Assassination Attempt on Putin?

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Global Recap
May 27, 2025 • Read in: 10 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

Thank you for the kind emails you’ve sent to me and the team—they truly mean a lot. Whether you reposted on social media or sent us a thoughtful message, it’s all deeply appreciated.

Writing Friday’s newsletter was difficult, as it meant setting aside the geopolitics coverage I know many of you were expecting. And believe me, I much prefer reporting on global affairs over the frustrating issues with YouTube.

That being said, I am back to providing that for you today again, and we are back with quite a huge revelation from Russia. 👇️ 

🌐 WORLD
Fast Scroll News

🇺🇸 Trump Slams Putin’s Attacks. President Trump blasted Putin’s latest escalation in Ukraine, calling the missile and drone strikes “absolutely CRAZY” and warning of more sanctions. Russia responded by saying that Trump has “emotional overload.” Trump also took aim at President Zelenskyy, saying his comments were “causing problems” and needed to stop. The strikes killed at least 12 people, as Russia launched one of its largest offensives in the three-year war.

🇷🇺 Assassination Attempt on Putin? Russia’s latest attack comes amid reports that President Vladimir Putin’s helicopter was targeted during a surprise visit to the Kursk region on May 20. The aircraft was reportedly caught in a large-scale Ukrainian drone strike, with Russian air defenses scrambling to intercept dozens of incoming drones. Russian Commander Yury Dashkin described the helicopter as being “at the epicenter” of the attack, calling the incident “unprecedented.” This is the first known instance of Putin flying through an active drone assault.

🇫🇮 Finland Summons Russian Envoy. Finland has called in Russia’s ambassador after two Russian military aircraft allegedly violated Finnish airspace near Porvoo last week. Finland’s foreign ministry demanded an explanation, saying it takes the suspected breach “seriously”. Moscow has repeatedly criticized Finland’s NATO membership, and recent reports indicate Russia is bolstering its military presence along its border with Finland.

🇻🇪 Maduro Claims Landslide Win. Venezuela’s government says it won big in regional elections, but the thing is, opposition leader María Corina Machado urged voters to stay home. Officials loyal to Nicolás Maduro claimed victory in 22 of 23 states, stripping the opposition of key seats, including Zulia, the country’s oil-rich state. Despite near-empty polling stations, the electoral council insisted turnout topped 40%, though no independent observers were present. The results follow last year’s presidential election, where Maduro claimed victory despite a vote count showing he lost.

🇫🇷 FRANCE
Macron Plays Down Video

Recently, a clip went viral online.

It shows French First Lady Brigitte Macron appearing to shove her husband’s face just before they stepped off their plane in Vietnam. President Macron has dismissed it as harmless “playfighting,” but much of the internet isn’t convinced.

  • Some are calling it a “slap,” pointing to Macron’s flustered expression when the door swung open.

  • Others insist it was just a gentle, playful shove.

Hmm… 🤔 

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Trump Delays EU Tariffs Again

After walking back his harsh tariffs against China, President Trump has once again postponed his planned 50% tariff on EU imports until July 9, following a “very nice call” with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The Last-Minute Delay

Just days ago, Trump insisted the tariff would take effect on June 1.

  • The stock market dropped quite rapidly following this news.

  • However, according to Trump, von der Leyen requested more time, and Trump agreed.

  • He had previously imposed a 20% tariff on the EU in April, which was also delayed.

The Bigger Trade Fight

Trump has long targeted trade deficits and what he calls “non-monetary trade barriers.”

  • The US ran a $236 billion trade deficit with the EU last year.

  • Trump says he’s focusing on big industries, such as the military and AI, not “sneakers and t-shirts.”

✍️ Views: 

• Trump is known to view trade as a zero-sum game, where one country’s gain is another’s loss.

• In contrast, economists across the political spectrum generally agree that trade deficits aren’t inherently harmful—and that efforts to eliminate them through tariffs or protectionist policies often backfire by raising consumer prices, disrupting supply chains, and provoking retaliatory actions.

But as is often the case today, when the US runs a so-called “trade deficit,” it typically sees a corresponding capital account surplus, as foreign investors channel money into American assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate.

This also reflects strong consumer demand in the US, where lower-cost imported goods benefit shoppers, boost sales for US companies, and ultimately increase profits—fueling further employment and investment—continuing the cycle of economic growth.

🖐️ Caveat:

That said, if trade deficits are persistent and driven by structural issues—such as a lack of competitiveness or excessive government borrowing and spending—they can eventually become problematic. Trump may believe that the US is currently facing precisely these kinds of structural issues.

Reaction

As always, public sentiment remains sharply divided.

  • Supporters argue that Trump’s team should be allowed to “cook,” viewing the delay as part of a calculated negotiation strategy. Like any skilled negotiator, Trump is starting with a high ask, expecting to land somewhere in the middle when a deal is eventually reached.

  • Critics, however, see it as a sign of weakness. They argue that if Trump were truly in control—and if the EU genuinely felt threatened—it wouldn’t have secured such an extension. With both China and the EU receiving concessions, other nations may now feel emboldened to stall negotiations, betting that US public opinion or market pressure will eventually force its hand.

What’s Next?

EU officials say negotiations now have fresh momentum—but can they reach a deal before July 9?

  • Trump posted on Truth Social that talks would “begin rapidly.”

  • Von der Leyen insists time is needed for a “good deal.”

  • EU spokesperson Paula Pinho says the bloc is “ready to make a deal.”

🇮🇳 INDIA
Shipwreck Sparks
Environmental Fears

A cargo ship carrying oil and toxic materials sank off the coast of Kerala, prompting an urgent response to contain the spill. Authorities are warning locals to avoid any containers or oil washing up onshore.

What Happened?

Early Sunday, the Liberian-flagged MSC ELSA 3 started tilting dangerously near Kochi.

  • The ship, carrying 640 containers, capsized after flooding in one of its compartments.

  • All 24 crew members were rescued in an operation by the Indian Navy.

The Environmental Risk

With oil and chemicals leaking into the Arabian Sea, authorities fear damage to marine life and coastal communities.

  • The ship was transporting 13 containers of hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide, which reacts with seawater to release flammable gas.

  • The vessel also held 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, igniting pollution concerns.

Response Efforts

Officials are scrambling to contain the spill while monitoring drifting containers.

  • The Indian Coast Guard has deployed a pollution-control ship and an aircraft with an oil spill detection system.

  • Fishermen have been advised not to approach the sunken vessel or collect debris.

What Locals Should Know

The situation is still developing, and authorities are urging caution.

  • Coastal residents should avoid contact with oil or cargo washing up.

  • Evacuations may be necessary if contamination spreads.

  • This could turn into a long-term crisis depending on how effectively the spill is managed.