Booby-trapped

Hi Global Recap readers,

Do you remember the infamous Israeli pager operation from a few months ago that left many Hezbollah terrorists fingerless and blind?

Could Ukraine have taken a page from that playbook?

Recently, a mysterious figure "donated" some explosive-packed headsets as "humanitarian aid" for volunteers to deliver to Russian soldiers on the front lines. Naturally, Ukrainians are staying tight-lipped about the whole thing.

More on that to start off: 👇️ 

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Explosive Drone Headsets Delivered

Russian soldiers received drone headsets via “humanitarian aid” that turned out to be booby-trapped with explosives.

Booby-Trapped Gear

When the unsuspecting soldiers powered up the headsets, they detonated. Yikes. 😬

• The headsets were Skyzone Cobra X v4 models, popular for controlling first-person view drones. They are available for ~$300 on Amazon.

• An inspection revealed plastic explosives embedded within each headset.

• Russian media did not report any injuries or fatalities from the explosions.

Source of the Sabotage

An “individual donor” supplied the compromised gear, bypassing official military channels.

• The gear was intended to be humanitarian aid.

• There is no verification of whether the sabotage was intentional or an elaborate oversight.

• Both Skyzone and the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence have not claimed responsibility.

At first glance, this has Ukrainian Defense Intelligence written all over it—but we probably won’t know for sure anytime soon.

Broader Implications

Sabotage within supply chains is not unprecedented; parallels are drawn with past incidents.

• Comparisons are made to Israel’s attack on Hezbollah using explosive pagers, which required meticulous planning.

• The incident aligns with the concept of “participative warfare,” where civilians can inadvertently become part of the conflict.

Potential Consequences

The situation could lead to stricter scrutiny and more stringent checks on donated military equipment.

• Units may now need to employ additional measures to ensure the safety of unsolicited gear.

• This adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile and precarious supply chain.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
New Steel &
Aluminum Tariffs

President Donald Trump is back at it again with a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, announced on Monday. Right now, it doesn’t seem like this will be delayed, unlike the tariffs announced against Canada and Mexico.

Trump's Move

Trump tariff will be applied without any exceptions.

• The US sources most of its steel from Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.

• The tariff mainly targets China indirectly, despite minimal direct steel imports from there.

Consequences

The tariffs are expected to hike production costs for various industries.

• Steel is essential in cars, appliances, and infrastructure like skyscrapers and bridges.

• Aluminum is crucial for items like food cans, cars, and jets.

• Domestic producers might raise prices due to reduced competition from cheaper imports.

Historical Context

Similar tariffs were imposed back in 2018 and continued by Joe Biden.

• In 2018, Trump slapped tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum.

• Steel imports dropped by 27% between 2017 and 2019.

• Domestic production saw a temporary boost but fell again during the pandemic.

Addressing Loopholes

So what’s the difference this time around?

• They aim to close existing loopholes and exemptions.

• Some importers dodge tariffs by slightly altering steel products and re-shipping them.

• Trump’s goal is to eliminate these “gaming the system” tactics.

🇫🇷 FRANCE
Macron’s AI Plans

French President Emmanuel Macron is planning to apply the “Notre Dame strategy” to rapidly advance AI development in Europe.

What is this? Just like the speedy Notre Dame rebuild after the 2019 fire, Macron wants France to lead the AI race, ensuring Europe doesn’t lag behind the US and China.

Umm… Who’s gonna tell him?

Unveiling the Plan

Macron announces a European AI strategy on the opening day of an AI summit in Paris, co-hosted by India.

• The plan will be detailed the following day at the summit.

• France aims to invest €109 billion ($113 billion) in AI over the coming years.

• The goal is to counterbalance the US and China’s head start in AI, and making Europe a competitive AI hub.

• The plan includes measures to cut red tape and accelerate AI projects.

The Notre Dame Approach

Macron draws inspiration from the swift Notre Dame cathedral restoration.

• The rebuild was completed in just five years.

• “When we commit to a clear timeline, we can deliver,” he emphasizes.

Clean Nuclear Advantage

France's nuclear power prowess is highlighted as an asset for AI development.

• France is Europe’s largest nuclear power producer.

• Low carbon emissions make it an ideal site for power-hungry AI industries.

High-Profile Attendance

The summit features an impressive guest list, packed with tech giants and political leaders.

• Google CEO Sundar Pichai and OpenAI’s Sam Altman are in attendance.

• Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing and US Vice President JD Vance are also present.

🇰🇷 SOUTH KOREA
North Korea Protests
US Nuclear Sub

North Korea is throwing a fit over the arrival of a US nuclear-powered submarine in South Korea.

They announced that they are ready to use “any means” to defend their national security.

Pyongyang’s Fiery Response

North Korea’s Defense Ministry lashed out after the USS Alexandria docked in Busan.

• The submarine arrived at the Busan naval base on February 10, 2025, to replenish supplies and allow crew members to rest.

• The North Korean spokesperson called it an “undeniable threat” to their security.

• They accused the US of “invariable hysteria for confrontation.”

• They vowed to “do acts of deterring the factors threatening the regional security environment.”

Context of the Controversy

This protest is part of North Korea’s frequent objections to US strategic assets in the region.

• The arrival of the USS Alexandria comes shortly after joint South Korea-US military drills involving the US B-1B bomber.

• North Korea slammed these drills, warning of “undesired results.”

Broader Implications

It also seems like North Korea is testing the newly inaugurated Donald Trump administration.

• Trump’s administration has shown intent to reengage with Pyongyang.

• A South Korean unification ministry official noted that North Korea often issues critical statements when US strategic assets are deployed.

• Meanwhile, with the political chaos down South—martial law declarations and impeachment debacle—North Korea looks like it's testing the waters before Trump gets settled in.

The Washington Declaration

North Korea’s reaction is also tied to the Washington Declaration between South Korea and the US.

• This declaration was unveiled by the countries' presidents in April 2023.

• It commits to deeper dialogue and information sharing to strengthen nuclear deterrence on the peninsula.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Trump’s Gaza Ultimatum

President Donald Trump has issued a cut-throat ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the return of all Israeli hostages by noon on Saturday. If not, he warns, “all hell is going to break out.”

Trump’s Warning

His view is: if Hamas fails to release the hostages as promised, “Cancel [the ceasefire], and all bets are off. Let hell break out.”

• He emphasizes that this ultimatum is his stance, though Israel can override it.

• This threat isn’t random—it follows Hamas delaying the hostage release and accusing Israel of breaking the ceasefire.

Hostages' Plight

Hamas has halted the release of Israeli hostages, alleging ceasefire breaches by Israel.

• The delayed release affects Israeli hostages who were to be handed over by February 15.

Trump’s Controversial Plan

Trump has a clear goal for Gaza’s future, denying Palestinian right of return.

• He plans for US “ownership” of Gaza, a move contradicting his administration’s officials who suggested temporary relocation.

• This controversial stance fuels further tensions in the region.

Israeli Reactions

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz calls for highest alert amid uncertainty in hostage releases.

• He terms any delays as a “complete violation” of the ceasefire deal.

• Israeli troops are on high alert, prepared for potential fallout.

Broader Implications

The ceasefire deal’s future hangs in the balance, with mediators fearing its collapse.

• The deal, starting January 19, saw initial progress but now faces setbacks.

• Israel and Hamas each have non-negotiable demands hindering complete withdrawal and hostage releases.