Putin "endorses" Kamala

Hi Global Recap readers,

Yes, you read that right.

Some Kamala Harris supporters might be ironically cheering Putin’s endorsement of her, but let’s pause for a second:

• First off, do you really want to celebrate an endorsement from a dictator?

• Wait till you hear why he actually prefers her.

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Putin Trolls US

Russian President Vladimir Putin trolled the US by making playful remarks about the US presidential election, expressing a preference for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump.

• Why? Of course, it’s because of her “infectious” laugh and brat energy.

• Also, he called President Biden the Acting President.

Putin’s Preference

Putin humorously stated that Russia supports Kamala Harris for the US presidency.

• He mentioned her “infectious” laugh as a reason for his preference.

• Putin made the comment during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Thursday.

• This comment came after the US charged two Russian media executives with attempting to influence the election.

Previous Comments

Putin has made several remarks about US candidates.

• Earlier this year, he jokingly preferred Joe Biden over Trump, calling Biden a more predictable “old school” politician.

• However, US intelligence believes Russia actually favors Trump due to his stance on Ukraine.

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Mercenary Leader Doubles Down on Coup Call Against Putin

A Russian private military commander has publicly criticized Vladimir Putin, blaming him for Russia’s military failures and economic troubles, and even calling for a coup against him.

Zakrevsky’s Criticism

In a video posted on social media in August, Georgy Zakrevsky, founder of the Paladin PMC, called for the overthrow of Putin.

• He blames Putin for military failures in Ukraine and Russia’s economic and social issues.

Mixed Responses

The militia’s spokesperson initially denied the criticism, saying that the video was “maliciously doctored,” but later doubled down and admitted it still reflects Zakrevsky’s views.

• When pressed by Express whether Zakrevsky has faith in the Russian leadership, they enigmatically said “draw your own conclusions.”

• The spokesperson’s inconsistent responses highlight internal conflicts. Maybe he doesn’t want to be in an “accident” like the former Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Growing Dissatisfaction

Experts suggest Zakrevsky’s outburst indicates growing dissatisfaction among Russia’s security elites.

• Professor Mark Galeotti notes increasing fragmentation within Russia’s security apparatus.

• The lack of action against Zakrevsky shows the Kremlin’s fear of backlash.

Coup Possibilities

While a coup seems unlikely, certain triggers could change that.

• Potential triggers include Putin’s illness or an economic crisis.

• Any coup would likely involve multiple state agencies working together.

🇩🇪 GERMANY
Munich Shooting Near Israeli Consulate

A gunman opened fire near the Israeli consulate in Munich on the 52nd anniversary of the 1972 Olympics terror attack.

The shooter was killed by police, and no one else was hurt.

Incident Details

An 18-year-old Austrian man opened fire near the Israeli consulate.

• The suspect was carrying an old firearm with a bayonet.

• He was killed by police after an exchange of shots.

• No other suspects were involved.

Possible Motive

Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack.

• The suspect was known to security authorities as an Islamist.

• He lived near the Austria-Germany border and had recently traveled to Germany.

Historical Context

The shooting occurred on a significant anniversary.

• The consulate was closed for the annual ceremony commemorating the 1972 Munich Olympics attack.

• President Isaac Herzog thanked German security forces for their swift action.

🇨🇳 CHINA
China Pledges $51 Billion to Africa

China is stepping up its game in Africa with a huge $51 billion pledge over the next three years.

Financial Support

China is offering nearly $51 billion in financial assistance to Africa over three years.

• This includes 360 billion yuan ($50.76 billion) in financial aid.

• 210 billion yuan ($29.61 billion) will be disbursed through credit lines.

• At least 70 billion yuan ($9.87 billion) will come from fresh investments by Chinese companies.

• Chinese President Xi Jinping made this announcement on Thursday, promising more infrastructure projects and job creation.

Infrastructure and Jobs

Xi promises three times more infrastructure projects than the last summit.

• China aims to create at least 1 million jobs in Africa.

• The focus will be on industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and investment.

New Initiatives

China is pushing for more advanced and green technologies in Africa.

• 30 clean energy projects are planned.

• Cooperation on nuclear technology is on the table.

• A network of land and sea links is proposed for coordinated development.

Debt and Ratings

The new Action Plan includes terms for debt repayment postponements.

• The plan calls for the establishment of an African ratings agency, as the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns of social unrest in African countries due to inadequate debt relief.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Ukraine’s Reasons for Kursk Incursion

Ukraine’s army chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, shared insights on a daring cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region to thwart a planned Russian offensive.

Kursk Operation Success

As suspected, he stated that Ukraine’s surprise attack on Kursk was a strategic move to disrupt Russian plans.

• The operation reduced the threat of a Russian offensive and moved the fighting to enemy territory.

• Key objectives included creating a security zone and boosting Ukrainian morale.

Challenges and Strategy

Despite being outgunned, Ukraine’s forces have adapted to fight smarter.

• Ukraine faces immense pressure, especially around Pokrovsk, but has stalled Russian advances.

• The country leverages advanced drone technology and high-tech weaponry.

Recruitment and Training

Ukraine’s new recruits face challenges due to rapid deployment.

• A controversial mobilization law requires all men aged 18-60 to register for military service.

• New soldiers receive limited training before heading to the frontlines.

Western Support

Syrskyi emphasized the importance of Western assistance.

• Delays in US military aid caused setbacks, but support remains crucial.

• Syrskyi thanked Western allies, stating, “Together we are stronger. Together we can win.”