1,000-page WWIII plan

Hi Global Recap readers,

Yes, it’s true that countries are preparing for a possible world war.

But did you know there’s also a culture war unfolding online? Before diving into news of death and destruction, I wanted to briefly touch this.

Jaguar recently released an advertisement to announce their rebranding, but it sparked controversy due to its apparent focus on “diversity” and “sexuality,” without even showcasing any cars (after all, they are a car company).

Their social media team frantically replied to almost all top comments grilling them, which only made the situation worse.

🤣 Then one user kindly posted this:

Quick poll:

Were you put off by the advertisement?

(Live poll)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

🤔 Personally: I’m put off by the fact that a car advertisement didn’t show any cars. However, if gaining traction was their goal, they certainly achieved it. Also, when viewed without context, the ad seems like a typical “artsy” video. So, my verdict is… Mixed.

🇩🇪 GERMANY
1,000-Page Plan for WWIII

Europe is gearing up for a potential World War III scenario, with Germany leading the charge by planning to deploy 800,000 NATO troops, including Americans, into Ukraine.

This preparation comes as Russia's nuclear threats escalate.

Germany's Massive Plan

Germany has a secret detailed plan to prepare for World War III. Although the exact details are a secret, Germany’s reportedly been approaching companies with the draft plan to get them prepared.

  • The plan, called “Operation Deutschland,” is a 1,000-page document outlining how Germany will protect specific buildings and infrastructure for military use.

  • It includes strategies for businesses and civilians to prepare for increased threats.

  • Germany is also preparing to move 200,000 military vehicles across its territory if needed.

Boosting Self-Sufficiency

Germany is also advising citizens to become more self-sufficient.

  • Citizens are encouraged to install diesel generators or wind turbines.

  • This advice is part of a broader effort to prepare for potential disruptions.

Putin's Nuclear Policy Shift

Russia's President Putin has changed the Kremlin's nuclear strike policy.

  • Moscow may now use nuclear weapons in response to non-nuclear, conventional weapons strikes.

  • This shift has heightened fears and prompted further preparations in Europe.

Sweden and Norway's Response

Other European countries are also preparing for potential conflict.

  • Sweden and Norway have issued pamphlets and literature on how to prepare for the worst.

  • These measures reflect the growing concern across Europe.

US Involvement

The US decision to allow Ukraine to fire longer-range missiles into Russia has escalated the conflict.

  • This move eliminates a former “safe space” for Russia 190 miles from the Ukrainian border.

  • It has prompted further preparations and strategic adjustments in Europe.

Is this meme gonna come true?

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Russia Launches New Missile

Russia has launched a missile at Dnipro, Ukraine—this we know for sure. However, there are two different versions of the story:

  • Ukraine initially claimed it was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

  • The US later confirmed it was an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).

Initially, Ukraine’s claims caused panic online, with people speculating that Russia was using an ICBM to demonstrate what they could do with a nuclear warhead.

But note: The missile did not carry nuclear warheads.

This supposedly shows the reentry of the missile’s warheads:

Missile Launch Details

Russia launched a new IRBM at Dnipro, Ukraine.

  • Ukrainian officials initially identified it as an ICBM.

  • The missile was based on the Russian RS-26 Rubezh.

  • The launch occurred on November 21, 2024, around 5 am local time.

US Confirmation

  • Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed the missile type.

  • The US was notified “briefly” before the launch, contrary to initial online claims suggesting that an ICBM was fired without prior warning to Western authorities.

  • The missile contained multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs).

Ukrainian Response

Ukraine tracked the missile launch and responded.

  • The Ukrainian Air Force tracked the launch of the IRBM and six additional missiles.

  • All missiles targeted businesses and critical infrastructure in the Dnipro region.

  • Only the missile identified as an IRBM struck the city; the other six were shot down.

Putin's Statement

In a nationwide TV address, Russian President Vladimir Putin clarified that it was a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) named "Oreshnik."

  • This missile is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 10.

  • Putin stated that Russia has the right to use its weapons against military facilities of countries employing their weapons against Russia.

  • He described the missile as a "ballistic missile with a non-nuclear hypersonic equipment."

I guess he felt the need to clarify that it wasn’t an ICBM and that it was “non-nuclear.” I’m still convinced he doesn’t want a nuclear war; he just has to save face by escalating things a bit.

That said, one misinterpretation of a move could escalate things really quickly.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
ICC Issues Arrest Warrants

Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (left) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right).

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Despite Israel's objections, the ICC claims there are “reasonable grounds to believe” the leaders are responsible for violations of international law.

This news must be especially terrible for Gallant, who was recently fired by Netanyahu…

Arrest Warrants Issued

  • The warrants cite alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

  • ICC's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, announced the pursuit of these warrants in May 2024.

  • The alleged violations occurred between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024.

Israel's Objections

Israel strongly objects to the ICC's jurisdiction.

  • Israel raised legal objections, but the court rejected them.

  • The ICC maintains there are “reasonable grounds to believe” the leaders are responsible.

Limited Practical Implications

However, supporters of Israel, do not fret. The arrest warrants have limited practical implications.

  • Netanyahu and Gallant could face travel restrictions in certain Western nations.

  • They face no constraints in the US, Russia, and other non-signatory countries.

However, this isn’t entirely accurate. Although an arrest warrant was issued for Putin on March 17, 2023, he visited Mongolia this year without being arrested. This is despite Mongolia being a member of the ICC.

Why wouldn’t Mongolia arrest Putin? This is likely due to Mongolia’s reliance on Russia for 95% of its petroleum imports, among other factors.

Not Taking ICC Seriously

Additionally, from what I’ve gathered while scouring social media, not many seem to take the ICC or the UN seriously anymore, given that their demands lack legal significance and are seen as having double standards.

  • Take tyrants like Kim Jong Un, Assad, or Khamenei—why hasn’t the ICC issued warrants for them? Haven’t their actions been “crimes against humanity”?

  • For your information: Assad is accused of using sarin gas on his own people, Kim is known for running forced labor camps, and Khamenei’s regime backs numerous Islamic terrorist groups in the Middle East.

Allegations Detailed

The allegations against Netanyahu and Gallant cover four main areas.

  • Claims about civilian access to essential supplies like food, water, medicine, electricity, and fuel.

  • Assertions about living conditions and their impact on civilian health and welfare.

  • Claims about medical supply availability and healthcare conditions.

  • Broader assertions about the overall treatment of Gaza's civilian population during the military operation against Hamas.

Condemnations Pour In

Condemnations of the ICC's decision have been swift.

  • Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the warrants a “mark of shame” on the ICC.

  • Bennett emphasized Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, describing the conflict as “the most just of wars against pure evil.”

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
US Targets Gazprombank with Sanctions

The US has slapped new sanctions on Russia's Gazprombank, freezing its US assets and banning trade with Americans.

This move, part of President Joe Biden's efforts to punish Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine, aims to cut off financial channels supporting Russia's military.

Sanctions Details

  • Gazprombank cannot handle any new energy-related transactions involving the US financial system.

  • The sanctions came into effect on November 21, 2024.

Treasury's Broader Action

The Treasury also targeted 50 other Russian banks.

  • These sanctions aim to limit Russia's international financial ties.

  • The goal is to prevent Russia from using these banks to pay for military technology and equipment.

  • Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated the action hinders the Kremlin's military funding.

Gazprombank's Role

Gazprombank plays a crucial role in Russia's economy.

  • It is partially owned by Kremlin-owned gas company Gazprom.

  • The bank receives payments for natural gas from Gazprom's European customers.

  • It is a conduit for Russia to purchase military materiel and pay soldiers.

Future Implications

  • The Biden administration may take further actions before leaving office to toughen up energy sanctions.

  • However, President-elect Donald Trump has the option to remove sanctions if he chooses. This could potentially serve as a bargaining chip in efforts to end the war.