US launches ICBM

Hi Global Recap readers,

Remember yesterday’s newsletter?

We covered how the US removed a statement from the State Department website saying they don’t support Taiwan’s independence—calling it just a “routine” update.

Seemed plausible, right? Just a wording tweak.

Well, now they’ve launched a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile—and guess what?

Same excuse: “just routine.”

Analysts, though, aren’t buying it. They think this was a message to Russia, which recently deployed its own nukes. 👇️ 

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
US Launches
Hypersonic Missile

In the face of heightened tensions around the globe, the US Air Force launched a hypersonic missile to show off their nuclear muscle.

Missile Test Details

On February 20, 2025, the US Air Force launched a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

• The missile zipped across the sky at 15,000 miles per hour, reaching a test range near Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.

• It covered the 4,200-mile journey in about 22 minutes.

• The purpose? To demonstrate that the US nuclear deterrent is “safe, secure, reliable, and effective.”

Timing & Context

Interestingly, this test came just hours after Russia deployed its own “Yars” ICBM for combat training.

• The US Air Force insists this was a scheduled exercise, not a reaction to current events.

• The timing, however, has not gone unnoticed, given the escalating tension with Russia and China.

Official Statements

US officials are keen on reassuring both allies and adversaries of their missile prowess.

• Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth said, “Today’s Minuteman III test launch is just one of the ways the Department of the Air Force demonstrates the readiness, precision, and professionalism of US nuclear forces.”

Missile Capabilities

Let’s not forget what the Minuteman III (officially designated as the LGM-30G) is packing.

• It’s designed to hit targets worldwide in just 30 minutes after launch.

• It can carry three Mk 12A nuclear warheads, each packing up to 350,000 tons of TNT—though the test missile was unarmed.

• The missile will be replaced by the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM by 2029, extending capabilities through 2075.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Trump Slams Zelenskyy
As “Dictator”

I was casually scrolling online when I noticed "Dictator" was trending.

Sure enough, it was about Trump—again.

This time, he took to Truth Social to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and a “modestly successful comedian” who “duped” the US out of billions.

Trump's Claims

• He accused Zelenskyy of tricking the US into spending $350 billion to support Ukraine.

• Trump insists that half of the aid was “MISSING.”

Response from Zelenskyy

Unsurprisingly, Zelenskyy isn't taking Trump's jabs lying down.

• Zelenskyy fired back, saying Trump was “surrounded by misinformation.”

• This exchange happened as Trump’s team met with Russia to discuss ending the war without Ukraine present.

US Allies' Concerns

International reactions to Trump's comments have been heated.

• Former US Ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder said Trump’s actions resemble a “preemptive surrender.”

• European leaders are scrambling to form their own Ukraine policies, with some openly rejecting Trump's stance.

Approval Rating Claim

Despite President Trump’s claims, President Zelenskyy’s approval rating reportedly sits around 57%.

• Maybe Trump has different data, but that’s the widely accepted number.

• As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, postponing elections during wartime isn’t unusual—Britain did the same in WWII.

• That said, there could be other reasons for Zelenskyy’s delay:

  • Concern over a pro-Russian politician gaining power.

  • Maintaining national morale and stability.

  • Fear of personal risks—whether physical, legal, or otherwise—once he’s out of office.

Political Reactions at Home

Back in the US, Trump's remarks have sparked a mix of outrage and defense.

• John Bolton labeled Trump’s comments as “shameful.”

• Some Republicans clarified that only Putin is to blame for the war, namely Trump’s former VP, Mike Pence. He clapped back at Trump on X, but, predictably, Trump supporters flooded the replies, telling him to sit down.

Online

There are clips circulating where users claim Ukrainians are posting angry videos criticizing Trump and Americans.

• However, be cautious—many Russian propaganda accounts are known to pose as Ukrainians to spread inflammatory content. Some might be legit, but always stay sharp, please.

  • Honestly, this is probably Russia’s best shot at shifting US public opinion, so expect a heavy push in online propaganda.

• Although I cannot verify the authenticity of the video below, one things for sure—US commenters are angry.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
“Dangerous” Chinese
Navy Maneuvers

US slammed “dangerous” Chinese navy helicopter maneuvers.

In a statement on February 19, 2025, the United States condemned a Chinese navy helicopter's reckless maneuvers that endangered a Philippine aircraft patrolling the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

Dangerous Maneuvers

This statement follows an incident over the Scarborough Shoal.

• The Chinese navy helicopter performed dangerous flight maneuvers near a Philippine government aircraft.

• These actions endangered the lives of the pilots and passengers.

• Manila plans to file a diplomatic protest against China’s reckless behavior.

US Condemnation

The US quickly condemned the reckless maneuvers and calling for peaceful dispute resolution.

• US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson urged China to “refrain from coercive actions.”

• She emphasized the need for settling disputes peacefully and in line with international law.

China’s Response

China didn't take long to hit back, refuting the accusations and shifting the blame onto the Philippines.

• China claimed the Philippine aircraft “illegally intruded” into its airspace.

• They accused the Philippines of spreading false narratives about the incident.

Historical Dispute

The Scarborough Shoal, or Bajo de Masinloc, as Manila calls it, was named after a British merchant ship, the Scarborough. It was grounded here on September 12, 1748.

• China’s expansive claim over the South China Sea was invalidated by a 2016 arbitration ruling, but Beijing doesn't recognize this decision. 🤦 

Tensions Rise

These incidents have only heightened tensions between Beijing and Manila, with other regional players closely watching the developments.

• The South China Sea remains a vital waterway, crucial for over $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce.

• Disputes involve not just the Philippines, but also Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, all contesting China’s sweeping claims.

🇵🇭 PHILIPPINES
Duterte’s Impeachment

Sara Duterte, the Philippines’ vice president, is in hot water and turning to the Supreme Court for help.

On February 18, 2025, she asked the Supreme Court to annul her own impeachment and block the Senate trial scheduled for June 2…

Who is Sara Duterte?

But first, for those who aren’t familiar with her:

Sara Duterte is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. She has been a prominent figure in Philippine politics for years.

• Early Career: Sara served as Vice Mayor of Davao City from 2007 to 2010 and then as Mayor from 2010 to 2013.

• Vice Presidency: She was elected as Vice President in 2022 and served as Secretary of Education until July 2024.

• Political Feud: Sara’s relationship with President Marcos has deteriorated, with both sides trading accusations.

Impeachment Battle

The House of Representatives impeached her on February 5.

• The House accused her of plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and large-scale corruption.

• The impeachment complaint moved quickly, with Duterte’s legal team arguing the process was “procedurally defective.”

Accusations

The charges against Duterte are intense, to say the least.

• She allegedly threatened to assassinate President Marcos, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez during a November 23 online conference.

• She is also accused of misuing intelligence funds as both vice president and education secretary has also been thrown into the mix.

Political Persecution?

Duterte’s lawyers argue this impeachment is more about eliminating her as a 2028 presidential contender than justice.

• Lawyer Israelito Torreon called it “political persecution.”

• He claimed the complaint reached the Senate too swiftly for thorough review by House members.

Duterte-Marcos Feud

The fallout between Duterte and Marcos is no secret, but it’s getting uglier by the day.

• Their 2022 election alliance disintegrated last year, with Duterte stepping down as education secretary.

• Marcos has openly criticized Duterte’s father’s bloody anti-drug crackdown and failure to denounce China’s actions in the South China Sea.

What’s Next?

• The Senate trial is slated for June.

• If convicted, Duterte would be barred from holding any public office.