Putin evades arrest

Hi Global Recap readers,

We had some passionate responses to yesterday’s poll.

• A few people agreed that AfD is “far-right” and saw nothing wrong with that label. However, I’d argue that, much like “MAGA,” the term itself isn’t inherently negative, but mainstream media often use it with a negative connotation.

• It’s clear that labeling Trump supporters as “MAGA Republicans” or those concerned about immigration as “far-right” isn’t just about applying labels neutrally. Many, including myself, believe these terms have evolved into pejorative language over the years, and I think this is widely recognized.

But as always, to each their own—everyone’s experience with these terms can differ.

🇲🇳 MONGOLIA
Mongolia Didn’t Arrest Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Mongolia has stirred up quite the storm.

Despite being a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mongolia did not arrest Putin when he arrived late Monday, despite the ICC’s arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes.

ICC Obligations Ignored

Despite being a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mongolia did not arrest Putin, who is under an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes.

• Putin landed in Mongolia on Monday evening.

• The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023.

• Mongolia’s defiance could lead to legal consequences.

Legal and Political Fallout

Mongolia’s actions have caused a stir in the international community.

• The ICC and Ukraine have expressed their discontent.

• Legal experts warn of potential prosecution for Mongolia.

• The European Commission has called on Mongolia to meet its ICC obligations.

Russia’s Perspective

However, Russia seems unfazed by the situation.

• According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, it had “no worries” about the trip, as the Russian leadership had “a wonderful dialogue with [its] friends from Mongolia.”

• The visit is seen as a way to undermine the ICC.

• Russia also aims to strengthen ties with Mongolia.

Broader Implications

This incident could have wider repercussions.

• Human rights groups have criticized Mongolia’s decision.

• The visit undermines the ICC's authority, as its legitimacy depends on member states enforcing its rulings.

• It raises questions about the future of international law and justice.

🇧🇷 BRAZIL
Supreme Court Upholds X Ban

Brazil’s Supreme Court unanimously upheld the ban on X, formerly Twitter, for not appointing a legal representative in the country.

Origins of the Ban

The ban began on Saturday due to a dispute between Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and X’s owner, Elon Musk.

• Justice Moraes ordered the suspension of accounts spreading disinformation, mainly targeting supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro.

• Elon Musk criticized the ruling, calling it politically motivated and labeling Moraes as a “dictator.”

Starlink’s Stand

Despite the court order, SpaceX’s Starlink, partially owned by Musk, continues to operate in Brazil.

• Starlink informed Brazil’s telecom regulator, Anatel, of its intent to non-comply until the court releases its assets.

• Justice Moraes had frozen Starlink’s operations due to X’s $3 million in unpaid fines.

VPN Surge

The ban has driven a surge in VPN use among Brazilians, despite the risk of a R$50,000 ($8,910) daily fine.

• VPNMentor reported a demand increase as high as 1,600%.

• Many Brazilians are using VPNs to access X and other microblogging services like Bluesky and Threads.

Impact on Users

The ban has caused concern among Brazilians who feel excluded from global discourse.

• President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has moved his online presence to Bluesky and other networks.

• Many X users are calling the ban an attack on free speech.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Netanyahu’s Defiance Amid Crisis

Israel is in turmoil as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains defiant against calls for a ceasefire with Hamas, despite mounting protests and strikes.

Netanyahu’s Speech

Netanyahu delivered a speech, emphasizing the need for unity against Hamas.

• He rebuked protesters for straining social cohesion.

• The PM reiterated that Israel made concessions and even agreed to a US-led ceasefire, which Hamas rejected.

• Netanyahu argued that internal unity is crucial for victory in the war.

Hostage Crisis

The recent discovery of six hostages’ bodies has intensified public outrage.

• The hostages were discovered in a Gaza tunnel, shot in the back of the head.

• Critics argue that a truce could have saved the hostages.

• Funerals for the slain hostages drew vast crowds of mourners.

Union Strike Fizzles

Israel’s largest union strike aimed to push for a ceasefire but quickly ended due to a court order.

• The strike involved 800,000 members and affected schools, municipalities, transport, and hospitals.

• Unlike past protests, Netanyahu’s right-wing party remained united, with only Defense Minister Yoav Gallant dissenting.

🇹🇷 TURKEY
US Marines Attacked in Izmir

Two US Marines were assaulted by members of the Turkish Youth Union in Turkey, on Monday.

The Marines, part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, were on liberty when the incident occurred.

The Incident

• One Marine repeatedly shouted “Help!” while another had a bag placed over his head, as the crowd chanted “Yankee, go home!”

• The Marines managed to escape with the help of fellow Marines.

• They were screened at a local hospital and found to be uninjured.

Investigation

Local authorities and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are investigating.

• The US Embassy in Turkey thanked Turkish authorities for their rapid response.

• Izmir police detained 15 suspects involved in the incident.

• The Marines have returned to the USS Wasp.

Context

The Marines are part of the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group.

• The group is operating in the eastern Mediterranean Sea amid regional tensions.

• The USS Wasp had docked in Izmir just a day before the incident.

🇻🇪 VENEZUELA
US Seizes Maduro’s Plane

The US has seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s airplane, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Seizure Details

The US seized Maduro’s plane, a Dassault Falcon 900EX, in the Dominican Republic.

• The plane was purchased for $13 million through a shell company.

• It was illegally exported from the US to Venezuela in April 2023.

• The plane was used for Maduro’s international travels.

US Justification

US officials claim the seizure sends a strong message against corruption.

• Attorney General Merrick Garland stated the plane was illegally purchased.

• Homeland Security Investigations cited violations of US sanctions and other criminal matters.

• The plane’s last registered flight was from Caracas to Santo Domingo.

Venezuela’s Response

Venezuela condemned the seizure, calling it “piracy.”

• The Venezuelan government accused the US of escalating aggression.

• They claimed the US uses its power to intimidate other states.

• Venezuela suspended commercial flights to and from the Dominican Republic after the incident.

Broader Context

The seizure is part of ongoing US efforts to disrupt Maduro’s regime.

• US agencies have seized billions in assets linked to the Venezuelan government.

• Maduro and other officials face charges of narco-terrorism and corruption.

• Poor conditions in Venezuela have led to mass migration, affecting US politics.

Meanwhile…

• Meanwhile, in Venezuela, Venezuelan judge has issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader Edmundo González, who is widely believed to have won the recent presidential election against Nicolás Maduro.

• If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.

• María Corina Machado, in whose place González ran, denounced the arrest warrant.

• Both González and Machado are currently in hiding.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Deadly Missile Strike

In one of the deadliest Russian missile strikes in Ukraine, over 50 people died and more than 200 were left injured.

The Attack

On Tuesday, Two ballistic missiles hit a military academy and a nearby hospital in Poltava.

• The strike caused several stories of the academy to collapse.

• Shattered bricks and pools of blood were visible at the scene.

• The attack occurred as people were heading to bomb shelters.

Casualties

The death toll has reached 51, with 219 people wounded.

• Up to 18 people may still be buried under the rubble.

• Ten apartment buildings were damaged.

• Over 150 people donated blood to help the injured.

Official Responses

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and regional governor Filip Pronin have spoken out.

• Zelenskyy ordered an investigation and called for more military aid.

• Pronin announced three days of mourning and called the attack a “great tragedy.”

Historical Context

This is one of the deadliest strikes since the war began.

• Previous deadly attacks include a 2022 airstrike on a theater in Mariupol and a strike on a train station in Kramatorsk.

• The Russian military has a history of targeting civilian areas.