New counter-offensive coming in spring, says Kyiv spy chief & Ukraine hits more Russian oil refineries
Jan 31, 2024
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General Valerii Zaluzhny, David Knowles, Hamish De Bretton-Gordon, Dominic Nicholls, and Gwendolyn Sasse discuss the latest updates from Ukraine, including a new counter-offensive announcement and an attack on a Russian oil refinery. They also talk about Ukrainian politics, Putin's NATO strategy, Germany's role in supporting Ukraine, aid and assistance for Ukrainians, drones in warfare, and the inventiveness of Ukrainian soldiers.
The volunteer work of Anna and Olga provides critical support to Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines, addressing their essential needs and ensuring their survival.
The personal connections and meaningful impact of Anna and Olga's volunteer work are deeply appreciated by both volunteers and soldiers, filling a critical gap where the army's bureaucratic systems fall short.
German Chancellor Sholts calls for increased support for Ukraine, positioning Germany as a leader in long-term assistance, but faces challenges in providing military aid and navigating the domestic political landscape.
Deep dives
Providing Aid and Support to Ukrainians
Anna and Olga have been actively involved in providing aid and support to Ukrainians affected by the war. Anna, a journalist and former foreign correspondent, began by providing tourniquets and soon became heavily involved in volunteering. Olga, a marine biologist turned volunteer, joined forces with Anna and together they established a strong network to help soldiers and civilians. Their efforts involved identifying needs, purchasing and distributing essential items, such as medicine, winter clothes, and sleeping bags. The soldiers they supported expressed deep gratitude and credited their help with their survival on the front lines.
Gratification and Impact
Anna and Olga find their volunteer work incredibly gratifying. They receive numerous thank you notes and expressions of gratitude from the soldiers they assist. The impact of their support is tangible, as soldiers often remark that without their help, they would not have been able to survive. Providing individualized assistance fills a critical gap where the larger bureaucratic systems of the army fall short. The personal connections and meaningful impact are deeply appreciated by both volunteers and soldiers.
Focusing on Army Support
One of the driving forces behind Anna and Olga's volunteer work is their focus on supporting the Ukrainian army. While other forms of aid, such as teddy bears and diapers, initially gained attention, they recognized the pressing need for direct help to soldiers. By providing essential items like tourniquets, chest seals, and winter clothing, they address critical needs that otherwise may go unmet. Their work has gained appreciation and recognition from the soldiers themselves and has become a vital source of support for those on the front lines.
Germany's Position on Ukraine
Chancellor Sholts has been calling for increased support from other EU member states for Ukraine, positioning Germany as a leader in guaranteeing long-term support. However, there is still no clear answer on providing military assistance, and the German government lacks agreement across different ministries. The rise of right-wing extremist party, the AFD, adds complexity to the domestic political landscape. The situation in Ukraine is seen as playing a role in Germany's political discussions, but it is not the sole driving force.
Putin's Tactics and the Role of Drones
Russian President Putin's recent visit to Cologne and grad is seen as a tactic to test NATO's response and give them multiple concerns to consider. The use of drones in the war is highlighted as a critical development, with both Ukraine and Russia making advances in drone technology. The conflict in Ukraine is seen as a mix of trench warfare and modern technology, and the support provided to Ukrainian soldiers is essential for their survival and defense. There is also a recognition that if Ukraine does not receive sufficient support, it could lead to further Russian aggression in Europe.
Today, we discuss the state of Ukrainian politics after days of speculation on the future of General Valerii Zaluzhny and discuss Putin’s NATO strategy.
Contributors:
David Knowles (Head of Audio Development). @DJKnowles22 on Twitter.
Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former Tank Commander & Telegraph contributor). @HamishDBG on Twitter.
Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor for Defence). @DomNicholls on Twitter.
Gwendolyn Sasse (Director of the Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS). @GwendolynSasse on Twitter.
And our guests were Journalist and Political Analyst, Anna Husarska and Director of the charity Assist Ukraine, Olga Shpak.