Moscow Terrorist Attack

Author

Global Recap
March 22, 2024 • Read in: 7 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

You may think the Russia-Ukraine war is contained enough to not warrant alarm.

Well, this new report suggests that it might come knocking sooner than you expect. 👇

(⏰ Reading Time: 6 mins)

RUSSIA

Moscow Terrorist Attack

A devastating terror attack has struck a Moscow concert hall, resulting in numerous casualties and chaos.

  • 🔥 Carnage. Gunmen in combat fatigues unleashed a barrage of bullets and explosives, causing a fiery inferno and mass panic among concertgoers.

  • 🚨 Casualties. Unofficial reports suggest that at least a dozen people have been killed, with many more injured. The Russian news agency 112 estimates as high as 40 deaths and 100 injured. These numbers are continuing to change as I am writing.

At the time of writing, there are rumors about:

  • The shooters being Islamic extremists

  • The attack being a false flag operation by the FSB to justify mass mobilization. This lines up with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s recent change of labeling, calling the Russia-Ukraine conflict a war instead of a special military operation. See below for more.

Viewer discretion advised

RUSSIA

Report: War on Shorter Timeline for NATO

Russia’s military is preparing for a potential large-scale conflict with NATO sooner than anticipated, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

Russia’s military maneuvers suggest an impending large-scale conflict with NATO.

  • 📈 Expansion. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu plans to form new military divisions and brigades, indicating a ramp-up in conventional capabilities.

  • ⏰ Countdown. Polish President Andrzej Duda urges NATO to increase defense spending urgently, hinting at a possible confrontation within the next few years.

Don’t worry. The report states a war is not imminent, but “likely on a shorter timeline.”

Here’s the full report.

RUSSIA

Special Military Operation, No More?

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declares Russia in “a state of war” with Ukraine, marking a significant shift from the previous “special military operation” narrative.

  • 🚫 Censorship. This stands in stark contrast to the Kremlin’s censorship measures. In 2022, the Russian parliament enacted a law that essentially prohibited individuals from spreading “fake news” about the war - effectively making it illegal to describe the conflict as anything other than a “special military operation.”

    • In 2022, Putin slipped up and called the conflict a war.

    • Following this, a Russian lawmaker, Nikita Yuferev, called for Putin to be held accountable.

  • 🤔 Speculation. Observers suggest Peskov’s statement might hint at Russia preparing for increased mobilization efforts.

Is this a prelude to escalation?

UN

Ceasefire Vetoed Again

The U.N. resolution for an immediate Gaza ceasefire was vetoed by Russia and China, with the U.S. resolution falling short of unanimous approval.

  • 🚫 Opposition. Russia and China vetoed the U.S.-backed resolution, citing its politicized nature.

    • Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the U.S. of “misleading the international community” for politicized reasons and questioned the resolution’s language.

    • China’s Ambassador Zhang Jun criticized the council for dragging its feet and wasting time.

  • 🤝 E-10 Support. The “E-10” group of non-permanent Council members proposed an alternative draft, garnering widespread support for an immediate ceasefire.

  • 📜 Result. 11 in favor to 3 against (Algeria, China, Russia) and 1 abstention (Guyana).

MIDDLE EAST

U.S. Pushes Back on Rafah Assault

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned against a major Israeli ground assault on Rafah, emphasizing its potential mistake and unnecessary nature for defeating Hamas.

  • 🕊️ Diplomacy. Blinken advocated for an “immediate, sustained ceasefire” and the release of Israeli hostages, highlighting progress in indirect negotiations mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar.

  • 🚫 Opposition. Despite international disapproval and potential civilian catastrophe, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains determined to proceed with the Rafah operation.

CANADA

Canada Cuts Temp Residents

Canada’s immigration minister, Marc Miller, announced a reduction in temporary residents over three years, starting this September.

  • 📉 Reduction. The cap will decrease the number of temporary residents to 5% of the population, a drop from the current 6.2%. This is the first time in Canada’s history such limits were imposed.

  • 🏠 Housing Crisis. This policy shift aims to address the affordability and housing crisis, with a focus on “sustainable” growth.

  • 🛠️ Exceptions. Construction and healthcare sectors will be exempt from the cap until at least August 31, due to labor shortages.