Ukraine War BREAKING NEWS: Patriot Takes out 3x Su-34s near Kherson
Table of Contents 📖
"And how about condolences to the families and loved ones of those that they indiscriminately kill along the Dnipro?"
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:13⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics breaking news update. He's especially excited, calling this news an early Christmas present for Ukraine.
Return to top⤴️
Ukraine Downs Three Russian Su-34 Fighter Bombers With Patriot Missile System
🎦 00:13-08:38⏩
Jonathan discusses the confirmed downing of three Russian Su-34 fighter bombers by a German-supplied Patriot missile system. He notes that this incident, where six Russian crew members were killed, occurred in southern Ukraine and is a major victory for Ukraine's air defense.
- He highlights previous instances of similar successes with Patriot systems, mentioning the downing of multiple Russian aircraft in a single day in either Bryansk (Russia) or Belgium.
- Jonathan emphasizes the strategic significance of positioning these Patriot batteries, suggesting that Ukraine had strategically placed one in the Kherson region to protect the city and target Russian aircraft operating behind enemy lines.
- He expresses his satisfaction that Ukraine followed his earlier recommendations to deploy a Patriot battery in that specific area, as these bombers, armed with FAB-500 and FAB-1500 guided bombs, posed a substantial threat to Ukrainian forces.
- The financial implications are significant, with each Su-34 costing approximately $50 million.
- Jonathan voices his support for supplying Ukraine with more Patriot missiles, citing their effectiveness against Russia's tactic of depleting Ukraine's air defenses with cheaper drones before launching large-scale missile attacks.
- He highlights a message circulating among pro-Russian channels that acknowledges the downing of the three Su-34s. This message admits to both casualties and ongoing search efforts for the crew. It also expresses condolences to the families of the deceased pilots.
- Jonathan responds to this message with sarcasm, suggesting that condolences should also be offered to the families of Ukrainian civilians indiscriminately killed by Russian forces along the Dnipro River. He further highlights the hypocrisy within the Russian message, as it also expresses support for the bombing of Ukrainian positions.
- The message also reveals a sense of unease among some Russian pilots about the risks associated with operating in areas protected by advanced air defense systems like the Patriot. Jonathan reads that after a previous incident involving a suspected Patriot system near Snake Island in November, some pilots were reluctant to fly but were pressured into it by their commanders.
- Jonathan concludes by reiterating the positive implications of this event for Ukrainian air defenses and expressing his hope that Ukraine can leverage its Patriot systems to further disrupt Russian air operations.
Japan to Send Patriot Missiles to USA for Ukraine
🎦 06:00-06:34⏩
- Jonathan reports that Japan plans to send Patriot missiles to the US for Ukraine's use.
- The Wall Street Journal has reported that Japan will provide interceptor missiles from its stockpiles starting in early 2024. Jonathan stresses the urgency of these shipments, as Ukraine needs to conserve its expensive air defense munitions in anticipation of a potential surge in Russian missile attacks. He highlights a statement by Michael Clarke suggesting that Russia may be deliberately depleting Ukraine's air defenses with cheap drones before launching a more extensive offensive with cruise missiles.
Wrap up
🎦 08:38-08:53⏩
Jonathan shares his delight with this news, mentioning he's been eagerly anticipating this type of strategic victory. He's optimistic that these developments will force Russia to reconsider its tactics. Jonathan ends the video by mentioning he’s off to celebrate Christmas with his sisters but will try to provide a mapping update and potentially an "Update Extra" video later.
Return to top⤴️