Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid & Geopolitics News
Table of Contents 📖
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"We cannot do this without Congressional or Congress passing the supplemental bill, which we submitted months ago. And that, you know, is a need for urgent emergency assistance. And that's not just for Ukraine. It's also for Israel and also for the Indo-Pacific."
Hello Team!
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another Ukraine War News Update video. Today marks the start of the 17th Ramstein meeting where international allies discuss what weapons and aid Ukraine needs. Most heads of defense will join online.
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EU Long-term Support for Ukraine
- The EU is preparing long-term security commitments to Ukraine, including military support, training, and defense industry development
- Over 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have trained in 30+ partner countries in less than 2 years
- EU Commissioner advocates redirecting 40% of EU ammo exports to fulfill Ukraine's needs, but faces challenges with existing contracts and production rates
Pentagon Denies Reduction in NATO Shells to Ukraine
- The Pentagon denied reports that NATO shell supplies to Ukraine fell by 30% due to the Israel conflict
- Spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said the US can support both Ukraine and Israel, but urged Congress to pass the supplemental bill for urgent assistance
Germany's €1.3 Billion Aid Package
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced a new €1.3 billion aid package to Ukraine, including:
- 4 IRIS-T air defense systems
- 20,155mm shells
- Anti-tank mines
- Surveillance drones and detection systems
- Other weapons
Swiss Tanks for Germany, Not Ukraine
The Swiss government approved the transfer of 25 Leopard 2 tanks back to Germany from depot, with the condition they not be given to Ukraine. Jonathan hopes this backfilling will still allow Germany to send an equivalent number of their own tanks to Ukraine.
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Ukrainian Pilots Training on F-16s
- Some Ukrainian pilots are already flying F-16s with instructors in Denmark, USA, Great Britain and Romania
- An intensive training program is underway, with pilots praising the F-16's capabilities as a "Swiss army knife"
- Ukraine's aging Soviet-era jets are increasingly deadly for pilots to fly
- Infantry eagerly await F-16 support for ground operations
Canada's Long-term Military Aid
Canada announced it will provide Ukraine with over €869 million in military aid from 2023-2026. Jonathan thanked Canadian supporters Mark and Elena Bisque for their advocacy.
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Western Tanks Spotted Near Front Lines
Challenger 2 and Leopard 2 tanks have been seen near front lines in the Robotina and Avdivka areas. While it's good to see them in action, it may indicate Ukraine has lost many of its older tanks.
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Concerns Over Iran-Russia Cooperation
- The White House expressed concern about Iran potentially providing Russia with ballistic missiles, calling it "disastrous" for Ukrainians
- Iran has been supplying drones, bombs and ammo; Russia offers unprecedented defense cooperation in return
- The growing Iran-Russia military partnership harms Ukraine, the Middle East and the international community
Slovakia's New Government and Border Blockade
- Slovakia's new government led by Robert Fitzo has gone into coalition with the far-right, concerning for Ukraine support
- Slovak truckers briefly blocked the border with Ukraine, preventing ~300 Ukrainian trucks from passing, but ended the blockade at midnight
Poland's Steadfast Support and Political Changes
- Polish President Andrzej Duda pledged Poland will stand with Ukraine against Russia and help them join the EU and NATO
- Poland's new Prime Minister will likely be Donald Tusk in a minority coalition, replacing the Law and Justice party
- The change shouldn't impact Poland's Ukraine stance, but will improve relations with the EU, indirectly benefiting Ukraine
EU Proposes Restricting Russian Diplomat Movement
Czechia proposed restricting the movement of Russian diplomats in the EU as part of a 12th sanctions package. Diplomats, often undercover FSB spies, would need visas, residence permits and biometric passport checks. Those expelled from one country could not easily enter another.
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Ukrainian Refugee Struggles in the UK
The British Red Cross reports Ukrainian refugee families in the UK are 4 times more likely to end up homeless due to insufficient support. More funding is needed to prevent them from ending up on the streets this winter. Jonathan laments the lack of proper infrastructure to match the UK's rhetoric.
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Other News in Brief
- The sale of Forbes Magazine to a Russian oligarch-linked billionaire has been cancelled
- The European Parliament is opening an office in Ukraine to expand support for the Verkhovna Rada
- Pakistan announced it has applied to join the Russia-China BRICS group, concerning given its tensions with India
Wrap up
Jonathan thanks viewers for their support. He mentions an upcoming off-topic "ramble" video on economics and tax in response to viewer comments, for anyone interested in his thoughts on those subjects. He signs off wishing everyone well.
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