Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News - EU Funding Confusion, Peacekeepers
Table of Contents 📖
"Arms can just keep us safe, not transform our knowledge of the universe itself and our role as humans within it. Only science can change the human condition. Long live science in the EU+"
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:22⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATPG video, a Ukraine War News Update, specifically part two for March 22nd, 2025. He notes there's a lot to cover, starting with EU aid to Ukraine and then some positive news.
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Norway Increases Military Aid to Ukraine
🎦 00:22-00:50⏩
Jonathan discusses Norway's increased military aid to Ukraine, praising their decision. The Norwegian parliament unanimously agreed to triple defence support. This aid will fund artillery ammunition, drone capacity, and investments in Ukraine's industry.
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EU Funding Confusion and Blockages
🎦 00:50-05:10⏩
Jonathan highlights disagreements within the EU concerning aid to Ukraine. While the EU decided to use interest from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, countries like France, Italy, and Spain have blocked the allocation of a €40 billion aid package. This blockage stems from concerns about the legality of seizing assets and the potential impact on foreign investment in the EU. Spain, in particular, is hesitant to increase defence spending and cut social programmes. Jonathan notes that geographical distance from the conflict seems to correlate with lower defence spending, as highlighted by the Financial Times. He attributes Spain's reluctance to their history under Franco's dictatorship, which fostered a culture of minimising military visibility.
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EU Pledges Continued Support for Ukraine
🎦 05:10-06:08⏩
Despite the disagreements, the EU, according to Antonio Costa, has pledged €15 billion in support of Ukraine. The EU is committed to extending this assistance and plans to continue supporting Ukraine's security, peace, and integration into the European Union after the war.
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EU Aims to Bolster Defence Capabilities
🎦 06:08-08:11⏩
Jonathan points to an emerging trend of European countries seeking to reduce their dependence on the US for defence. This includes a five to ten-year plan to become less reliant on the US within NATO. One example is the EU's five-year deadline to strengthen its defence capabilities, aiming to surpass Russia's military strength by 2030. However, this plan faces opposition from countries that spend less on defence, such as Spain and Portugal. To address these concerns, the project's name has been changed from "Rearm Europe" to "Readiness 2030".
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Italy to Support Odessa Oblast
🎦 08:11-08:15⏩
Jonathan reports that Italy has signed a €11 million agreement with Ukraine for a project called "Pro.UK", aimed at supporting sustainable agriculture and food security in Odessa Oblast, similar to Denmark's support of Mykolaiv Oblast.
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Czech Republic and Ukraine Collaborate on Satellite Reconnaissance
🎦 08:15-08:47⏩
Jonathan discusses the joint initiative between Ukraine and the Czech Republic to create a satellite reconnaissance group, "Suzeria". This group will initially use "Troll" type satellites, with plans to incorporate more advanced Czech-Ukrainian satellites later. This collaboration is viewed as an attempt to fill the potential gap in satellite coverage if the US reduces its involvement in the region.
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Europe Faces Gunpowder and TNT Shortage
🎦 08:47-09:37⏩
Despite efforts to bolster European defence, Jonathan highlights a shortage of gunpowder and TNT. Bloomberg reports that ammunition manufacturers are struggling to secure supplies of chemicals and cotton, which are crucial for explosives and propellants. China's dominance in these markets raises concerns about Europe's dependence on a country closely aligned with Russia.
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Military Aid Updates from Estonia and the Netherlands
🎦 09:37-10:04⏩
Jonathan provides updates on military aid from Estonia and the Netherlands. Estonia will be providing Ukraine with €100 million worth of military equipment, including drones, watercraft, and medical supplies. The Netherlands will contribute €65 million to Ukraine's energy support fund.
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Update on Swedish AWACS Aircraft Delivery
🎦 10:04-10:53⏩
Jonathan provides an update on Sweden's delivery of AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft to Ukraine. Despite earlier concerns, the delivery is on schedule and contingent on the completion of modifications to the accompanying F-16 fighter jets, which are essential for communication and coordination within the system.
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UK Increases Production of Anti-Tank Missiles
🎦 10:53-11:43⏩
Jonathan announces a new deal between the UK government and the French company Thales to manufacture over 5,000 NLAW (Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon) missiles for Ukraine. Production will be based in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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Ukraine Ramps up Domestic Production of Bohdan Howitzers
🎦 11:43-13:02⏩
Jonathan discusses Ukraine's increased domestic production of the 2S22 Bohdan self-propelled howitzer, exceeding the initial target of 18 units per month. This domestically produced howitzer offers logistical advantages for Ukraine, allowing for in-house repairs and streamlined maintenance. Plans to further increase production to 40 units per month are underway, contingent on securing a steady supply of truck chassis.
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Germany Delivers Volkswagen Amarok Pickup Trucks
🎦 13:02-13:28⏩
Jonathan reports on Germany's donation of five Volkswagen Amarok pickup trucks to Ukraine, valued at over €160,000. These vehicles will be deployed in the Zaporizhzhia region to assist with emergency response, infrastructure restoration, and logistical support.
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Come Back Alive Foundation Donates FN Minimi MK3 Machine Guns
🎦 13:28-13:54⏩
Jonathan highlights the contribution of the "Come Back Alive" foundation, a crowdfunding initiative supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The foundation has delivered a second batch of 150 FN Minimi MK3 machine guns, emphasising the significant role of crowdfunding in the war effort.
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Discussion on Potential Peacekeeping Forces
🎦 13:54-17:31⏩
Jonathan delves into the complex and sometimes contradictory discussions surrounding potential peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. Proposals include a comprehensive force comprising ground troops, air forces, and navies. The UK is considering deploying Typhoon or F-35 fighter jets for air patrols as part of a potential peace deal. However, there's disagreement within the UK, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressing reservations about having British boots on the ground in Ukraine, highlighting a potential crack in the previous cross-party consensus on supporting Ukraine. Adding to the complexity, French President Macron has suggested a UN-led peacekeeping mission as an alternative to European troops, an idea that has received mixed reactions. Zelensky, for instance, has reportedly rejected the UN peacekeeping proposal. Despite the uncertainties, Lithuania has expressed willingness to deploy troops as part of a post-ceasefire mission. Intriguingly, China has also indicated its potential involvement in a peacekeeping mission, engaging in discussions with the EU on the matter.
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US - EU Defence Cooperation and Competition
🎦 17:31-23:28⏩
Jonathan analyses the evolving dynamics between the US and the EU in defence cooperation and competition. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35 fighter jet, is facing pressure as several countries, including Canada, Portugal, and Denmark, reconsider their purchase agreements due to concerns about US control over software and maintenance. In response, Lockheed Martin is offering incentives, such as creating jobs in Canada, to salvage these deals. However, analysts argue that true independence requires establishing software support and maintenance infrastructure outside US jurisdiction. Germany's examination of its F-35 contract has revealed clauses granting the US significant control, including the ability to terminate deliveries without compensation, even after payment. Adding further intrigue, former US President Donald Trump has announced plans for a new sixth-generation fighter jet, the F-47. This announcement, coupled with Trump's statement that a simplified version of the F-47 will be offered to allies, has further fueled speculation about shifting alliances and a potential move towards a UK-Europe-Japan sixth-generation fighter jet project.
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US Scientific "Harakiri" Benefits EU+
🎦 23:28-27:57⏩
Jonathan shifts focus to the US government's recent decisions regarding science funding, describing it as "doing nuts things". The defunding of scientific research, particularly in fields like climate science, is causing concern and prompting speculation that European countries and Japan may capitalise on this situation by attracting US scientists with better funding and support. Jonathan argues that this potential "brain drain" could have significant long-term consequences for the US, shifting economic power towards the EU and other nations investing in scientific advancement. He highlights the importance of government investment in scientific breakthroughs and strategic planning, lamenting that the US appears to be relinquishing its position as a global leader in science and technology.
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Carthage, Ukraine Update and Fundraising
🎦 27:57-29:59⏩
Jonathan concludes by providing an update on the successful "Carthage, Ukraine" fundraising campaign, which raised €40,000 for vehicles for Ukraine. He expresses gratitude to the Car4Ukraine and Bandera Mobile teams for their efforts. Videos of the vehicles in action, some modified with multiple rocket launchers, are shown. He also mentions ongoing fundraising efforts, including a Car for Ukraine Easter special and a NAFO campaign with other YouTubers.
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Wrap Up
🎦 29:59-30:22⏩
Jonathan thanks his viewers, mentioning his upcoming interview with Malcolm Nance and encouraging viewers to watch. He signs off with a cheerful "Toodlepips!"
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