Zelensky’s message to Trump

Hi Global Recap readers,

Looking around, I noticed that the most peaceful people are those who treat geopolitics like a diet - best avoided.

As you probably know, diving into geopolitics is like trying to untangle one knot in a sea of knots. Just when you think you’ve detangled one, another pops up, grinning at you like a maniac.

Maybe the secret to happiness is simply logging off..?

🇫🇮 Finland
Finland Grants US Base Access

Finland has made a significant move by allowing the United States access to its military bases, a decision that has not gone unnoticed by Russia.

🔘 Agreement: The Finnish parliament approved a defense cooperation agreement with the US, signed in December 2023.

• This agreement opens 15 Finnish military facilities for potential use by the United States.

🔘 Response: Russia has vowed to respond to Finland’s decision, viewing it as a threat to its security.

🔘 NATO: Finland’s decision is part of its broader integration into NATO, having become a member in 2023.

• This move is seen as a step to strengthen its defense capabilities in collaboration with NATO allies.

🇺🇦 Ukraine
Zelenskyy to Trump: End the War

In his recent interview with Bloomberg, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has a clear message for Donald Trump: if he knows how to end the war in Ukraine, he should share his plan now, not wait until after the US presidential election.

🔘 Trump’s Stance: Trump has claimed he would settle the war between Putin and Zelenskyy before taking office if elected. However, he hasn’t publicly shared his plan.

• Trump mentioned he doesn’t accept Putin’s demand for Ukraine to surrender four regions but is considering a deal involving NATO’s non-expansion into Ukraine and Georgia.

🔘 Urgency: Zelensky insists that any plan, even if not public due to the elections, should be communicated to Ukraine to allow for adequate preparation.

• Zelensky wants to know if the US will continue its powerful support after the November election.

• He stressed that Ukraine needs to be prepared for any risks to its independence and statehood.

🇨🇳🇷🇺 China & Russia
Xi and Putin Meet at the Central Asian Summit

On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Kazakhstan for a summit aimed at countering U.S.-led “hegemony” on the world stage.

🔘 Context: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit serves as a platform for China and Russia to discuss Eurasian security concerns and promote multilateralism.

• The SCO, established in 2001, includes China, Russia, and several Central Asian countries.

• The summit aims to strengthen cooperation among member countries.

🔘 Stability: Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin praised their countries’ partnership as a stabilizing force in a turbulent world. They highlighted the SCO’s role in promoting a fair multipolar world order.

• Xi called Putin an “old friend” and stressed the importance of their strategic cooperation.

• Putin emphasized that their cooperation is not aimed against anyone but is in the interests of their people.

🔘 Expansion: The SCO is growing, with new members like Belarus set to join.

• This expansion highlights the group’s growing influence and the desire for alternative international platforms, independent of US dominance.

• The summit included observer states like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, showing the broadening scope of the SCO.

🔘 Challenges: Despite their unity, China and Russia face significant pressure from the West over their regional policies.

• The SCO’s members have diverse interests, particularly in Central Asia, where China and Russia compete for influence.

• The region is crucial for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, while Russia seeks to maintain its historical influence.

🇺🇸 United States
House Democrats in Panic

House Democrats are in a state of panic following President Joe Biden’s poor debate performance, fearing it could jeopardize their chances in the 2024 election.

🔘 Panic: House Democrats are increasingly worried about Biden’s ability to lead a successful campaign.

• Multiple drafts of letters are circulating, with some calling for Biden to end his campaign.

• Members are discussing their concerns privately, with a shift in tone in public statements.

🔘 Frustration: Democrats are frustrated with Biden’s response and his campaign’s damage control efforts.

• Biden’s close circle and lack of outreach have deepened credibility concerns.

• Some Democrats have publicly urged Biden to step down, while others are worried about down-ballot effects.

🔘 Action: Despite there being a growing sense of urgency among House Democrats to take action, Biden has announced additional campaign stops and a press conference to reassure voters.

As reported yesterday, even Hunter Biden has been attending White House meetings to “assist” President Biden. In these dangerous times of wars and conflicts, is President Biden truly fit for the presidency?

🇮🇱 Israel
Israel and Hamas Ceasefire Talks

Israel and Hamas are on the verge of a potential ceasefire and hostage release agreement.

🔘 Negotiations: Israeli officials believe Hamas’ latest response could lead to detailed negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

• However, the agreement is not yet finalized and will require several weeks of difficult negotiations.

🔘 Approval: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must approve moving to the next phase of negotiations.

• This phase will involve deciding the identities of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

• Israeli negotiators will meet with the country's political leadership, including the PM, in the coming days to decide whether to proceed with detailed negotiations.

🔘 Mediation: The Mossad, Israel’s intelligence service, confirmed that Egyptian and Qatari mediators have submitted Hamas’ latest response to Israel.

• Israel is currently evaluating the remarks and will convey its reply to the mediators soon.

🇮🇱 Israel
Hezbollah Commander Killed

Tensions are escalating between Israel and Hezbollah after a senior Hezbollah commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike.

🔘 Airstrike: Israel conducted an airstrike in southern Lebanon, killing Muhammad Nimah Nasser, a senior Hezbollah commander.

• This strike is part of ongoing conflicts along the Israel-Lebanon border.

• Nasser was a high-ranking official in Hezbollah, involved in numerous attacks against Israel.

• The airstrike also killed another Hezbollah fighter and a civilian.

🔘 Retaliation: In response to the airstrike, Hezbollah fired over 100 rockets at northern Israel.

• The rockets targeted areas in the Galilee Panhandle and the northern Golan Heights.

• Most rockets struck open areas, causing no injuries.

🔘 Diplomacy: Diplomatic efforts are intensifying to prevent a full-scale war.

• French President Emmanuel Macron urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to avoid further escalation.

• US envoy Amos Hochstein is also involved in diplomatic talks to ease tensions.