitical News

"Russia are just, they are the cat amongst the pigeons for sure. That's an understatement."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:18⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to another update, pointing out his "favourite" mug featuring a Russian warship and the phrase "Go F yourself."

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NATO-Ukraine Council Convenes over Russian Attacks on Energy Infrastructure

🎦 00:18-01:25⏩

Jonathan discusses Russia's increased targeting of Ukrainian energy infrastructure, highlighting the impact on Ukraine's military industrial complex. He notes the need for more Patriot missile systems to counter Russia's use of ballistic missiles. The NATO-Ukraine council met at Ukraine's request to discuss this issue and hopefully provide tangible support. Ukraine's Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, addressed the council, urging additional air defence systems to protect Ukrainian cities and citizens.

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Polish Prime Minister Warns of "Pre-War Era"

🎦 01:25-03:26⏩

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk characterises the current period as the "pre-war era," the most critical since World War II, and calls on the EU to increase defence spending to 2% of GDP. Tusk stresses the importance of protecting Ukraine's independence from Russian aggression. Jonathan observes that European nations are taking note of the alarm bells and moving towards a "quasi-war footing."

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Disinformation and Russian Interference in Elections

🎦 03:26-07:33⏩

Jonathan expresses his concern about disinformation as an insidious threat to democratic mechanisms and institutions. He emphasises Russia's history of election interference, citing the 2016 US election, Brexit, and the 2020 US election as examples. He highlights the Czech counterintelligence service (BIS) uncovering a pro-Russian propaganda network, "Voice of Europe," used to spread Kremlin propaganda and potentially fund anti-EU parties. Jonathan observes that Russia views the EU as a greater threat than the US due to its geographical proximity and influence on Russia. He argues that Russia seeks to destabilise Europe by amplifying anti-EU sentiment, particularly exploiting immigration concerns. Jonathan mentions the AFD in Germany and Marine Le Pen's National Rally in France as potential beneficiaries of Russian funding.

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Czech Republic Uncovers Pro-Russian Network; Santions Imposed

🎦 07:33-09:16⏩

Jonathan reports on Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala's announcement of uncovering a pro-Russian network operating across Europe, leading to sanctions against two individuals and one entity, with assets being seized. Fiala highlights Czechia's role in uncovering the network and collaborating with other European nations in similar investigations, citing Poland as an example.

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Jonathan's Outburst: Russia's Information War and the UK's Response

🎦 09:16-09:57⏩

Jonathan stresses that Russia is waging war on the West's political systems through information warfare, and they are winning. He expresses admiration for the Czech Republic and France for their proactive stance against Russia's actions. He criticises the UK's response, arguing for a stronger stance against Russia's actions, including the poisonings of Litvinenko and Skripal.

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Russian Propaganda Network Funding European Lawmakers

🎦 09:57-12:12⏩

Jonathan discusses a report in The Independent revealing that Belgian lawmakers, both MEPs and MPs, were paid by a Russian propaganda network uncovered by Czech intelligence. The network, aiming to spread pro-Kremlin disinformation, is linked to sanctioned individuals including Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk and propagandist Artem Marchevsky. The Polish Internal Security Agency (ABW) is conducting searches and interrogating suspects connected to the network, following an earlier investigation into a Polish MEP suspected of working with Russian intelligence. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo confirmed that Russia had approached and paid MEPs to promote propaganda, including within Belgian democratic institutions.

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Russian Influence Within the Far-Right

🎦 12:12-14:32⏩

Jonathan analyses why Russia might target the far-right more than the far-left in Europe. He posits that Russia seeks to exploit genuine anxieties over immigration, a significant challenge for the EU, particularly given instability in the Middle East, Africa, and the effects of climate change. He mentions claims of Russia and Belarus funnelling migrants into the EU. Jonathan emphasises that he is not anti-right, but acknowledges the strategic sense in targeting the far-right for their stance on immigration.

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Latvia Investigates MEP Tatiana Zdanoka

🎦 14:32-15:10⏩

Jonathan reports that Latvia's state security service is investigating Tatiana Zdanoka, a Latvian MEP, for alleged espionage on behalf of Russia. A joint investigation by media outlets, including The Insider, claimed Zdanoka has been a Russian asset since at least 2015. She participated as an international observer in the Crimean annexation referendum in 2014.

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Potential Russian Influence on the Far-Left?

🎦 15:10-16:33⏩

While acknowledging the far-right as a target, Jonathan notes that some far-left politicians are susceptible to pro-Russia, anti-Ukraine sentiment. He references two unnamed Irish politicians who have aligned with Zdanoka on trips and opposed sanctions against Russia after the annexation of Crimea. Jonathan speculates that Russia could be playing both sides by exploiting the far-right's anxieties around immigration and the far-left's support for minorities and Palestinian rights, fostering division within Europe. He mentions the Irish politicians may be Mick Wallace and Clare Daly.

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German Far-Right AfD Party and Russian Funding

🎦 16:33-17:29⏩

Jonathan returns to the topic of the AfD in Germany, reporting on further revelations of the party receiving payments from Russia. He references a tweet from Pekka Kalinami expressing concern over the AfD's rising poll numbers (20%) and its implications for Germany.

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The Challenge of Separating Genuine Grievances from Russian Interference

🎦 17:29-18:37⏩

Jonathan acknowledges the challenge of discerning genuine support for parties like the AfD from Russian influence. He cautions against dismissing all AfD supporters as influenced by Russia, emphasising that legitimate concerns about immigration exist. He warns of the danger of "guilt by association" and the need to engage with genuine grievances, even while condemning external interference.

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Dutch Far-Right Politician Admits to Receiving Russian Payments

🎦 18:37-19:40⏩

Jonathan shares breaking news via a tweet from Michael McFaul: Dutch far-right politician Thierry Baudet, who initiated the 2016 referendum against the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, admitted to receiving payments from Russian propagandists working for Putin. Jonathan expresses his lack of surprise, stating that he had "bet his mortgage" on such events occurring, given his frequent discussions about the Kremlin's disinformation campaign and anti-EU agenda.

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Armenia Increases Exports to Russia Despite Political Tensions

🎦 19:40-22:42⏩

Shifting focus to Armenia, Jonathan reports on rising Armenian exports to Russia despite political tensions, citing a report from the Kyiv Independent. He notes suspicions that Armenia is helping Russia circumvent sanctions, highlighting the potential for economic interests to supersede political stances. Jonathan observes that while trade between Armenia and Russia has increased dramatically since 2022, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Armenia of distorting history and attempting to break off relations with Moscow.

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US Warns Companies About Products Ending Up in Russian Weapons

🎦 22:42-23:48⏩

Jonathan reports on the US warning American companies against shipping products that could end up in Russian weapons, despite sanctions. He notes that the US and its allies are struggling to prevent Western components from reaching Russia, potentially through intermediary countries like Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

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Success of the Ukrainian Sea Corridor for Grain Exports

🎦 23:48-24:09⏩

Jonathan highlights the success of the Ukrainian sea corridor in facilitating grain exports, with over 33.8 million tons shipped in seven months, exceeding the volume during the grain initiative. He credits this success to international partners and notes that 1,140 ships have departed from Odessa and other ports to 40 countries.

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Zelensky's Discussion with US Speaker Mike Johnson

🎦 24:09-26:19⏩

Jonathan discusses Zelensky's phone call with US Speaker Mike Johnson, during which Zelensky thanked the US for its support and briefed Johnson on the battlefield situation, including increased Russian air attacks. Zelensky emphasised the need for swift US aid, acknowledging differing views in the House of Representatives but urging unity on this issue. He also highlighted the importance of cutting off Russia's funding sources and utilising frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit. Jonathan speculates on Johnson's stance, suggesting he supports Ukraine but is cautious in his public statements due to opposition from figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene. Jonathan criticises Greene's views on Ukraine, expressing his frustration with her influence.

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Viewer Comment: US Inaction and Europe's Existential Threat

🎦 26:19-30:48⏩

Jonathan reads and responds to a viewer comment from "Knackmail" criticising US inaction on Ukraine and Europe's need to take responsibility. Knackmail argues that US criticism of French statements is hypocritical, given America's divestment from global leadership and its focus on domestic issues. They point to the lack of aid to Ukraine in the past six months and the anticipated delay for future support. Jonathan partially agrees, acknowledging the limitations imposed by the US political system but highlighting the US's behind-the-scenes efforts, including sanctions and diplomatic pressure, spearheaded by figures like Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. He reiterates his criticism of Mike Johnson, Donald Trump, and Marjorie Taylor Greene for their stance on Ukraine, but also recognises the US's significant, albeit less visible, contributions. He praises the thoughtfulness of the viewer's comment.

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American Political System's Counterproductive Nature

🎦 30:48-32:33⏩

Continuing his response to the viewer comment, Jonathan reflects on the state of the US political system, arguing that it has become counterproductive, both domestically and in terms of global perception. He cites Kevin McCarthy's deal with the MAGA Republicans, including figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz, which altered the process for vacating a Speaker's seat, giving them greater leverage. Jonathan posits that this has contributed to the dysfunction in Congress and harmed America's standing in the world.

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France: Russia Planning Ceasefire as a "Stratagem"

🎦 32:33-35:29⏩

Jonathan discusses a report from a French source claiming that Russia is planning to propose a ceasefire in Ukraine as a "stratagem" between the European elections in June and the US presidential election in November, during a period of Western political transition. The source suggests Putin's goal is to exploit this window to advance his agenda, potentially securing the Black Sea region. They anticipate that Russia would use a ceasefire to regroup and prepare for a new offensive. While the West might not be fooled, the source warns that Putin would likely garner international support, particularly from BRICS nations and the Global South, portraying himself as a peacemaker. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Sejourne, while acknowledging the uncertainty of Putin's intentions, welcomes France's more assertive stance towards Moscow.

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Increased French Engagement and Support for Ukraine

🎦 35:29-37:24⏩

Jonathan highlights the increased engagement of French officials with Ukraine. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko met with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, thanking her for humanitarian aid and presenting her with a medal of honour. The Speaker of the French National Assembly visited Kyiv, echoing Macron's condemnation of Russia's aggression and pledging continued French support. Jonathan notes that France is playing a more prominent role, with Macron engaging in diplomacy on Ukraine's behalf, such as his trip to Brazil. He points to the French Speaker's appeal to Zelensky to encourage US Speaker Mike Johnson to maintain support for Ukraine, demonstrating Johnson's perceived significance.

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Ukraine's Warning to India Regarding Russian Military Financing

🎦 37:24-38:57⏩

Jonathan reports on Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba's warning to India regarding its economic ties with Russia. Kuleba cautioned India about crossing a "red line" by financing Russia's military machine, while also expressing Ukraine's interest in strengthening trade and technological ties with India. Kuleba argued that India's close relationship with Russia, based on a "Soviet legacy," is fading and urged New Delhi to support Kyiv, particularly given Russia's growing partnership with China, a point of contention for India.

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Ukrainian MP Urges UK to Utilise Frozen Russian Assets

🎦 38:57-39:16⏩

Jonathan mentions a Ukrainian MP's call for the UK to utilise the estimated £50 billion in frozen Russian state and oligarch assets to support the war effort, including purchasing ammunition and rebuilding Ukraine. Jonathan expresses his agreement with this proposal.

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GPS Jamming Across Europe: A Form of Warfare

39:16-39:44⏩
Jonathan briefly touches on the news of GPS jamming affecting over 1,600 planes across Europe, speculating that it originates from Kaliningrad. He considers this a form of warfare and questions why there hasn't been a stronger response to Russia's actions, acknowledging the concerns about escalation.

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Wrap Up

🎦 39:44-39:57⏩

Jonathan concludes the video, thanking viewers and expressing gratitude for their support.

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