Ukraine War Update NEWS: Geopolitics News
Table of Contents 📖
"If you think Trump is going to be the saviour of Ukraine, you are simply wrong. You don't know what you are talking about. You are being completely bamboozled by your love for Trump."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:08⏩
Jonathan introduces his Ukraine War Update (part 3 for 21 June 2024)
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South Korea sanctions on Russian ships supplying oil to North Korea
🎦 00:08-00:55⏩
South Korea will impose new sanctions against Russian ships that are supplying oil to North Korea and exporting weapons. This comes after North Korea signed a military and political agreement with Russia and a statement from the South Korean President's National Security Advisor. South Korea is also considering selling arms directly to Ukraine.
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EU sanctions on Russian LNG shipments
🎦 01:05-02:25⏩
The EU has agreed to its first sanctions on Russian gas shipments, specifically targeting LNG shipments. Jonathan highlights that Russia exported more pipeline gas and LNG to Europe in May 2024 than the US. Although the US is increasing LNG exports to Europe to replace Russian gas, Russia is struggling to find alternative markets for its gas, as pipeline capacity is limited. They are currently using existing pipelines and attempting to resurrect one in Eurasia, but their options are limited as they previously resorted to burning off excess gas due to storage and export constraints. Russia's hydrocarbon industry is also facing sanctions and a lack of expertise, components and maintenance as a result of the withdrawal of international companies. In order to increase LNG exports to other markets, Russia would need to construct LNG refinement facilities, which would allow them to convert gas into liquid form for easier transportation by ships.
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Norwegian ships aiding Russian seafood exports
🎦 03:02-03:50⏩
Jonathan reports on Norwegian vessels transferring 2,000 tonnes of fish from a Russian ship in Svalbard, Norway. This practice allows for delivery to Dutch ports despite sanctions on Russian ships. Similar to the 'shadow fleets' used to circumvent oil sanctions by transferring Russian oil between ships before reaching their destinations, this method is seemingly employed to bypass restrictions on Russian seafood exports, with a 12% increase observed in 2023. Jonathan believes that this practice should be investigated.
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Ukrainian Grain Exports
🎦 03:50-04:22⏩
Jonathan shares some good news: Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea grain corridor are progressing well. He references a comment by a user "Exit" who states that "the Ukrainian corridor is humming", which suggests that exports are flowing steadily.
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US ban on Kaspersky Lab antivirus software
🎦 04:22-04:39⏩
The US will ban the sale of Kaspersky Lab antivirus software due to alleged influence from the Russian government. US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo made the announcement expressing concerns that Kaspersky's products may be used to steal confidential information from US computers or install malware.
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Japanese sanctions on Russian, Indian, Kazakh, Chinese, UAE and Uzbekistan companies and individuals
🎦 04:39-04:58⏩
Japan is imposing sanctions on 11 individuals and 42 companies in Russia. They are also sanctioning 11 companies in India, Kazakhstan, China, UAE and Uzbekistan. Jonathan highlights how Japan is intensifying its sanctions efforts.
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EU Accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova
🎦 04:58-05:22⏩
The EU Council has confirmed that accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova will commence on 25 June 2024. All 27 EU member states voted in favour of allowing Ukraine to begin accession negotiations.
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Slovakia to begin criminal proceedings against former PM and Defence Minister
🎦 05:22-06:30⏩
Slovakia's defense ministry will initiate criminal proceedings against former Prime Minister Eduard Heger and former Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď over the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, as stated by the agency's State Secretary, Igor Melicher. This move highlights the divisive nature of the Ukraine conflict within Slovakia. Melicher argues that the decision to transfer the jets left Slovakia's skies unprotected, endangering its citizens. Jonathan expresses his sadness over Slovakia's apparent shift towards a pro-Russian stance.
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NATO approves Mark Rutte as Secretary General
🎦 06:30-07:05⏩
All NATO countries have approved Mark Rutte, the acting Dutch Prime Minister, as the next Secretary General. Rutte was chosen over Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, who withdrew his candidacy. Rutte is expected to step down as Prime Minister in the coming weeks to allow for the formation of a new government. Jens Stoltenberg, the current NATO Secretary General, will step down on 1 October 2024.
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Viktor Orban: Hungary will not participate in NATO mission in Ukraine
🎦 07:05-07:31⏩
Viktor Orban, Hungary's Prime Minister, has stated that while NATO will undertake a military mission in Ukraine, Hungary will not be participating.
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Jonathan's rant about Trump, Orban and the dangers of Russian propaganda
🎦 07:31-08:05⏩
Jonathan expresses his frustration with Viktor Orban who, using a train analogy, stated that Hungary will "get off the train", but "the driver could not be convinced" and now "only Trump can stop the train." Jonathan interprets this as a clear indication that Trump supports Russia over Ukraine. He expresses disbelief that anyone could still believe Trump supports Ukraine and warns that those who think this are "being completely bamboozled" by their admiration for Trump or his right-wing MAGA ideology.
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Trump's claims on Ukraine's NATO membership and the war
🎦 08:05-10:11⏩
Jonathan continues his rant, stating very clearly that he is not a Trump supporter, whom he believes is "dangerous" and "deeply ignorant on international matters". He warns that Trump is dangerous for the US and the world and is a fan of dictators because he aspires to be one himself. Jonathan plays a clip of Trump speaking in which Trump says, "So for 20 years, I heard that NATO, if Ukraine goes into NATO, it's a real problem for Russia. I've heard that for a long time. And I think that's really why this war started. I'm not sure this war would have started. Biden, though," and then goes on to blame Biden. Jonathan believes that Trump is repeating "Russian propaganda 101" - that the war is NATO's fault and is nothing to do with Russia's actions.
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Philip O'Brien on Trump's comments
🎦 10:49-11:11⏩
Jonathan highlights a comment from Phillip O'Brien, who notes that Trump's comments blaming NATO for the war were made during an appearance on David Sacks' podcast. Sacks, who is a known pro-Russian commentator, denies Russian war crimes. O'Brien criticizes Trump for providing a platform for Sacks and amplifying his pro-Russian stance. O'Brien also points out Trump's false claim that Ukraine wants to use children as soldiers and Russia was right to fear NATO's presence on its borders, seemingly ignoring the fact that NATO already shared a border with Russia in the Baltics. O'Brien concludes that Trump's statements amount to Russian propaganda, particularly as they were delivered in conversation with a known propagandist.
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Jonathan on Elon Musk and David Sachs
🎦 11:11-12:33⏩
Jonathan expresses his frustration with Trump for giving a platform to David Sacks (described as a "Russian shill") and with Elon Musk who he believes is responsible for Sacks' elevated platform. He questions why anyone would laugh at a situation that is clearly "music to Putin's ears." Jonathan speculates, based on an analysis of Musk, that Musk's Pro-Russian stance is driven by his reliance on Russia and China for lithium and rare earth metals that are essential for the production of his Tesla electric cars. Jonathan believes that Musk is "compromised" by his greed.
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Elon Musk, Biden and Unions
🎦 12:33-13:27⏩
Jonathan continues his analysis of Musk's stance, explaining how President Biden's pro-union policies present a challenge to Musk's business interests. He highlights the issues Tesla, Musk's company, has encountered in Nordic countries and Germany due to unionisation. Jonathan explains how Biden's public support for automotive unions in the US directly threatens Musk's vision of a less unionised workforce, which in turn impacts his profits. Jonathan concludes that Musk's animosity towards Biden stems from these opposing stances on unionisation and that for Musk, it all boils down to money.
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Phillip O'Brien on Trump's impact on the US's global standing
🎦 13:27-14:43⏩
Jonathan references Phillip O'Brien's observation that Trump's presidency led to a decline in the US's international approval ratings, citing data that shows a dip after Obama's presidency and before Biden's. Biden's administration has seen a resurgence in global approval for the US. O'Brien contrasts this with Trump's era, during which the international community, with the exception of countries like Russia, China, and possibly North Korea, held less favourable views of the US. Jonathan argues that Trump's potential return to power would be detrimental, setting the US back significantly.
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Senators introduce bill to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism
🎦 14:43-16:02⏩
Despite his dislike for Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, Jonathan acknowledges Graham's staunch support for Ukraine, although it was impacted by the controversy surrounding the seven-month delay in aid. Jonathan highlights the bipartisan effort by Senator Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal to introduce a bill designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. Jonathan views this as positive news and believes Russia's recent agreement with North Korea should make it clear to everyone who the "bad guys" are. He is hopeful that the bill will pass, particularly with support from sensible Republicans who recognise Russia's role as the aggressor. Jonathan expresses deep concern over Trump's dissemination of Russian propaganda, suggesting that it is a serious cause for worry.
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Michael McFaul on the Russia-North Korea alliance and South Korea's response
🎦 16:02-16:37⏩
Jonathan discusses comments by Michael McFaul, a professor of political science at Stanford University and former US ambassador to Russia (2012-2014). McFaul believes that South Korea and the US must respond to the emerging alliance between Russia and North Korea. In response to North Korea's actions, McFaul suggests that South Korea should consider sending lethal weapons to Ukraine.
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Update on the Diyal-Metal fire and Russian sabotage
🎦 16:37-18:14⏩
Jonathan provides an update on the fire that occurred at a DL-Metal facility the previous month, initially reported by "Germinator Ukraine." While initial speculation suggested Russian sabotage, Jonathan clarifies, based on Germinator Ukraine's reporting, that the affected facility primarily focused on automotive metalwork and was not directly involved in defense production. Therefore, it was unlikely a target of sabotage. However, Jonathan presents new information from the tabloid newspaper "Bild", which cites foreign intelligence sources claiming Russian involvement in the fire. "Bild" suggests that Russian intelligence services, aiming to disrupt Ukrainian armament production, may have mistakenly targeted the wrong facility. The report notes that the defense production unit of the DL Group, which manufactures equipment like the Rst SLM air defense system and its associated missiles, had relocated months prior to the fire.
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Assassination attempt on Kazakh opposition activist Aidos Sadykov
🎦 18:14-18:48⏩
The wife of Kazakh opposition activist Aidos Sadykov, who was recently the target of an assassination attempt in Kyiv, has announced that Ukrainian police have apprehended the individuals responsible. According to her, the mercenaries hired to carry out the attack were of Kazakh nationality, with one identified as a professional shooter employed by the Regional Department of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan. Sadykov's wife has previously accused Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of orchestrating the attempt on her husband's life.
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Jonathan's response to a user comment
🎦 18:51-29:46⏩
Jonathan reads out a comment from a user, "America's First Patriot", in which they compare Jonathan's stance on Jackson Hinkle to the way Americans feel about socialists: "The way you feel about Jackson Hinkle is the way many Americans feel about socialists like yourself and the rest of Europe." Jonathan, who describes himself as a centrist, explains that his views lean left on social and moral issues, but he holds a centrist position on economic matters, advocating for a regulated free market system. He believes in a balance between the free market and sensible government intervention. Jonathan then reads a further comment from the user, "To be frank, I view what you say on this platform every day as dangerous and directly resulting in Americans dying. In the same way, you feel about Ukrainians because of Jackson". The user goes on to accuse Jonathan and "leftists" of disregarding basic human rights in pursuit of "the greater good". Jonathan counters by arguing that the user's reasoning lacks substance and could be easily reversed to apply to right-wing viewpoints, using the example of Hamas apologists on American campuses who, while expressing controversial opinions, are not breaking any laws. Jonathan questions whether the principle of freedom of speech should extend to individuals acting as agents of foreign states, specifically spies and traitors. He uses the analogy of shouting "bomb" on an airplane to illustrate the limitations of free speech, emphasising the need for regulations to prevent chaos and maintain order. He believes that the user's unwavering support for Trump and attempts to rationalize his actions, despite expressing dislike for him, raise concerns about their understanding of the situation. Jonathan argues that his focus on Ukraine influences his perspectives, and he firmly believes Trump's stance is detrimental to Ukraine. He encourages viewers to question their sources of information, particularly those relying heavily on Fox News, which he deems highly disinformative, and to instead assess both Trump's and Biden's track records to form a more balanced opinion. Jonathan expresses his strong disapproval of Trump, describing him as a "despicable human being" driven by narcissism and self-interest. He criticizes policies like tax cuts for the wealthy and appointments to the Supreme Court that curtail individual liberties, contrasting them with Biden's more centrist approach. Jonathan concludes by highlighting the importance of considering policies and actions rather than blindly following biased news sources.
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Wrap up
🎦 29:46-29:53⏩
Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and asks them to like, subscribe and share the video.
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