Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"We're kind of in World War Three, but most of us don't realise it."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:23⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to the second part of the Ukraine war news update for the 25th of July 2024.
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Germany reiterates stance on long-range strikes inside Russia
🎦 00:23-00:57⏩
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reiterated Germany's position against conducting or supporting long-range strikes within Russia's borders. The aim, as always, is to prevent further escalation of the conflict and avoid a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO. This stance continues to be a significant factor limiting the type and range of military aid provided to Ukraine by the United States and its allies. Jonathan expresses his frustration, highlighting the restrictions imposed on Western weaponry used inside Russia.
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Spain to bolster Ukraine's air defence with Hawk anti-aircraft battery
🎦 00:58-02:14⏩
- Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles has confirmed that Spain will be sending resources to Ukraine to establish a fully operational Hawk anti-aircraft battery by September.
- It remains unclear whether this will be a new battery or whether existing Hawk assets will be upgraded and made fully operational.
Estonia's unwavering support for Ukraine
🎦 02:16-04:36⏩
- Jonathan highlights the significant support the Baltic states, particularly Estonia, provide to Ukraine in proportion to their size.
- He notes that Estonia's entire army consists of 3,750 personnel, comparing it to a US brigade combat team.
- Despite their size, the Baltic states remain steadfast in their support, which stems from their history and experiences with Russia.
- Estonia plans to dedicate over 4% of its GDP to defence in 2026, potentially reaching 4.5%. This commitment is a testament to their dedication to fortifying their border with Russia.
UK awards £176m contract for Martlet lightweight multi-role missiles
🎦 04:36-05:47⏩
- The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Thales UK a £176 million contract for Martlet lightweight multi-role missiles.
- This follows the provision of "hundreds" of these missiles to Ukraine from existing MOD stockpiles.
- The Martlet is a highly versatile missile system, compatible with Stormer combat vehicles and the Royal Navy's Wildcat helicopters, underlining its multi-domain capabilities.
- The contract suggests that the UK has likely provided Ukraine with a considerable number of its surface-to-air missiles.
- Jonathan links this to reports that Ukrainian troops are currently undergoing training on the Starstreak man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS).
UK Army Chief stresses the need for war readiness in three years
🎦 06:03-08:07⏩
- General Sir Rolly Walker, the head of the British Army, has cautioned that the UK must be prepared for a potential conflict within the next three years.
- He believes that Russia, as a consequence of the ongoing war in Ukraine, could seek retaliation against Western nations.
- This assessment underscores the severity of the current geopolitical climate and highlights the very real possibility of a global conflict.
- Jonathan suggests that the West is already engaged in a 'World War Three' scenario, albeit one that is not yet fully recognised by the general public.
- He emphasises the global security threats posed by Russia, China, Africa and the Middle East and acknowledges that the British Army needs to address underfunding, understaffing and lack of equipment.
- This will require significant financial investment from the Labour government. He highlights the importance of prioritising national security, as evidenced by Rishi Sunak's emphasis on bipartisan support for Ukraine and defence spending.
- Jonathan acknowledges that this will necessitate difficult decisions to allocate the necessary resources.
UK and Germany strengthen defence ties as Trump's potential return raises concerns about Ukraine aid
🎦 08:07-08:51⏩
- The UK and Germany, the two largest European contributors of military aid to Ukraine, have entered into a new defence agreement. This pact, signed on 24th July, reflects the UK's efforts to strengthen security ties with Europe after Brexit.
- This strategic partnership aims to enhance security and defence cooperation.
- Jonathan views this development as a positive step, promoting closer UK-Europe relations and leading to a mutually beneficial security environment.
Czech Republic readies new shell initiative to support Ukraine in 2025
🎦 08:51-10:42⏩
- Following the success of its current shell initiative, Czechia is preparing a new initiative for 2025 to continue supplying much-needed artillery ammunition to Ukraine.
- The Czech Republic currently provides around 50,000 shells monthly, with plans to increase this to 100,000 in September.
- By securing funding early, Czech companies can establish long-term contracts, ensuring a consistent flow of ammunition.
- Five Czech companies are already onboard: Czechoslovak Group, STV Group, Omnipol, CZ Group, and SEIDSS.
- Jonathan commends Czechia's efforts and highlights how their companies benefit from refurbishing military equipment before it reaches Ukraine, similar to the UK and Latvia's involvement in the drone coalition.
- 18 countries initially pledged support, with 15 already fulfilling their commitments.
France supplies Ukraine with anti-drone system
🎦 10:42-13:31⏩
- Jonathan examines a picture of a downed drone and discusses France's role in providing anti-drone technology to Ukraine.
- He details the Parade system, developed by Thales and CS Group, designed to neutralise drones ranging from 100 grams to 25 kilograms.
- The system incorporates a radar with a 5-kilometre range for 360-degree detection. It also features a goniometer, which identifies and intercepts drone frequencies. Finally, a camera provides visual confirmation. This multi-layered system enables Ukrainian forces to effectively detect, identify, and neutralise hostile drones.
Netherlands and Denmark to Deliver 14 Leopard 2A4 Tanks to Ukraine
🎦 13:31-15:06⏩
- The Netherlands and Denmark will be delivering 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine this summer.
- These tanks have been refurbished and rigorously tested. With the recent losses of Abrams tanks in Ukraine, Jonathan questions whether the US will expedite the delivery of additional tanks.
- He notes that US President Biden has shifted his focus to Ukraine and the Middle East in his final six months in office. He believes that Biden is likely to expedite aid to Ukraine, given the potential change in US foreign policy should Donald Trump return to the presidency.
- Jonathan emphasizes the urgency of providing Ukraine with the necessary military aid. He stresses the significance of enabling Ukraine to strike Russian airbases.
EU firms under scrutiny for funnelling electronics to Russia's military via Turkish company
🎦 15:06-16:31⏩
- A recent report by Euromaidan Press reveals that certain EU companies have been supplying Russia's military with vital electronics, circumventing sanctions by using a Turkish intermediary.
- The investigation exposes how Promtek, a Russian corporation, has managed to obtain crucial Western components despite sanctions. NUTech, a seemingly innocuous Turkish company trading in machinery and office furniture, has been identified as a key player in this supply chain. The company exported goods worth $7.7 million to Russia in 2023, with at least $850,000 of that being Western military components.
- Among the Western manufacturers implicated are Infineon, Tampo Print, and Molex. Ukrainian intelligence has even identified Molex chips in Russian missiles used to target civilian infrastructure.
- Despite claims of sanctions compliance from the companies involved, experts question the effectiveness of current measures and highlight the urgent need to address these loopholes.
Russia continues to field new military vehicles, highlighting ongoing production
🎦 16:31-17:59⏩
- Jonathan shares footage of a significant number of new Russian military vehicles, including VPK-7829 Bumerang, VPK-59095 BMP-3, and Tornado-U trucks, indicating that Russia's military production continues despite the ongoing conflict and sanctions.
- While acknowledging that Russia's production rate may not match its losses, Jonathan expresses concern over the Kremlin's ability to keep manufacturing military equipment.
Wrap up
🎦 17:59-18:04⏩
Jonathan thanks his audience for their continued support and signs off.
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