manifesto-fueled stabbing

Hi Global Recap readers,

Reports are circulating that the manifesto had “far-left extremist” undertones—and if the leaked content is accurate, that label might not be entirely off the mark.

That said, as with anything that spreads quickly online, even when it’s picked up by mainstream outlets, it’s important to take it with a grain of salt. Please don’t rush to direct outrage at an entire side of the political spectrum based on evolving information.

📔 Note: I’m about to board a long flight, so I need to schedule today’s newsletter for later. Keep in mind that new information might come to light in the meantime. Apologies!

Now, here’s what we know about it thus far. 👇️ 

🇫🇷 FRANCE
Manifesto-Fueled Knife Attack

A horrific stabbing at a high school in Nantes has left one student dead and three others injured. The attacker, a 15-year-old student, was arrested at the scene.

But that’s not all. The attacker reportedly distributed a manifesto to his fellow classmates before committing this heinous act.

School Attack

At Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides, violence broke out on a Thursday afternoon in western France, leaving one student dead and at least three injured.

• The suspect launched the attack before being swiftly restrained by a teacher.

• Panic ensued as students fled, marking a dark moment in the school’s history.

Radical Manifesto

According to a French news media, Le Parisien, before the assault, the suspect circulated his manifesto named “Immune Action,” which bluntly criticizes modern society.

• It targets climate-related issues such as “global ecocide”—defined as “the sum of human actions that destroy, fragment, poison, or commodify” living things.

• The document supposedly addressed issues such as:

  • “the disappearance of species”

  • “chemical contamination”

  • “concreting”

  • “industrial exploitation”

  • “the loss of ecological knowledge”

  • among other concerns.

• The manifesto also condemns what it calls “totalitarian social conditioning” for “sterilizing imaginations and making humans docile, predictable and programmable.”

Rising Concerns

This attack adds to a troubling pattern of school violence in France.

• In February 2023, a teacher was fatally stabbed by a student in St.-Jean-de-Luz.

• Education Minister Élisabeth Borne and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau had recently urged increased security checks around schools.

Political Reactions

The “far-right” National Rally party quickly weighed in.

• Marine Le Pen called for stronger measures to combat violence in schools.

• Her comments come amid heightened political tension, as she remains barred from office following an embezzlement conviction.

Broader Extremism

The incident comes amid rising worries about environmental extremism, highlighted in Europol’s latest annual Terrorism Situation and Trend Report.

• The report highlights how the boundary between activism and extremism can become dangerously blurred.

• This case adds to the ongoing discussion about the risks posed by radical environmental narratives in today’s charged political climate.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
New Interview: Shapiro & Zelenskyy

✈️ Before I take off: here’s the much-anticipated interview of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy by Ben Shapiro.

I know some of you might have reservations about Shapiro due to his ties to the right, but I think it’s crucial to hear both sides of the political spectrum, especially when it’s an interview with someone as significant as President Zelenskyy.

Sadly, I won’t be able to catch the interview before my flight, but I hope you get something valuable out of it!

(The interview kicks in toward the end of the video. Shapiro pressed President Zelenskyy on his recent, controversial meeting with Trump and Vance at the White House. So if you want to hear them talk about it, give it a watch!)

🇵🇰 PAKISTAN
Pakistan Hits Back

If you thought Pakistan would quietly watch as India expelled its nationals, think again.

In retaliation, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines and cut off all trade with India.

The Immediate Fallout

Pakistan’s National Security Committee, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, announced these retaliatory measures.

• Airspace is now closed to all Indian-owned or operated airlines.

• Trade with India, including through third countries, has been suspended.

• Diplomatic relations have been downgraded, with Indian military attaches expelled.

The Water Dispute

India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has sparked outrage in Pakistan.

• Pakistan views any disruption of water flow under the treaty as an “act of war.”

• The treaty, signed in 1960, is considered vital for Pakistan’s water security.

Broader Implications

This isn’t the first time the two countries have clashed—the latest standoff has simply reignited their deep-rooted, long-standing tensions.

• Pakistan has accused India of “fomenting terrorism” and violating international law.

• The Wagah border post is now closed, and cross-border transit has been suspended.

• Visas for Indians under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme have been revoked, except for Sikh pilgrims.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Trump’s Rare Rebuke Against Putin

A brutal overnight barrage decimated Ukraine, escalating an already volatile peace process.

And this didn’t sit too well with President Trump, who took to Truth Social to shout “Vladimir, STOP!” while President Zelenskyy hurried back from South Africa to tackle the crisis head-on.

Brutal Aerial Assault

In one of the deadliest nights yet, Ukraine’s major cities were pounded by coordinated missile and drone strikes.

• Kyiv endured 70 missiles—48 shot down—and 140 drones, with 64 intercepted.

• At least eight people lost their lives, and rescue crews are sifting through debris.

• Eyewitnesses recalled a “particularly horrible and loud” night that sent residents scrambling for shelter.

Trump’s Outcry

US President Trump wasn’t holding back, using Truth Social to demand an immediate halt to Russian aggression.

• He declared, “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing,” while emphasizing that “5000 soldiers a week are dying.”

• His curt message, “Vladimir, STOP!” was a call for Putin to cease the onslaught immediately.

Zelenskyy’s Urgent Return

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cut short his trip to South Africa and returned home.

• Zelenskyy noted that “there is a lot of destruction” and that rescue operations are underway as buildings are cleared of rubble.

Tense Peace Negotiations

The missile strikes have further complicated fragile peace talks amid conflicting US pressures and regional demands.

• Senior US envoys, including retired Lt Gen Keith Kellogg, described recent London meetings as “candid, constructive and productive” even as key officials—Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff—abruptly stepped away.

• The current US-brokered peace process is under strain as Kyiv faces pressure to accept terms it deems unfavorable.

Russia’s Stark Irony

Even as Ukraine reels from the onslaught, Russian leaders persist with uncompromising demands that many see as a demand for total Ukrainian surrender.

• Kremlin spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that “Kyiv’s inability to negotiate is becoming increasingly obvious,” a remark that only deepens the hostilities.

• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha fired back, saying the brutal strikes prove that “Russia, not Ukraine, is the obstacle to peace.”

• Amid these high-stakes maneuvers, public sentiment remains sharply divided, reflecting the brutal realities of a prolonged conflict.

Analysis

If it feels like Putin is ramping up his attacks on Ukraine, you're not imagining things.

And honestly, it makes strategic sense for him—something we’ve covered before, but here’s a quick refresher for anyone new to Global Recap:

• Putin is aware that since Trump took office, the global tone has shifted from “everyone versus Russia” to “let’s strike a deal ASAP.”

• That shift means Putin wants leverage—he needs to walk into negotiations holding all the cards.

• So he’s going all-in now: causing maximum damage, grabbing as much ground as possible, and setting things up so he gives up the least when the talks finally begin.

🇨🇦 CANADA
Police Shooting at Pearson Airport

A man was fatally shot by police at Toronto Pearson Airport’s Terminal 1 after reportedly producing a firearm.

This caused a major emergency response but did not disrupt flights.

What Happened?

The shooting occurred early Thursday morning when police responded to a “man in distress” in an SUV at Terminal 1.

• The man, 30, allegedly displayed a firearm, prompting three officers to discharge their weapons.

• He was pronounced dead at the scene; no officers were injured.

• The shooting is considered an isolated incident with no public safety threats.

Witness Accounts

Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene as gunshots rang out.

• One witness heard “10 or more loud bangs” and saw police performing CPR on the man.

• Another witness noted blocked exits and a heavy police presence near the parking garage.

Impact on Airport Operations

Despite the dramatic events, flights and security wait times remained unaffected.

• Terminal 1 departures road was closed, but arrivals and parking remained accessible.

• Passengers were advised to expect delays and use alternate routes.

Investigation Underway

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is now examining the incident.

• The SIU investigates police conduct in cases involving death, serious injury, or firearm discharge.

• Evidence markers and a grey SUV were seen at the taped-off scene.

🇨🇳 CHINA
No Trade Talks with US

While the US keeps telling the public and the markets that trade talks with China are happening, China isn’t having it.

In fact, it’s flat-out denied any negotiations, dismissing the reports as “fake news.”

What China Said

Chinese officials were quick to shut down claims of trade discussions.

• Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated, “China and the United States have not held consultations or negotiations on the tariff issue, let alone reached an agreement.”

• Commerce ministry spokesman He Yadong added that any reports of progress in talks are “groundless and have no factual basis.”

The Bigger Picture

China’s stance reflects its frustration with US tariff measures.

• Officials emphasized that dialogue must be based on mutual respect.

• They urged the US to eliminate unilateral tariffs to resolve the issue.

So who’s telling the truth?