Ukraine: Giving Up Land

Hi Global Recap readers,

I think it’s safe to say that the whole "Ukraine as the last stand for Western freedom and democracy" narrative has lost steam over the years—much more dramatically so after Trump took office.

💡 Please remember: this doesn’t mean Ukraine’s survival isn’t important. Just pointing out the clearly evident shift in sentiment.

Maybe President Zelenskyy feels it too, since he's now proposing to trade one region to reclaim other parts of Ukraine still under Russian control.

Here’s what’s going on. 👇️ 

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Zelenskyy’s Land Swap Proposal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a plan to exchange territory with Russia in an effort to end the ongoing war.

He’s ready to make a deal if US President Donald Trump can bring both countries to the negotiating table.

The Big Trade Offer

• He’s willing to give up part of the Kursk region, held since Ukraine’s surprise August incursion into Russia.

• In return, Ukraine wants Russian-occupied areas back but Zelenskyy hasn’t specified which ones, emphasizing, “all our territories are important, there is no priority.”

Trump’s Role

President Trump believes he can end the war and has made some progress in talks with Putin.

• Trump claims Putin “wants people to stop dying in the war” and acknowledges that concessions will be needed from both sides.

• While Trump’s team is optimistic, the challenge remains in convincing both nations to reach an agreement.

Russia's Relentless Attacks

Despite peace talk efforts, Russia continues aggressive actions against Ukraine.

• Recent drone attacks have targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

• Russian forces have advanced in the Donetsk region and captured an additional 3,600 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory last year.

• Currently, Russia controls about 20 percent of Ukraine.

Russian Response

You’d think Russia would be all for this concession, but their response is surprisingly cold.

• Maria Zakharova, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, dismissed the land swap idea, suggesting it’s a distraction from Ukraine’s military struggles in Kursk.

• Russia remains skeptical, focusing on its military gains rather than diplomatic negotiations.

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA
Nurses' Antisemitic Video

Two Sydney nurses have been “stood down” after a video emerged where they threatened to refuse treatment and kill Israeli patients.

Terrifying Video

Two New South Wales (NSW) hospital workers were identified as the individuals in the viral video.

• The video was published by Israeli content creator Max Veifer.

• Veifer conducted an online conversation with the nurses on a video chat platform.

• The man and woman in the video made some wildly disturbing threats against Israeli patients. Just imagine if Jewish individuals made such threats.

Key Points

• The man identified himself as a doctor and expressed anti-Israeli sentiments.

• The woman stated she would “kill” any Israeli patients at the hospital.

• Claims were made about sending Israeli patients to "Jahannam" (hell).

Government Action

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park immediately reacted to the controversial video.

• Both nurses were “stood down” immediately.

• Park described the behavior as “vile, disgusting and appalling.”

Investigation and Apologies

An investigation by NSW Police and NSW Healthcare Complaints Commission is underway.

• NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce expressed her shock and offered apologies to the Jewish community.

• Park assured that the nurses would not work for NSW Health again if the investigation confirms the allegations.

More Condemnation

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the footage “sickening and shameful.”

• Federal Health Minister Mark Butler and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke released a joint statement, calling the video “chilling and vile.”

🇬🇧 ENGLAND
Church Rejects
Independent Safeguarding

The Church of England’s ruling body has shot down the idea of a fully independent safeguarding model to deal with abuse cases. Instead, they’ve opted for a “way forward in the short term” approach, leaving many disappointed.

So, what’s all this about?

Brief Background

The vote comes as the Church of England faces a major scandal over its handling of abuse allegations.

• Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned in late 2024 after backlash over his failure to act on historic abuse cases—particularly those involving John Smyth, a barrister accused of abusing boys at Christian camps in the 1970s and 1980s.

• Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell is under pressure to resign, with critics accusing him of failing to rebuild trust and facing scrutiny over his links to another abuse case.

The Decision

The governing body decided against a fully independent safeguarding model.

• The alternative proposal, which keeps diocesan and cathedral safeguarding officers in their roles, was chosen.

• The goal is to “eventually” move to full independence, but for now, this is the temporary fix.

Reactions from Experts

Prof. Alexis Jay, who backed the independent model, called the decision “deeply disappointing.”

• Prof. Jay warned that victims and survivors would be devastated, with trust and confidence not being restored.

• Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell expressed support for independence in safeguarding but lamented the decision’s “two-stage” process.

Opposing Views

• Bishop of Blackburn Philip North tabled the amendment, arguing the simpler model could be implemented more quickly.

• He described the fully independent model as “eye-wateringly complex,” potentially taking years to implement.

Campaigners’ Condemnation

The decision has been met with strong condemnation from campaigners.

• Lucy Duckworth from the Survivors Trust called it a “devastating blow” for victims and survivors of clerical abuse.

• Andrew Graystone, a victim and survivors' advocate, accused church leaders of “shocking arrogance.”

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Israel Backs
Trump’s Ultimatum

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed that he backs US President Donald Trump’s demand: Hamas must release “all” hostages by Saturday noon or face resumption of attacks.

Netanyahu’s Bold Stance

Netanyahu announced unanimous cabinet support for Trump's ultimatum against Hamas.

• If Hamas fails to comply by the Saturday deadline, Israel will end the current ceasefire and resume intense military operations.

• Netanyahu has already ordered the IDF to prepare for intensified combat, indicating Israel’s seriousness.

Hamas’ Delayed Release

The ultimatum didn’t come from nowhere of course.

• Hamas announced it would delay the next planned release of hostages, accusing Israel of ceasefire violations.

• They accuse Israel of delaying the return of displaced persons to northern Gaza and preventing relief supplies from entering.

• The ceasefire agreement includes the release of 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, with five swaps carried out so far.

🇯🇴 JORDAN
King Abdullah’s
Stance on Gaza

After a recent meeting with Trump at the White House, Jordan's King Abdullah II reiterated his country’s “steadfast opposition” to moving Palestinians out of Gaza.

The king emphasized that Jordan’s stability and the well-being of Jordanians are his top priorities.

Meeting Highlights

King Abdullah II and President Trump’s meeting took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

• The king firmly opposed Trump's plan to resettle millions of Palestinians out of Gaza.

• However, Abdullah offered to take in 2,000 Palestinian children from Gaza who are very sick or have cancer, but remained against displacing larger numbers of Palestinians.

Trump's Perspective

That being said, President Trump is optimistic about progress toward his plan and believes it has a high chance of success.

• Trump mentioned that he expects cooperation from Egypt and other regional partners.

• He envisions the plan as a way to bring peace to the Middle East and create new jobs in the region.

Regional Opposition

Trump’s plan has faced significant opposition from Arab partners and world leaders.

• Both the Jordanian King Abdullah II and Egypt are critical of Trump's proposal.

• Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman also rejected the plan shortly after Trump's announcement.

Here’s Trump making it clear—the US isn’t “buying” Gaza; it will “have it.”

Jordan’s Situation

Jordan already hosts over 2 million Palestinian refugees and heavily relies on US aid.

• King Abdullah stressed the importance of prioritizing Jordan’s interests and stability.

• Trump's suggestion to withhold US aid was walked back during the discussions.