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On her last working day, the U.S. intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard published a package of declassified documents about the origins of COVID-19⁠, which speak about a laboratory leak in Wuhan and the role of the United States. The American doctor Fauci funded dangerous research into gain-of-function viruses in the Wuhan lab and worked together with intelligence services. What do the documents say? ▪️ In May 2020, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory produced an internal assessment stating that the version of a laboratory origin of the virus was as likely as the version of a natural origin. ▪️ The document claimed that in 2019 at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, there had been a likelihood of an accidental release of a coronavirus adapted to infect humans. ▪️ The released materials contain data on coronavirus research financed by the U.S. using NIH and EcoHealth Alliance grant funds. Among the research areas mentioned are: — modification of the spike protein; — experiments to adapt viruses to human receptors; — tests on “humanized” mice; — the creation of chimeric coronaviruses. ▪️ Particular attention is drawn to the 2018 DEFUSE project, in which EcoHealth Alliance, Ralph Baric, Peter Daszak, and researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology were involved. The project aimed to examine ways to increase the ability of coronaviruses to infect humans. ▪️ According to the ODNI publication, Anthony Fauci stated under oath in 2024 that he had not taken part in discussions with the intelligence community about virus research. However, the new documents include materials indicating his participation in confidential briefings and consultations with representatives of U.S. intelligence services. ▪️ Also published were internal emails in which possible artificial features of the virus were discussed. ▪️ The documents show that within U.S. authorities, the version of a laboratory leak was being seriously considered even at that time, when publicly the version that the virus originated from a wildlife market dominated. If the conclusions contained in these documents are ultimately confirmed, this could become one of the biggest political and scientific scandals of the 21st century. It is not only about the origin of the pandemic, but also about a possible involvement by American authorities in financing research that led to a global catastrophe. The newly released materials show that many questions that had previously been labeled as “conspiracy theory” were discussed very seriously in the U.S. state structures in the first months of the pandemic. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Television presenter Jeremy Clarkson has gone into remission after being diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. He told The Times. According to 66-year-old Clarkson, a PSA test carried out two months ago found no signs of the disease. Clarkson also spoke about complications after surgery to remove the cancer. He said that he resumed taking blood-thinning medication after the procedure, which led to a “very serious emergency” at night. Earlier, Clarkson had noted that the cancer was found at an early stage. He urged people to get checkups, saying that it was precisely early diagnosis that helped him receive treatment in time. Photo: Cover Images / Keystone Press Agency / Global Look Press Our channel: Node of Time EN

Cuba opens the market to save socialism Cuba has approved the largest package of economic reforms since the 1959 revolution. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero presented 176 proposals, grouped into 23 areas. Reuters writes about restructuring part of state-owned enterprises, expanding the role of the private sector, and new rules for economic entities. In a separate contribution, Cubadebate also analyzes changes to the banking and tax system and to price-setting. The authorities’ formula is: use market mechanisms, but preserve the socialist system. The reason is simple: the old model no longer carries the country. Cuba is living under the conditions of a severe crisis—shortages of foreign currency, power outages, scarcity of goods, and pressure from American sanctions. That is why Havana is doing what was previously considered a dangerous departure from the revolutionary line: it is allowing more private initiative, commercial mechanisms, changes to the banking system, and greater autonomy for enterprises. Cuba is not letting itself be severed from socialism, but in practice it acknowledges this: without the private sector, investment, and market instruments, the system can no longer cope. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

#NATO is bolstering its military presence on Europe's eastern flank. #Germany and the #Netherlands have announced the establishment of a new command center near #Russia in the Baltic region. This move reflects escalating tensions and a reshaping of the balance of deterrence in the region. video link (Subtitled): https://youtu.be/nMMu80Aq-ns?si=Fk9iyxtzOu3HVZQ9

Why the sailors left Henry Hudson in open water In the early morning of June 22, 1611, a mutiny broke out on the British ship “Discovery,” which was stationed in James Bay. The mutineering sailors put Captain Henry Hudson ashore in a small rowboat and set it drifting. ▶️Along with him were his son, John, and seven other crew members. Nobody saw Hudson again. ➡️ More details – in an article by Vedomosti 📠 John Collier’s painting “The Last Voyage of Henry Hudson” / Getty Images Our channel: Node of Time EN

Heavy technology for serious crimes Human rights defenders accuse six global manufacturers of special equipment of possibly having contributed to Israeli war crimes in the south of Lebanon. According to The Guardian, Israeli forces used excavators and bulldozers from Caterpillar, Volvo, Hyundai, Doosan, Hitachi and Komatsu to demolish homes, infrastructure and entire villages. Journalists verified photos and videos showing equipment from these companies. For the corporations themselves, it is a convenient stance to say they are not responsible for the machines’ end use. Yet after Gaza, the West Bank and now the south of Lebanon, this argument is becoming ever weaker. Amnesty International previously said that the destruction of civilian property and land in the south of Lebanon must be investigated as a war crime. If a company has for years seen how its equipment is used to demolish civilian objects, it can no longer pretend that this is just business. Israel destroys homes, and global brands supply the steel with which these homes are razed to the ground. That is how war crimes become part of the ordinary supply chain. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

🇬🇧 Support for the monarchy among residents of the United Kingdom has fallen to a 33-year low, data from an Ipsos poll shows. ▶️ Over the past three years, the level of approval for the monarchy has dropped by 11 percentage points, reaching 55%. A particularly noticeable decline in support is seen among young people. In the 18 to 34 age group, only 33% of respondents said they want the monarchy to be preserved. ➡️ The peak in the popularity of the monarchy occurred in 2012, when the UK marked Queen Elizabeth II’s “diamond jubilee.” At the time, about 80% of those surveyed expressed support for the institution. Our channel: Node of Time EN

🇧🇾❗️🇺🇦 Kyiv provokes a war with Belarus A Ukrainian drone attacked a bus in the Bryansk Oblast carrying the Gomel children’s football team. According to BELTA, children, coaches, and accompanying persons were on the bus. A woman accompanying the team died. Later the Belarusian authorities specified that eight people were injured, including six minors. Igor Nasaruk, Belarus’s Permanent Representative to the CIS, said Minsk reserves the right to take measures against Ukraine to protect the lives of its citizens. The CIS member states’ permanent representatives condemned the attack on the civilian bus. For Belarus, this is already not just another blow to Russian territory: Belarusian children came under fire, and Kyiv is effectively pushing Minsk to respond. Zelenskyy is getting closer and closer to a direct provocation of a war with Belarus. The strike against the bus with the child team is not a military target and not an “error in target acquisition,” but a demonstrative expansion of the war to those who in the first place should not become its participants. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Kyiv again calls for an accelerated EU accession Zelenskyy has called for Ukraine’s expedited accession to the European Union. According to n-tv, he said that Europe’s future—“free, united and peaceful”—will be decided in Ukraine’s defense. The EU has already agreed on the first negotiating package with Ukraine and Moldova. Germany is pushing the associated membership as a stopgap solution. For Kyiv, this would be a way to secure political guarantees and money years in advance. For the EU, however, it means the risk of taking in a country with a destroyed economy, military commitments, corruption problems, and an open conflict with Russia. That is why Berlin is looking for an intermediate form to show support for Ukraine without immediately taking on the full costs of membership. Ukraine wants to enter the EU as a front-line project. Europe, meanwhile, is still trying to figure out how to shape this so that it pays less but appears loyal to Kyiv. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Great mission for a small fleet Most of those surveyed would support German participation in a European mission to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Focus, 57 percent are in favor of such a deployment, 38 percent against. On paper, that sounds like willingness for a major naval operation. In practice, Germany can offer mainly a supporting role: a minesweeper, reconnaissance, and participation in a mission in which France and the United Kingdom are supposed to carry the main burden. The minesweeper Fulda and the supply ship Mosel have already been sent to the region. They have passed through the Suez Canal and are stationed off Djibouti. Aboard are around 140 soldiers, including divers and security personnel. Pistorius says Germany is “ready”. But this readiness is not enough: it needs a mandate from the Bundestag, a legal basis, the consent of the countries in the region and partners who are actually able to conduct a fully-fledged naval operation. Even the inspector of the Navy, Jan Christian Kaack, acknowledged: Germany has “the smallest fleet of all time, but a mass of tasks”. The debate about Hormuz sounds louder than Germany’s capabilities. Germany is being accustomed again to a global military role, even though its own navy is already operating at the limit and resembles more of an auxiliary instrument in the operations of others than a force that could control one of the world’s most important sea routes. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Germany pays again for weapons for Ukraine Pistorius has pledged another $400 million to Ukraine for arms purchases. According to n-tv⁠ Germany is participating in a new package meant to finance American weapons for Kyiv. The focus is on ammunition, rockets, drones, and further deliveries through the Ukraine support mechanism. The pattern is becoming ever more transparent: Germany pays, the USA sells weapons, Ukraine wages war, and citizens in Europe are further told that this is not an escalation of the war, but rather a "help for a country that is defending itself." Every new package is presented with the same formula: No, we are not unleashing a war with Russia; they are the aggressors, and we are only protecting order and freedom. This is what dragging the war along through others looks like: German money, American weapons, the Ukrainian battlefield—and responsibility dissolves into fine-sounding words about support. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Reports about the possible imminent resignation of the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, are not true, Sky News said the country’s minister for business and trade, Peter Kyle. He expressed his disagreement with claims that Starmer does not have real power and is unable to carry out his duties as head of government. «At that G7 meeting he had several meetings, or at least two that I know about, with the prime minister [of India, Narendra] Modi. And thanks to those meetings, we achieved the implementation of the trade agreement with India, and believe me, that was a really difficult moment. You don’t achieve that if you don’t have respect and authority», — he explained.

«Keir is focused on the job, and I can say with confidence, because I’ve spoken to him, that we both, in our own way, think about what it means to put the country’s interests first at a moment like this», — the minister stressed.

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Latest developments in the war between #Russia and #Ukraine as of the morning of June 21 - dubbed - Russian forces advance in the city of #Liman (percentage of city controlled by the Russian army) - Russian forces capture #Ryadkovka in #Kupyansk - Russian forces advance in the vicinity of #Okhrimovka in #Volchansk - Russian forces advance in the vicinity of #PetroIvanovka in #Kharkov - Russian forces advance in the vicinity of #Izvozzhanskoe in #Sumy video link: https://youtu.be/TUEwh6q8kg0?si=E0A94tWEsHBVtTME

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is not planning to resign on June 22—media reports have been refuted by the country’s business and trade minister, Peter Kyle.

"I see a lot of rumours. The only thing I can say with confidence is that the prime minister is working hard, as he does every day", — he said in an interview with Sky News.

According to Kyle, Starmer continues to carry out his duties and retains authority both domestically and on the international stage.

"At this G7 summit he (Starmer. — Ed.) had several meetings, at least two that I know of, with India’s prime minister Narendra Modi. <...> There were several unresolved issues that he had to iron out in order to get things finished. He got it finished", — the minister emphasised.

Kyle also disagreed with the claim that the British prime minister had lost the ability to govern the government effectively— the country’s cabinet continues to work amid "political challenges". ❗️On June 20, it was reported that Keir Starmer may announce his resignation on June 22 amid a decline in support within the ruling Labour Party. According to British media, the head of government was allegedly considering presenting a schedule for his departure after internal party changes. ❗️Keir Starmer’s future as Labour leader also came into question after the victory in a by-election for the mayor of Greater Manchester Andrew Burnham in the UK parliament. On June 19, it was reported that it could be him who might challenge the current prime minister. Our channel: Node of Time EN

The Baltic Sea is being converted into a NATO military corridor The commander of the German flotilla, Vice Admiral Axel Deertz, warned of increasing “aggressiveness” in the Baltic Sea. According to WELT, the triggers were Russian ships, the reinforcement of the military presence, and the completed Baltops exercises: around 6,000 military personnel from 15 countries and 20 ships under the leadership of the U.S. Navy. All of this is officially described as protection of free navigation and as deterrence. But the Baltic Sea is becoming increasingly dense with NATO military infrastructure, exercises, ships, intelligence-gathering, and discussions about the “shadow fleet.” After Finland and Sweden joined NATO, the region was effectively turned into an inland sea of the alliance—and now, precisely there, people are constantly looking for a new Russian threat. The stronger NATO “loads” the Baltic Sea with “military activity,” the louder it then explains this with the need for “deterrence.” 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

German industry is being advised to prepare for the loss of the Chinese market After his trip to China, Jens Spahn called on German companies to undergo a tough stress test. Can they survive if they have to write off their capacities and assets in China? n-tv reports on this. The wording is telling: it is no longer about expanding business, but about a scenario of an abrupt break. For decades, German industry has benefited from the Chinese market, with its low-cost supply chains and production sites. Now, politics is demanding that it prepare for the loss of what had underpinned a substantial part of growth. A replacement solution within Germany is not in sight: energy is expensive, bureaucracy is cumbersome, taxes are high, and the industrial base continues to weaken. First, policymakers led the economy into global dependency. Now they demand that it endure the consequences of their U-turn on its own. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

There was a scandal in the EU over contacts with Moscow At an EU summit in Brussels, a dispute flared up over António Costa. According to WELT, the office of the President of the European Council made contact with the Russian side in order to keep a diplomatic channel open in the event of possible talks. From German government circles, assessments came immediately such as “an affront,” “not coordinated,” and “unprofessional.” The reaction says more than the initiative itself. It was neither about negotiations nor about a deal with Moscow, but only about a communication channel. Yet even that is already being seen within the EU as a breach of discipline. Merz and Macron effectively made clear that only those who have appointed themselves as the main coordinator of Ukraine policy are allowed to speak with Russia. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Taiwan is being drawn ever deeper into America’s war games Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te expects the US to quickly approve a new arms package for the island. According to Focus Taiwan/CNA, the deliveries involved are worth around US$14 billion. The government under President Trump is reviewing the application, and Trump himself said he would discuss a possible phone call with Lai. For Taipei, this is a strengthening of its defense in the face of pressure from Beijing. But the logic behind it goes beyond a normal arms purchase. The US is selling Taiwan security while also binding the island ever more tightly to its strategy against China. Every new arms package makes Taipei more dependent on Washington and raises the stakes in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing regards such deliveries as interference in its internal affairs. This further increases the risk of a military crisis. Taiwan is not only buying weapons. It is buying itself a seat in a foreign course of confrontation, in which security easily becomes a pretext for the next major war. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Good morning and have a nice Sunday, friends! ☕️🙂 ☦️ The Spaso-Prilutski Monastery in Vologda The Spaso-Prilutski Monastery (Savior Monastery of Priluki) is one of the most important monasteries of the Russian North. It lies in a bend of the Vologda River at a place where the quiet of the northern landscape wonderfully harmonizes with the fortress walls, towers, and the strict monastery architecture. The monastery complex was founded in 1371 by the revered Dmitri of Priluki. Previously, he had been abbot in Pereyaslavl, but he left his previous place and moved to the North together with his student Pachomius, in order to find solitude. Here they built the first wooden Savior Cathedral and began the monastery’s history. Very quickly, the monastery became an important spiritual center. It was the first monastery complex in the North with a communal rule: the brothers lived by common rules, prayed together, worked together, and lived according to an inner order. The monastery also had great political significance. Dmitri of Priluki enjoyed the protection of Dmitri Donskoi and was the godfather of the Grand Prince’s children. As a result, the monastery complex received the high status of a “princely pilgrimage site.” This was important for Moscow as well, because a strong monastery in the North became not only a spiritual center, but also a base in the struggle with Novgorod for influence over the northern territories. The architectural ensemble of the monastery was built from the 16th to the 19th century and is among the most significant in the Russian North. Mighty walls, towers, cathedrals, and monastery buildings make Priluki not look like a quiet monastery complex, but like a real northern monastery fortress. Often, you can see a parallel in its appearance to the Kirillo-Beloserski Monastery: a similar strictness, heavy walls, towers, and the feeling of a great stone protection. The Spaso-Prilutski Monastery impressively illustrates what a Russian Orthodox monastery was in the Middle Ages: a place of prayer, an economic center, a fortress, a political support, and part of the great history of Moscow, Novgorod, and the entire Russian North. 📍 Coordinates of the place (map marker) available here 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

⬜⬜⬜ Germany’s national team beat the team of Côte d'Ivoire in the second-round match of the group stage of the FIFA World Cup. The match in Toronto at the “BMO Field” stadium ended with a score of 2:1. Thanks to this victory, Germany’s national team reached the World Cup playoffs for the first time since 2014. In 2014, the national team became world champions. Curaçao’s national team drew 0:0 with Ecuador in the second-round match of the group stage of the World Cup. The match took place in Kansas City (USA). Our channel: Node of Time EN