Escalating New War

Hi Global Recap readers,

Although it briefly looked like India and Pakistan were moving toward de-escalation, they’re back to exchanging fire.

At the moment, it seems like military targets are being hit—but if there’s a major civilian casualty event, I fear things could spiral quickly.

I'm saying this because hyper-nationalists are already flooding social media in both countries, pushing aggressive rhetoric and even spreading fake news with recycled videos.

If either side’s leadership doesn’t respond with force, they risk appearing weak, and they know they can’t afford to get caught lacking. 👇️ 

🇮🇳 INDIA & 🇵🇰 PAKISTAN
India and Pakistan
Trade Fire Again

Pakistan’s forces have launched new missile strikes in response to India’s tit-for-tat move, after Indian jets reportedly hit Pakistani airbases.

Once again, they are trading blame, signaling further escalation.

Indian Strike

Early Saturday, Pakistan said that its key military bases were struck by Indian missiles.

However, I haven’t been able to find any verified reports confirming this alleged attack.

Pakistani Strike

In retaliation, the Pakistani army launched strikes on Indian-controlled military sites in Kashmir and Punjab.

• The military operation is dubbed “Operation Bunyanun Marsoos,” a term from the Koran meaning “firm, united structure.”

• Pakistani military spokesmen confirmed that all “air force assets” remained safe following the exchange.

Here are some Indian military targets they say they have struck:

• Brigade Headquarters KG Top

• Field supply depot Uri

• Artillery Gun Position Derangyari

• BrahMos battery site Nagrota

• Udhampur airfield

• Pathankot airfield

• Surat Garh airfield

Fake News

For now, it looks like the tit-for-tat exchange is calming down. But as usual, keyboard warriors on both sides are still out there trash-talking each other online.

Also, be cautious about the videos you come across. I just saw one trending on X, claiming it was filmed in Lahore, Pakistan—but it’s actually an old clip from Israel, showing Iranian missiles being intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome.

Do you remember seeing this months ago, too? 👇️ 

🇲🇽 MEXICO
Mexico Sues Google
for “Gulf of America”

Mexico is taking legal action against Google over its decision to label its cherished Gulf as “Gulf of America.” The lawsuit challenges a name change that originated from an executive order by former President Trump—a move recognized only within the US.

Legal Challenge

• Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that a lawsuit is underway.

• The lawsuit questions the labeling practice influenced by a controversial executive order.

Order’s Impact

But the problem for the Mexican President is, the naming change to “Gulf of America” came directly from Trump’s directive.

• The order applies solely within US borders, leaving other nations free to dispute its authority.

Official Objections

Before resorting to court, Mexico’s Foreign Relations Ministry made its stance clear.

• Official letters were sent to Google urging a return to the “Gulf of Mexico.”

• Mexican officials insist that “Gulf of America” should only name the Gulf’s US continental shelf.

Google’s Stand

The company has signaled no intention of reversing its decision.

• Google’s vice president of government affairs, Cris Turner, maintained that the current policy will remain.

• When asked for further comment on the lawsuit, Google did not immediately respond.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Hungarian Spy Ring Exposed

Ukrainian security services claim they have exposed a spy network tied to Hungarian military intelligence, and it looks like tensions between the two countries are only escalating.

Operation Details

Ukrainian intelligence asserts that the alleged Hungarian spy network was designed to gather sensitive data on military defenses in western Ukraine.

• The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said a “staff officer of Hungarian military intelligence” ran the ring.

• A 40-year-old military veteran from Berehove was reportedly “activated” in 2024 after being recruited as a sleeper agent in 2021.

• Two detained Ukrainian veterans now face high treason charges that could mean life behind bars.

Hungarian Reaction

The Hungarian foreign minister quickly dismissed the claims, describing the allegations as “propaganda” and announcing decisive expulsions.

• Péter Szijjártó stated, “Today we have expelled two spies from Hungary working under diplomatic cover at Ukraine’s embassy in Budapest.”

• He emphasized that no official evidence had yet been presented to back the claims.

Escalating Tensions

This situation deepens already-strained ties between Ukraine and Hungary.

• Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, continues to openly criticize Kyiv while maintaining a neutral stance toward Russia. Critics argue this is essentially a pro-Russian position, with some even labeling him a “Russian puppet.”

🇨🇳 CHINA & 🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Trade Ceasefire, Not Truce

China and the US are now holding talks in Switzerland, aiming to cool off some of the trade war heat. But don’t expect a “MASSIVE TRADE DEAL” Truth Social post though—this looks more like a ceasefire than a truce.

Meeting Setup

• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and chief trade negotiator Jamieson Greer are set to meet Vice Premier of China He Lifeng.

• The session is expected to frame a process rather than pen a complete solution.

Tariff Targets

As you can see above, President Trump posted on Truth Social that an 80 percent tariff on China “seems right.”

• Yes, that number is being tossed around, and while it would actually lower the current rate from 145 percent, it’s still high.

  • If you’re in favor of slapping heavy tariffs on China, this should be a win, nonetheless.

  • If you're worried about higher prices on Chinese goods, not so much.

• That being said, analysts hint that the final number might land around 60%, offering some breathing room for businesses.

Beyond Tariffs

But this isn’t just about the numbers—for Trump and supporters of his tariff policy, it’s tied to economic and political goals.

• Issues like fentanyl, tech crackdowns, and geopolitical tensions all pile onto what many see as already lopsided trade dynamics between China and the US.

Business Impact

A modest de-escalation could relieve market pressure, though challenges persist on both sides.

• Chinese factories might face continued pressure as tariff relief comes slowly, while American consumers will most likely be still hit with higher prices.

• However, investors see even a partial rollback as a step toward rebuilding supply chains and tempering economic uncertainties.