Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News

"Why do we have these gold reserves? ...This is a rainy day... it is raining outside quite literally now and metaphorically and and we need to be stepping up..."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:08⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to the second Ukraine War Update video of the day on the 9th of July 2024

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Russian Missile strike on Ukroboronprom facility in Kyiv

🎦 00:08-02:34⏩

Jonathan discusses footage emerging from Kyiv of a recent Russian missile strike on a Ukroboronprom manufacturing facility in Kyiv. He highlights that the footage shows several missiles hitting the facility. Jonathan questions how the missiles were able to penetrate the Kyiv air defences which are considered to be among the best in the world. He speculates that Russia may have found a way to adapt its missile tactics or technology to counter the Ukrainian air defences and highlights the implications of this successful strike.

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John Kirby: No Change to US policy on long-range strikes

🎦 02:34-03:46⏩

Jonathan expresses his outrage at comments made by John Kirby, US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, who stated that there would be no change to the Biden Administration's policy on prohibiting Ukraine from conducting long-range strikes into Russian territory. Jonathan's comments come in the wake of a recent Russian attack on a children's hostel in Ukraine. Jonathan criticises the US position which prevents Ukraine from striking Russian air bases, arguing that allowing Ukraine to target these bases would be a more effective defensive strategy. He contrasts the US position with the actions of Russia, which he believes routinely breaches red lines established by the West.

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Viewer Comment: Colby Babwire on US response

🎦 03:25-03:46⏩

Jonathan highlights a comment from viewer Colby Babwire who suggests that John Kirby's statement could be interpreted as an attempt to buy time for the Biden administration to formulate a response. Colby argues that the statement indicates a reluctance on the part of the administration to take decisive action. Jonathan agrees with this assessment expressing frustration that western governments are being dictated to by Russia.

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China-Belarus joint military exercises near Polish and Ukrainian borders

🎦 03:51-04:28⏩

Jonathan expresses his concern over the announcement of joint military exercises being conducted by China and Belarus in close proximity to the Polish and Ukrainian borders. He criticises what he perceives as the West's passive stance, characterising it as "cowering" in the face of escalation from China and Russia.

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NATO summit in Washington - Discussions on air defence systems for Ukraine

🎦 04:28-05:46⏩

Jonathan discusses the ongoing NATO summit in Washington, expressing hope that positive announcements regarding aid for Ukraine will be forthcoming. He anticipates that air defence systems will be a key focus of discussions. Jonathan reiterates his view that supplying Ukraine with the capability to strike Russian air bases would be a more effective defensive strategy. He hints at rumours circulating about specific air defence systems that may be pledged to Ukraine, including Patriots.

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Spain: 10 Leopard 2A4 tanks repaired and ready for delivery to Ukraine

🎦 05:46-06:22⏩

Jonathan reports that Spain has completed the repair of 10 Leopard 2A4 tanks, likely funded by Germany. These tanks are to be delivered to Ukraine shortly. He also notes that another 9 Leopard 2A4s are scheduled to be ready by September, indicating ongoing efforts to refurbish and supply tanks to Ukraine.

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Germany delivers new military aid package to Ukraine

🎦 06:22-07:18⏩

Jonathan details a new military aid package provided by Germany to Ukraine. The package includes:

• Patriot missile systems with spare parts and missiles
• 2 TRML-4D self-propelled multifunctional radars
• 9,000 rounds of ammunition for Gepard anti-aircraft tanks
• Ammunition for Leopard 1 tanks
• 55,000 155mm shells (potentially more than 100,000)
• 40mm ammunition
• 30 Vector reconnaissance drones
• 200 mobile devices for jamming drones
• 10 autonomous sea boats
• 4 Wisent 1 engineering tanks
• 1 Bergepanzer 2 armoured recovery vehicle with spare parts
• 10 armoured vehicles
• 2 patrol pickups

Jonathan notes the significant contribution from Germany in providing Ukraine with essential military equipment.

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Germany to procure 100 PAC-2 GMT missiles to replenish stocks sent to Ukraine

🎦 07:18-07:43⏩

Jonathan reports that Germany will procure 100 PAC-2 GMT missiles to replenish its own stocks following deliveries to Ukraine. The order will be fulfilled by Raytheon's US production line with deliveries expected to begin this year. He emphasises that steps are being taken to accelerate the production of Patriot missiles to meet the increased demand driven by the conflict.

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Germany donates six Westland Sea King Mark 41 helicopters to Ukraine for SAR missions

🎦 07:44-08:13⏩

Jonathan announces Germany's donation of six Westland Sea King Mark 41 helicopters to Ukraine. The helicopters will be used for Search and Rescue (SAR) missions and are expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.

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Norway to provide spare parts for Sea King Helicopters

🎦 08:04-08:19⏩

Jonathan reports that Norway will support the German donation by providing spare parts for the Sea King helicopters. He speculates that Norway may have retained an inventory of older spare parts even if they no longer operate the Sea King themselves.

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Three British Sea King Helicopters donated to Ukraine

🎦 08:13-08:19⏩

Jonathan notes that three British Sea King helicopters have also been donated to Ukraine and highlights the importance of providing spare parts to ensure their ongoing operation.

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Germany: Defence Minister Boris Pistorius seeks additional 4 billion euros for Ukraine military support

🎦 08:40-11:16⏩

Jonathan addresses concerns circulating in German media, particularly a tabloid article from BILT, about a potential decrease in German military support to Ukraine. He clarifies that the initial figure of 4 billion euros cited for the coming year represents a draft budget figure which is likely to increase. Jonathan provides context from the previous year when similar concerns were raised, only for funding to be subsequently increased. He assures viewers that negotiations are underway and that it is likely that the final amount of aid will be significantly higher, possibly around 10 billion euros. Jonathan then analyses a report that suggests Germany's Ministry of Defence is planning to allocate 15 billion euros for Ukraine in 2025, exceeding the Ministry of Finance's current budget. Jonathan presents a well-informed and detailed rebuttal to the scaremongering article, pointing out factual inaccuracies and offering a more balanced perspective on Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine.

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US Ambassador to NATO: Ukraine's request for seven Patriot systems receives positive response

🎦 11:16-11:46⏩

Jonathan highlights a statement from Julianne Smith, US Ambassador to NATO, indicating that Ukraine's request for seven Patriot missile systems has been met with a "very positive response" which is expected to be announced in the coming days. He reiterates that further NATO announcements on aid to Ukraine are imminent.

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Netherlands, US and possibly Romania to announce Patriot missile contributions

🎦 11:46-11:50⏩

Jonathan speculates that in addition to the US pledge, the Netherlands and potentially Romania may also be among the countries announcing contributions of Patriot missile systems.

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Argentina to apply for NATO membership and send weapons to Ukraine

🎦 11:51-13:41⏩

Jonathan reports on Argentina's decision to apply for NATO membership and provide military assistance to Ukraine. He highlights the Argentinian Defence Minister's statement that the country cannot remain neutral in the current geopolitical climate and must stand with nations defending freedom and democracy. Jonathan provides further context by discussing Argentina's recent political and economic turmoil, noting the election of a new president with neoliberal policies and the challenges of rampant inflation. He advises caution in interpreting these announcements given the uncertainty surrounding Argentina's political future, but acknowledges the positive implications of Argentina's apparent shift away from the Chinese sphere of influence towards the US.

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Poland: Reports of Polish jets entering Ukrainian airspace

🎦 13:41-16:37⏩

Jonathan discusses unconfirmed reports and rumours regarding Polish military activity near the Ukrainian border. He cites claims that Polish jets have been flying close to the border and may have even entered Ukrainian airspace, potentially with an agreement from NATO and Ukraine. There is speculation that Poland could be planning to patrol western Ukrainian airspace, particularly after a recent surge in Russian attacks. Jonathan acknowledges the potential risks involved in such a move, particularly for Poland which could be drawn into direct conflict with Russia. He also highlights a previous agreement between Poland and Ukraine that sought to mitigate legal liability in case of unintended consequences, such as a Polish missile landing in Ukraine. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Jonathan acknowledges the potential significance of these developments if true, viewing the possibility of Polish jets operating over Ukrainian airspace as a potential game-changer. He emphasises the risky nature of such a move and believes that Poland would only take such steps in conjunction with NATO.

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Poland to provide electricity to Ukraine from coal-fired power plants

🎦 16:37-17:37⏩

Jonathan shifts focus to Poland's plans to support Ukraine by providing electricity generated by its coal-fired power plants. He notes that the Polish Prime Minister has indicated that the country is exploring ways to burn Polish coal without incurring penalties under EU emissions regulations. The intention is to transfer this electricity to Ukraine, with the expectation that the associated costs will be covered by European Union funds or mechanisms such as the Ukraine Peace Facility.

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UK: Former Army Chief's critique of UK military capabilities

🎦 17:37-18:29⏩

Jonathan cites a statement from Patrick Sanders, Britain's recently retired army chief, who critically assessed the UK's current military capabilities. Sanders stated that while the UK could assemble a force comparable to the one deployed during the Falklands War, it lacks the logistical capacity to deploy and sustain such a force in a distant theatre. Jonathan expresses concern over this assessment, suggesting that it is a damning indictment of the state of the UK military.

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Jonathan's reflections on the new Labour government in the UK

🎦 18:29-21:27⏩

Jonathan shares his personal reflections on the new Labour government in the UK. Acknowledging his left-leaning political views, he expresses satisfaction that the new government has received positive reviews from a range of commentators and analysts across the political spectrum. He highlights the government's early focus on addressing key issues including doctors' strikes, foreign policy, support for Ukraine, and housing. He is particularly impressed by the appointment of experienced and qualified individuals to ministerial positions, citing the new Attorney General and Prisons Minister as examples. Jonathan acknowledges that funding constraints remain a significant challenge for the government, particularly in areas such as healthcare and defence. He ponders the role of the UK's gold reserves, suggesting that the current geopolitical climate might warrant utilising these reserves to bolster the country's defence capabilities and address pressing domestic needs, such as NHS waiting lists.

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Ukraine: Kharkiv-based company produces mobile repair workshops

🎦 21:30-22:34⏩

Jonathan highlights the ingenuity and resilience of Ukrainian businesses in supporting the war effort. He focuses on a Kharkiv-based company, "Tvil Krok", which designs and manufactures mobile repair workshops. These workshops, costing around $10,000 each, are deployed to the frontlines, enabling Ukrainian soldiers to repair damaged equipment in the field, significantly cheaper than foreign equivalents. Jonathan emphasises the crucial role of these workshops in maintaining Ukraine's military equipment.

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Wrap up

🎦 22:34-24:10⏩

Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and addresses comments he has received about his occasionally muddled language, attributing it to the cognitive impact of his primary progressive multiple sclerosis. He explains that the condition affects his short-term memory, word recall, and speech fluency, making it difficult to maintain a clear train of thought. Jonathan expresses frustration over these challenges and thanks his viewers for their understanding and support.

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