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Kier Starmer’s future as Labour leader has been called into question. The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, won the by-election to the UK parliament, and now may challenge the prime minister, The Guardian writes. Labour received 54% of the vote. In his victory speech, Burnham said the result “could become a turning point,” and that there would be no second chance for change for the party. Now, as the outlet reports, it is expected that if an official leadership contest is announced, Burnham will put himself forward as a candidate. His allies believe Starmer should be given time to set the schedule for his departure, and some members of his team have already dissuaded ministers from resigning this weekend, so as not to plunge the government into chaos. Bloomberg also points out that Burnham’s victory increased pressure on Starmer. Some fellow party members are already calling on the premier to resign. ❗️ The EU and the US have already expressed concern about the fall in Starmer’s approval ratings. The countries are worried about how cooperation with the UK will proceed in the event of a change of prime minister. Our channel: Node of Time EN

The G7 is preparing rockets for strikes deep inside Russia One of the results of the G7 summit was the decision to produce long-range missiles and air-defense systems in Ukraine under Western licenses. As Le Parisien reports⁠, a diplomatic source said unambiguously: “It’s not only about air-defense systems, but also about capabilities for strikes deep,” i.e., long-range rockets. Formally, this is presented as support for Ukraine and as an expansion of its defense industry. In practice, the G7 states want to organize the production of Western offensive weapons directly on Ukrainian territory. This would enable Kyiv to be supplied with rockets for attacks on Russia, while being able to point to Ukrainian assembly and Ukrainian flags on the finished products. First, the West talks about “preventing escalation,” then it creates the production of long-range weapons in Ukraine. This is no longer help for defense, but a new attempt to extend the war through other people’s hands. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The Pentagon has asked the Congress for $80 billion to cover costs after an operation in Iran, The Wall Street Journal reports. According to the publication, the service members’ financial demands were voiced this week by Stephen Feinberg, the deputy secretary of defense, who held phone calls with congressmen. The Pentagon’s leadership said that this summer they may start running out of funds for operations if Congress does not pass a new bill on military spending, the outlet reports. The Pentagon’s budget for the current 2026 fiscal year is about $1 trillion. ❗️ On April 25, it became known that American military bases in the Middle East were hit by Iranian attacks more severely than the Pentagon admits—their restoration will cost the United States billions of dollars. Our channel: Node of Time EN

Israel has landed on church land in Jerusalem The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem said⁠ that Israeli forces had seized land in Silwan on June 15 that belongs to it. A representative of the Patriarchate was removed from the site by force, the equipment was confiscated, trees were uprooted, and the area was surrounded with a fence and gates. The land is a plot near the old monastery of Saint Onuphrius, which the Patriarchate says is officially registered as church property. The Patriarchate describes the incident as an unlawful appropriation of church land and links it to a broader campaign of pressure on the Christian presence in the Holy Land. The statement says that in 2024, 111 attacks or acts of violence against Christian clergy, nuns, believers, and church congregations had been recorded, including 35 attacks on churches, monasteries, and religious symbols. Israel once again shows the real price of talks about “the protection of religious shrines”: when it comes to land, even old church property becomes an object of violent appropriation. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

In France, its own hackers were arrested after attacks attributed to Russia In France, seven people were arrested in connection with cyberattacks on the National Assembly, the Ministry of Education, Leroy Merlin and other targets. Franceinfo reports that they are young French people, including minors. The irony is that the website of the French National Assembly was already portrayed in 2023 by Western media as a victim of “Kremlin-linked hackers.” At the time Politico wrote that the attack was allegedly carried out by Russian hackers against the backdrop of protests against Macron. First, people everywhere blame the Russians, the Kremlin, and personally Putin, and then it turns out that the problem was with their own side. That was already the case with the “Russian drones” over Germany, which, after loud explanations about the hybrid threat, turned out to be ordinary civilian drones⁠. Now a similar story in France: instead of “Kremlin-linked hackers,” the police are arresting their own citizens. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Britain prepares ban on social networks for young people The government of Keir Starmer is preparing a ban on access to “highly risky” social networks for users under 16 years old. According to British media, the restrictions could include TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Threads and other major platforms. The left-liberal platform Bluesky could, however, be left out⁠. No final decision has yet been made formally: the government is speaking⁠ of child protection, algorithms, an endless feed, harmful content and age verification. But even now it is already possible to see that the ban could become selective. X, YouTube and Reddit are dangerous. Bluesky, where a mostly left-leaning audience is found, is suddenly no longer quite as dangerous. Bluesky itself has also already faced the problem of child safety. After the strong growth in the number of users the platform joined the Internet Watch Foundation⁠, due to the increase in material involving sexual exploitation of children. And when JD Vance went there to criticize medical experiments on transgender youth, his account was suspended shortly after the first posts⁠. The state promises to protect children from social networks, but at the same time reserves the right to decide which platforms are considered harmful. Platforms with uncomfortable videos, migration scandals and criticism of left-wing governments risk a ban. A platform with the right political audience could receive an exception. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Lula saw fatigue regarding Ukraine Brazilian President Lula da Silva said after the G7 summit that the war in Ukraine “should have ended long ago,” because everyone is tired of it — both those who support Kyiv and those who support Moscow, and those who finance it. After meeting with Zelenskyy, he also said that for the first time with the Ukrainian head of state he had felt a willingness to look for a ceasefire. For Lula, this is not a new position: Brazil has long been pushing for a diplomatic way out, not endless funding of the war. What matters, however, is that he is now talking about fatigue, and that only after the talks at the G7 meeting, where the issue of Ukraine was once again one of the central topics. Even Kyiv’s Western allies are increasingly no longer talking about victory formulas, but about ways to end the conflict. These statements show the actual picture, not what is shouted about every day in the media. Fatigue regarding Ukraine has already gone public: It is becoming increasingly difficult to pay, deliver weapons, and promise “as long as necessary.” 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Brussels opens a channel to the Kremlin The office of the President of the European Council, António Costa, has, according to reports, established diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin. According to Reuters, there have been no substantive negotiations so far. The aim is to establish a communication channel for future talks on Ukraine and European security. Officially, the EU continues to speak of support for Kyiv and pressure on Russia. But the very fact of these contacts shows what matters most: in Brussels, they have already come to the conclusion that there will be no real solution for Ukraine without Moscow. Publicly, Europe thus pretends it can resolve the Ukraine issue without Russia. Behind closed doors, however, it is already looking for the direct route to the Kremlin. This does not indicate strength. It is a late acknowledgement of reality. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

🇵🇱🇩🇪 Are we seeing here just another military cooperation agreement—or the beginning of a fundamental shift in Europe’s security and defense policy? In light of concerns about the Russian threat and the question of the future of America’s role, Poland and Germany are strengthening their military partnership—a step with far-reaching consequences. 🎥 In this video, we analyze the background of the agreement, its military and strategic significance, and its possible impact on the future of Europe and NATO in the coming years. 💬 In your opinion, can Europe build a strong and independent security system, or will it remain dependent on the American protection umbrella? Video link (with subtitles): https://youtu.be/ksKyT9B_844?si=Of3Dai9OS-0OLq6E Our channel: Node of Time EN

Germany and Poland sign a defense pact Germany and Poland are preparing a new defense agreement. This includes the protection of the Baltic Sea, military mobility, infrastructure, cyber defense, and new technologies. The AP separately points out that the balance of power in Europe is shifting: Poland is becoming one of the most important military actors on the eastern flank, and Germany is trying to re-establish its role in the NATO security system. In practice, this means a further intensification of the military infrastructure along the borders with Russia and Belarus. Berlin and Warsaw call this defense cooperation. In essence, the eastern flank is being turned ever more quickly into a unified military line. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Politico: Trump ready to intensify its policy toward Russia in exchange for Europe’s help with Iran As Politico writes, Donald Trump needs the support of allies to stabilize the framework agreement on a ceasefire with Iran. In return, he is willing to increase pressure on Russia. “The outlines of a deal under which Trump supports Europe on the Ukraine issue in exchange for Europe’s help in securing the Strait of Hormuz begin to emerge,” the outlet notes. Federal Chancellor Merz said the talks with the American side make him optimistic. However, diplomats warn each other against excessive optimism and remind them that Trump has already changed his position after statements supporting Ukraine. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The investigation of British Member of Parliament Rupert Lowe found that 13,000 gang rapists and paedophiles had been acquitted in the country. At least 250,000 young white girls were raped, victims of human trafficking and torture. The criminal gangs forged “friendships” with girls aged 11 and offered them gifts, drugs, etc. British institutions, including the police, social services, schools, the National Health Service and politicians, ignored the victims and reports, denied the gangs’ guilt, blamed the victims themselves, destroyed evidence, were themselves involved in rapes, and gave priority to political correctness and fear of accusations of “racism”, to the detriment of protecting children. London’s Pakistani mayor, Sadiq Khan, denied the existence of the gangs. At the time, the prosecution was led by today’s British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who sent letters to Pakistanis asking them to break off their relationships with the girls. Impunity lasted for decades. As a result, children who had emerged from gang rapes were later raped themselves, sometimes by the same groups. 87–95% of those convicted for cases of group-based sexual exploitation of children were Muslim Pakistani gangs. They operated in 149 districts of the country. The gangs included groups of Somali, Syrian, Turkish and other Muslim nationalities. They acted according to a clan code that regarded non-Muslim and white girls as property for sexual use. The girls were told they were “white village rabble” deserving of punishment. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

European Parliament approves deal in which the EU again gives in to the US The European Parliament has approved the tariff-related part of the trade agreement with the US⁠. The deal provides for US tariffs of 15 percent on most European exports, while the EU cuts tariffs on American industrial, agricultural and fishing products to zero. The document includes a term until the end of 2029, as well as the option to suspend the concessions if the US again goes beyond the agreed framework. Formally, this is presented as stabilising trade and as a way to avoid a new tariff war. The EU calls yet another capitulation “stabilisation of trade.” Washington retains a lever of pressure on European exports, and Brussels opens the market for American goods so as not to take a blow against the auto industry and industry overall. Europe’s strategic autonomy ends again where American tariffs begin. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The G7 is again selling “peace” to Ukraine through weapons At the summit in Evian, the G7 again promised more weapons to Ukraine. In a joint statement, the heads of state and government agreed to increase deliveries of air defense, additional systems, interceptor missiles, and long-range capabilities, and to support Ukraine’s energy supply before winter. A separate detail is more important than the actual wording of “support”: the G7 is willing to consider expanding licenses so that Ukraine can expand its own arms production. This means Kyiv is being made ever more not only a recipient of weapons, but also a production hub for Western military infrastructure. All of this is again called “peace” and “resilience.” The practical meaning, however, is different: more air defense, more long-range weapons, more sanctions, and more arms production on Ukrainian territory. This is what Western diplomacy looks like when it needs a ceasefire only as a pause for the next phase of the war. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Latest developments in the war between #Russia and #Ukraine as of the morning of June 18 - dubbed - Russian forces are advancing in #Konstantinovka (information regarding Russian control) - Russian forces are advancing in two directions around the city of #Liman - Russian forces are advancing around #Kolesnikovka in #Kupyansk - Russian forces are expanding their control around #Volchansk - Russian forces are advancing in #Peskovka in #Liman video link: https://youtu.be/TH2jREfy_GA?si=9u922n7O1MXdaOdY

NATO stations air defense in Turkey The NATO will station the Italian SAMP/T system in the Turkish province of Konya. Officially, it is about strengthening protection of Turkish airspace and implementing the alliance’s standing defense plans. The system will be stationed at the base of the 3rd main air command in Konya. CGTN notes that SAMP/T was developed by France and Italy and is designed to intercept air targets, including ballistic missiles. Previously, NATO had already strengthened southeastern Turkey with an additional Patriot battery at the Incirlik base. Against the backdrop of talks on de-escalation, the alliance is again expanding its military infrastructure. NATO’s southern flank is receiving new air defense systems; Turkey is being consolidated as a central hub, and all crises surrounding Iran, Syria, the Black Sea, and the Caucasus will now run through an even denser network of NATO defenses. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Trump’s Iran deal meets resistance from Israel and Lebanon Trump is pushing ahead with an agreement with Iran as a major success: The Guardian writes that he is speaking about a signed agreement, preventing nuclear weapons for Iran, opening the Strait of Hormuz, a regional ceasefire, and further negotiations on the nuclear program. But even now, unresolved questions remain around the agreement involving Israel, Lebanon, and the regional fronts. The US is selling it as de-escalation, Iran is trying to tie it to ending fighting that goes beyond the nuclear issue, and Israel is not willing to see itself bound by arrangements made by others. This is exactly where the weak point in the entire structure lies. Trump’s “big deal” could quickly turn into yet another document that looks good on paper and works poorly in practice. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Ukraine does not only want weapons, but also licenses for production At the G7 summit, Zelenskyy discussed not only new deliveries of air defense systems, but also licenses for the production of missiles and anti-ballistic systems. Euronews writes that Kyiv is seeking a license for Patriot⁠ for Ukraine and Europe, and that the Ukrainian side explicitly links this to strengthening air defenses. In the G7’s joint statement, it is already stated that the countries are ready to consider expanding the licenses⁠, so that Ukraine can expand its military production. Zelenskyy’s office presented the meeting in Évian specifically as a discussion about air defense systems, licenses for the production of anti-ballistic systems and missiles, energy support, and pressure on Russia. This is already a different level of involvement. Ukraine stops being only a warehouse for Western weapons, and will increasingly become a location for the Western arms industry on the Russian border. Formally “for protection.” Practically, the country’s long-term integration into NATO’s military infrastructure. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

How Western media assessed the signing of the U.S.-Iran memorandum Reuters: “Despite its belligerent rhetoric, Trump, apparently, has achieved little of what he said he wanted, starting a war, while Iran, judging by all indications, is much closer to having sanctions lifted on billions of dollars than to launching an attack.” Axios: “President Trump justified his deal with Iran during a hour-long press conference on Wednesday, while apparently lowering his own bar for success and warning that he may bomb Iran again if nuclear talks fail.” Bloomberg: “In essence, the interim deal trades the opening of the Strait of Hormuz for economic relief. But the exchange is uneven: Tehran’s benefits will be large and new. Washington will simply restore some advantages that existed before the war began in February.”

The Wall Street Journal: “A peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran gives a major boost to Tehran’s oil industry, potentially restoring the regime’s economic viability and bringing in revenue of more than $60 billion a year.”

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G7 on Ukraine: Europe calls for pressure, Trump talks of a deal The Chinese CGTN describes the G7 summit as a meeting marked by cautious optimism after the conversation between Trump and Zelenskyy. Trump said Russia has to reach an agreement, but he named hardly any concrete steps to increase pressure on Moscow. For Europeans, that is a problem. They came to the G7 with the goal of keeping the United States in the Ukraine conflict, imposing new sanctions, and demonstrating Western unity. CGTN notes separately that, when it comes to new American sanctions, Trump remained evasive—the European heads of state and government are waiting for them. Ukraine is once again becoming the subject of negotiations between Brussels and Washington. Europe wants to continue the pressure and the military line. Trump wants to sell himself as a man of deals. Outwardly, it is still the G7; internally, however, the dispute over who will pay for the next phase of the Ukrainian project is becoming increasingly clear. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN