Ukraine War Upd. EXTRA: Counteroffensive Analysis, Keeping on Talking, & Shooting a POW?
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"It means a lot to people here. Hearing that there's people from other countries that care about them it's uh that's one of those big morale things they go we haven't been forgotten about i'm sitting in a trench i'm freezing my nuts off i'm fighting a war i didn't want to fight that i have to fight but there's people who are thinking about me whether it's back home in you know v Venezia or across the pond in Seattle and that means something to these guys it really does"
Hello Team!
Jonathan reflects on whether what he does matters and if he is just "preaching to the choir". He shares a clip from Andrew Perpetua's livestream with a medic on the frontlines in Ukraine, who emphasizes the importance of people continuing to talk about the war, even if it's just around the "water cooler". Knowing that people around the world still care provides a big morale boost to Ukrainian soldiers in the trenches. Jonathan agrees it's crucial to keep the conversation going.
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Shooting an Injured Russian POW
A viewer comment mentions a shocking video of a Ukrainian soldier shooting an injured Russian soldier who was lying on a grenade. Jonathan explains that upon reviewing the full video, the Ukrainian soldier's actions align with military training to neutralize the threat. The injured Russian was committing perfidy, a war crime, by pretending to surrender while lying on a grenade that later exploded. Though difficult to watch, the Ukrainian soldier followed protocol to protect himself and others in that situation.
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Inside Partisan Groups Fighting Behind Enemy Lines
Jonathan shares excerpts from a Times article about Ukrainian partisan groups operating behind Russian lines. These secretive groups conduct sabotage missions like blowing up bridges, burning cars, and assassinating collaborators at great personal risk. One partisan, Dmitry, even infiltrated the Russian army and helped direct a HIMARS strike on a base full of high-ranking officers. The article emphasizes the bravery of these partisans who receive little recognition but play a crucial role in Ukraine's counter-offensive.
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Is the Ukrainian Counteroffensive Going Too Slowly?
Political analyst Radu Hosu argues the Ukrainian counter-offensive is proceeding at an admirable pace, contrary to those who claim it's going slowly. He says this perception stems from "shadow framing" - subconsciously comparing it to the rapid Kharkiv counter-offensive in September 2022. However, the situations differ greatly - Russia's defenses are now heavily fortified, Ukraine lacks air superiority, and Russian logistics/troops are more dispersed. Hosu outlines Ukraine's elastic "bite and hold" strategy to gradually thin out Russian defenses. He expresses confidence Ukraine will reach the Sea of Azov by autumn, liberating vast southern territories.
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Wrap up
Jonathan expresses gratitude to his community for their support, giving special thanks to those contributing via Buy Me a Coffee and PayPal. He appreciates everyone being wonderful and looks forward to speaking to them again tomorrow.
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