Ukraine War Upd. EXTRA: Air Capability Analysis, Medal Mockery, & Crucial Crimea
Table of Contents 📖
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"The story of Shoigu's medal mania is in many ways symbolic of what has happened to the Russian military as a whole - an emphasis on costly display and symbolism at the expense of actual military efficiency and integrity."
Hello Team!
Jonathan introduces the video, an extra update providing additional insight and analysis on the war in Ukraine. He shares a quote emphasising the importance of Crimea to Russia and Ukraine, suggesting it is central to the current conflict.
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Russia's Ill-Prepared Invasion
Jonathan discusses how Russia's initial plan for a quick "special military operation" to replace Ukraine's government failed due to nationwide resistance. The Russians were stuck in a war they were unprepared for, with no clear objectives. Putin's original stated goals are no longer obtainable, so the war is now primarily about Crimea.
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Crimea and the Dissolution of the Soviet Union
In 1991, Ukraine held a referendum where over 80% voted for independence from the Soviet Union, even in Crimea. This was a blow to Russia, who may blame Ukraine for the Soviet Union's dissolution. Russia invaded and held a false referendum in Crimea in 2014, shipping in Russians to live there. Jonathan argues that free and fair referendums in Donbas and Crimea would be needed, allowing displaced Ukrainians to return.
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Sergei Shoigu's Medals vs Israeli Chief of General Staff
A comparison is made between Sergei Shoigu, Russia's Defence Minister who has never served in the military, and Aviv Kochavi, the Israeli Chief of General Staff with nearly 50 years of military experience. Shoigu's uniform is weighed down with hundreds of medals, while Kochavi has only 3 for combat service. Many of Shoigu's medals are for trivial achievements like attending parades or anniversaries. This medal mania is symbolic of Russia's military problems, prioritising costly displays over actual efficiency and integrity.
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Interview with Ukrainian Air Force Brigadier General
- The Ukrainian Brigadier General discusses the potential impact of F-16 fighter jets, which could force Russian aircraft to operate further from the front lines, even if Ukraine only had a small number. This would reduce Russia's ability to strike Ukrainian targets.
- Western airfields in Ukraine were inspected in 2021 and deemed suitable for F-16 operations.
- New Western weapons like HARM anti-radiation missiles have helped Ukraine, but their effectiveness would be even greater with F-16s which have better targeting capabilities.
- Adapting Soviet-era Ukrainian jets with NATO equipment is possible but less cost-effective than acquiring F-16s.
- Ukraine has received unguided Zuni rockets which are more capable than their depleted stocks of Soviet-era S-13 rockets.
- Ukraine is using JDAM guided bombs but has to launch them at reduced ranges to avoid Russian air defences, limiting their effectiveness. F-16s could potentially use them at longer ranges.
Wrap up
Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and encourages them to like, subscribe, and share the video. He appreciates his channel members and wishes he had more time to create exclusive content for them.
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