Another Christmas Car Attack

Hi Global Recap readers,

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

🤔 Did you know? 33 years ago today, in 1991, the USSR lowered its hammer and sickle flag over the Kremlin for the last time. Yes, the Soviet Union collapsed on Christmas.

• Some call it a Christmas miracle for the world.

• Others view it as the beginning of instability and hardship in the region and the loss of a counterbalance to US global influence.

I just thought I’d share this with you today, as many of my acquaintances are pleasantly surprised when I tell them.

🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM
Christmas Day Car Chaos

A man was arrested for attempted murder after a car plowed into pedestrians in London’s West End on Christmas Day, leaving one person in critical condition.

Early Morning Mayhem

• The incident occurred at 12:45 am.

• Four pedestrians were struck by a car driving on the wrong side of the road.

• One pedestrian remains in a life-threatening condition.

Quick Arrest

The Metropolitan Police acted swiftly, capturing the suspect within minutes.

• The driver, a 31-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

• The suspect was reportedly involved in an altercation at a nightclub before the incident.

Not Terror-Related

Authorities confirmed that this was an isolated incident, not linked to terrorism.

• The incident took place in Covent Garden, a bustling area known for its theaters and nightlife.

• Forensic investigators were seen collecting evidence at the scene.

Online

Still, many online are accusing London’s mayor of “destroying” the city with illegal immigration and enabling a culture that tolerates crime.

• The timing, so close to the Christmas car terror attack in Germany, makes the public’s fearful and angry reaction somewhat understandable.

• It seems like people needed a cause to vent their frustrations with Mayor Sadiq Khan.

🇩🇰 DENMARK
Denmark Gets Nervous
About Trump

It might have been a lighthearted joke for Trump, but Denmark isn’t taking any chances.

What is it doing? It is ramping up its defense spending in Greenland, just as Trump reiterates his desire to buy the Arctic territory.

Big Bucks

Denmark isn’t just tossing around chump change.

• Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced a “double-digit billion amount” in krone, at least $1.5 billion.

• The package includes two new inspection ships, two long-range drones, and two extra dog sled teams.

• Funding will also go towards increased staffing at Arctic Command in Nuuk and upgrading one of Greenland’s three main civilian airports to handle F-35 fighter jets.

Timing Is Everything

The timing of this announcement is no coincidence.

• On Monday, Trump declared that owning Greenland is an “absolute necessity” for the US.

• Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede responded, “We are not for sale,” but emphasized the importance of cooperation and trade.

Strategic Importance

Greenland is more than just ice and snow.

• It’s home to a large US space facility and lies on the shortest route from North America to Europe.

• The island has major mineral reserves, making it strategically important.

Historical Context

This isn’t the first time the US has eyed Greenland.

• Trump’s original suggestion in 2019 to buy Greenland was met with a sharp rebuke from Danish leaders.

• The idea of purchasing Greenland dates back to the 1860s under President Andrew Johnson.

Online Reaction

Many are criticizing Trump for unsettling a sovereign nation, while others are finding humor in the situation.

• Given the US’s unmatched military spending and capability, taking down Denmark would be an easy feat if it ever came to that.

• This has led some to mock Denmark for “boosting their military,” arguing it wouldn’t make a difference if Trump chose to take it by force.

• However: others are speculating whether this serves as a convenient excuse for Denmark to expand its military industry.

Just some food for thought.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Putin's Christmas Day Attack

Russia launched an attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, leaving the country in a precarious position as the war grinds into a third winter.

Explosions Rock Ukraine

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky reported explosions across the country, marking the thirteenth major attack on Ukraine’s power grid this year.

• At least one person died in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region.

• Six others were injured in Kharkiv, less than 20 miles from the Russian border.

• Residential buildings and civilian infrastructure were damaged.

• Seven missile strikes targeted Kharkiv, leaving half a million households without heating in 37°F (2.8°C) temperatures.

Rolling Blackouts

To stabilize the grid, Kyiv imposed rolling blackouts, while Ukrainian forces struck back.

• Ukrainian forces attacked a Russian command post in Lgov, Kursk region.

• Four people were killed and five were hospitalized, including one woman in serious condition.

• In Russia’s North Ossetia-Alania, debris from a downed drone caused an explosion and fire in a shopping center, killing one person.

Massive Missile Barrage

Russia launched over 70 missiles and more than 100 attack drones targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

• More than 50 missiles and a significant number of drones were shot down.

• DTEK, Ukraine’s largest energy provider, reported severe damage to its thermal power plants.

• This was the thirteenth massive attack on Ukraine’s energy sector this year.

Christmas Date Change

This attack came after Ukraine officially changed its Christmas celebration date to December 25th, distancing itself from Russian Orthodox traditions.

• Zelensky signed a law in 2023 to change the date from January 7th.

• Ukraine created its own independent Orthodox Church in 2018.

Previous Attacks

This attack followed a deadly Russian strike on Kryvyi Rih on Christmas Eve.

• One person was killed and 17 others injured after a missile struck a residential building in Zelensky’s hometown.

🇦🇿 AZERBAIJAN
Plane Crash Near Kazakhstan

Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 tragically crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, leaving dozens feared dead.

Its destination? The Embraer 190 jet, headed from Baku to Grozny, Russia, suddenly veered off course.

Crash Details

The crash occurred shortly after drone strikes hit southern Russia, raising questions about the cause.

• The plane had 62 passengers and five crew members on board.

• 32 survivors have been rescued.

• Both pilots died in the crash.

Presidential Response

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev cut short his trip to Russia to address the tragedy.

• Aliyev expressed condolences to the victims' families.

• He declared December 26 a day of mourning in Azerbaijan.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with several theories being considered.

• Russia's aviation watchdog suggested a bird strike might be to blame.

• Drone activity in the area has previously shut down airports.