Putin "Agrees"

Hi Global Recap readers,

Yesterday, we discussed Putin’s visit to Kursk, where he urged his troops to drive out all Ukrainian forces.

Here’s what I think is behind it:

• Ukraine knows it needs to agree to a ceasefire if it wants to keep US support.

• They have to do it before Kursk falls to Russia because as long as they hold it, they can use it as leverage in peace talks.

• Putin knows this, and he wants to take this chip off the table.

• Putin’s aware of this, so he’s trying to remove that bargaining chip.

In short, Putin wants to stall (as Zelenskyy suggests), while Zelenskyy wants it done ASAP.

How is Putin trying to buy time? 👇️ 

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Putin Agrees to Ceasefire
in Principle

Vladimir Putin has said that he “agrees” with the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine—but, as always, there’s a catch. He’s raising questions about what happens during the truce and demanding conditions that could make the deal tricky.

Putin’s Conditions

Putin isn’t signing on without strings attached. He wants the ceasefire to address what he calls the “root causes” of the war.

• He insists Ukraine must stop mobilizing troops and training during the truce.

• He also questioned whether Ukrainian forces would use the pause to regroup.

• He’s also demanding that Kyiv halt military support from allies.

• Putin questions whether Ukrainian forces will leave Russian-claimed territories without a fight.

US and Ukraine’s Push

The US and Ukraine are pressing hard for the ceasefire, seeing it as a step toward peace.

• US envoy Steve Witkoff is in Moscow to talk with Russian officials.

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called Putin’s comments “manipulative” and accused Russia of stalling.

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ball is now in Russia’s court.

Kursk Region Tensions

The situation in Russia’s Kursk region is adding fuel to the fire.

• Ukrainian forces reportedly launched a cross-border incursion in August 2024.

• Russia claims to have retaken significant territory, including the town of Sudzha.

• Putin is concerned about letting Ukrainian forces leave without consequences.

US and Ukraine’s Stance

The US and Ukraine are cautiously optimistic but firm.

• Ukraine agreed to the ceasefire only if Russia abided by it.

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the ball is now in Russia’s court.

• A US special envoy is in Moscow to discuss the deal further.

• Discussions include territorial disputes and control over key infrastructure.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
200% Tariff

Yeah, you read that right—a 200% tariff on European wine and spirits.

French wine connoisseurs, brace yourselves.

The Big Picture

Trump’s proposed tariffs are a response to the European Union’s plan to tax American whiskey. This tit-for-tat trade spat has investors and businesses on edge.

So no, it’s not implemented yet. But now, the ball’s in the EU’s court.

• The EU’s countermeasures include a 50% duty on US bourbon, a significant hit for the industry.

• Trump’s tariffs aim to protect US industries but could lead to higher prices for consumers.

• As per usual, President Trump took to Truth Social to announce it.

Alcohol in the Crossfire

The trade war is hitting the alcohol industry hard.

• The EU accounts for 40% of US spirits exports, while the US takes in 31% of EU wine and spirits.

• Canadian retailers are also pulling American bourbon from shelves as tensions rise.

• Industry groups are urging leaders to de-escalate, calling the cycle of retaliation “unsustainable.”

Political and Economic Fallout

Trump’s aggressive trade policies are reshaping global markets and alliances.

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argues the EU has more to lose in this trade war.

• Economists warn that uncertainty could push the US closer to a recession.

• A recent poll shows 70% of Americans expect tariffs to make everyday purchases more expensive.

What’s Next?

Trump’s tariffs are set to take effect on April 2 unless a last-minute deal is reached.

🇮🇱🇸🇾 ISRAEL-SYRIA
Israel Strikes Damascus Suburbs

Israel launched an airstrike on a Damascus suburb, targeting a Palestinian group’s alleged headquarters. The strike is seen as a warning to Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The Airstrike

The attack marked Israel’s first strike on Damascus since Sharaa took control last December.

• Israel claimed the target was a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) headquarters.

• PIJ denied the claim, stating the building was empty.

• The strike injured three civilians, including one man in serious condition.

Israel’s Broader Strategy

This isn’t just a one-off attack—it’s part of a larger plan.

• Israel has ramped up military operations in Syria since Sharaa’s rise to power.

• It’s bombed Syrian military assets and expanded its presence in southern Syria.

• Israeli troops are reportedly engaging with local Druze communities, offering aid and promises of protection.

Political Implications

The strike sends a clear message to Sharaa and the region.

• Israel’s defense minister warned that “terrorist activity” against Israel would face swift retaliation.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
NATO Chief:
at the Oval Office

During his White House visit on Thursday, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte applauded Trump for pressuring alliance members to up their defense spending—despite Trump’s remarks sparking doubts about his commitment to NATO’s core principles.

But people are talking about something else too…

Trump’s NATO Influence

Mark Rutte didn’t hold back in applauding Trump’s efforts to get NATO members to step up their game.

• Rutte highlighted the European Commission’s call for $874 billion in new defense spending.

• The UK and Germany have also pledged to increase their defense budgets.

• Trump claims his tough talk during his first term is what got the ball rolling.

The 2% Spending Debate

Trump’s been vocal about NATO members meeting the 2% GDP defense spending target—but he thinks it’s still not enough.

• Last year, 23 out of 32 NATO nations hit the target.

• Trump insists his threats were the reason for this progress.

Controversy

In the usual Oval Office press chat (watch video above), Trump casually floated the idea of “sending more troops to Greenland.” Meanwhile, Rutte sat beside him, completely silent.

There are a few perspectives:

• Rutte interpreted it as a joke.

• Some think he was having flashbacks to the brutal Trump-Zelenskyy showdown that birthed a million memes—like this one. (AI is getting out of hand) 🤣

• Others say he was just being diplomatic, saving his real thoughts for a private discussion.

• Then there’s the camp that believes he stayed quiet out of fear—worried that one wrong word could push the US toward pulling out of NATO, a risk the alliance simply can’t afford.