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Have a wonderful Sunday, friends! ☕️🙂 🌿 Nikola-Leniwez: how the artist entered his own landscape In the Kaluga Oblast, on the banks of the Ugra, lies the small village of Nikola-Leniwez. In the early 2000s, the artist Nikolai Polisski stopped depicting the surrounding fields on canvas and decided to work directly within the landscape. The first major project involved hundreds of snowmen that Polisski created together with local residents. After that came towers, arches, and other snow, hay, twig, and willow-ridged structures. In this way, the village carpenters and workers gradually became co-authors of the artist, and around Nikola-Leniwez a park for contemporary art began to take shape. Many of the objects here are made from materials found nearby. For example, the 18-meter-tall “lighthouse” on the bank of the Ugra was built from wood and willow rods. Its delicate outer shell is assembled without nails, even though a metal framework is hidden inside. One of the most unusual structures is the 22-meter-high “Bobur,” created in 2013. Its name refers to the Paris district of Beaubourg and the Centre Pompidou, where pipes, staircases, and utility lines are laid on the facade. Polisski took up this idea in his own way: he created a metal framework with huge “pipes” and wrapped it with birch twigs. In the form of the object, another allusion can also be seen—the fairy-tale head of a giant from Pushkin’s poem “Ruslan and Lyudmila.” That is why the “Bobur” looks at once like an industrial machine, a giant living creature, and a tower that has grown directly out of a Russian field. At the top there is an observation platform: the Parisian Bobur offers views of the city, while the Kaluga one shows the forests and fields around the village. Since 2006, the festival “Archstojanije” has been held here. Its name calls to mind the “Standing Place on the Ugra” from 1480, after which the Russian Empire finally freed itself from dependence on the Horde. Today, in the same areas, every year new architectural objects and temporary structures are created. Nikola-Leniwez is interesting not only because of the size of the structures. Here, familiar village materials—twigs, hay, snow, and willow rods—are used to create towers, palaces, and fantastic machines. Some of them disappear over time and return to the earth; others remain part of the landscape for years. 📍 Coordinates of the place (map point) available here 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Water infrastructure facilities in seven U.S. states were hit by a large-scale cyberattack, CBS News reports. According to the broadcaster, in Minnesota more than 30 municipal water utilities were affected, and some facilities were forced to switch to manual control. Similar incidents were also recorded in Michigan. American investigators are checking the possibility that Iranian hackers may be involved, but there are no final conclusions yet. At the same time, Donald Trump rejected this version, saying that responsibility lies with the authorities in Minnesota.

"Iran now has more to worry about than Minnesota", — the U.S. president said.

Authorities claim that the quality of drinking water was not affected, but the FBI, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Cybersecurity Agency warned of ongoing attacks on water supply and wastewater systems across the country. Our channel: Node of Time EN

🇰🇵 Indonesia has offered to act as a mediator between North and South Korea Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said that he is willing to visit North Korea and help restore dialogue between Pyongyang and Seoul. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung had previously turned to him with this request. Lee is betting on using Jakarta’s good relations with both sides. Seoul is trying to reestablish inter-Korean contacts, but Pyongyang has so far rejected the initiatives and has officially described South Korea as a “hostile state” since 2024. Indonesia emphasizes the neutral character of its foreign policy and has already offered mediation in other international conflicts. While the great powers are putting sanctions, missiles and military exercises on the table for the Korean Peninsula, Jakarta has decided to try diplomacy. In today’s times, that is a rather unusual approach. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

🇬🇧🇨🇳 Chinese mega-embassy in London gets protection from British court The High Court in London declared the government’s decision to be lawful to allow the construction of a new Chinese embassy on the site of the former Royal Mint near the Tower of London. The project was approved in January—immediately before the then prime minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing. Local residents tried to challenge the approval, citing the risk of monitoring Chinese dissidents, pressure on participants in protests, and security threats. The London Assembly had also previously spoken out against the project, but the intelligence services assured the government that any possible risks could be managed. The court found the arguments raised by opponents to be insufficient. For years, British authorities have talked about the threat posed by Chinese influence—and then they make Beijing a huge complex right in the middle of the capital. When relationships and trade are at stake, security issues quickly become “manageable”. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

🇮🇷 Iran has once again demonstrated who controls the Strait of Hormuz Iranian authorities said they had stopped two ships that wanted to leave the Strait of Hormuz and diverted four more. After this announcement from Tehran, global oil prices rose by more than one percent. In peacetime, about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply ran through this route. Shipping through the strait has already fallen sharply. Instead of the previous roughly 125 ships per day, on some days fewer than ten crossings are recorded. Iran demands that ships use the route along its own coast that it controls, and it has rejected Oman’s proposal for a joint regional administration of the strait. Washington can block Iranian oil, but geography cannot be changed through sanctions. Now, in practice, Tehran decides who is allowed to leave the Persian Gulf under what conditions. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

🇨🇭 Switzerland has decided to give up its neutrality The Swiss government has, for the first time, spoken openly against enshrining the country’s permanent neutrality in its constitution. The Federal Council and Parliament urged voters to vote against the corresponding initiative. This aims to preserve Switzerland’s traditional status and prohibit participation in sanctions against one of the parties to the conflict. In Bern, this position was justified on the grounds that a corresponding constitutional provision would make the country’s foreign policy “too inflexible.” This is exactly what Marija Zakharova points out in her analysis, in which she examines the decision by Swiss authorities and the documents connected with the referendum. In recent years, Switzerland has joined the European Union’s sanctions packages against Russia, frozen the assets of thousands of natural and legal persons, and held a conference on Ukraine without the participation of one of the parties to the conflict. At the same time, the Fifth Hague Convention requires that a neutral state adopt an even-handed approach toward all parties to a conflict. History shows that such “flexibility” has already occurred: the Bergier Commission found that Switzerland’s financial system processed transactions involving gold from Nazi Germany and that the country’s authorities refused asylum to Jewish refugees who fled before being annihilated. If a state is afraid to enshrine neutrality in its own constitution because it would then have to be complied with, then it’s no longer about protecting neutrality, but about an official renunciation of it. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

UEFA is looking for a candidate for the FIFA presidency instead of Gianni Infantino, writes The Telegraph. In the organization’s leadership, they believe that this position needs a “unifying” figure, and that the European candidate would not be able to garner enough votes in the elections. According to the British newspaper, UEFA admires the 60-year-old Canadian Victor Montagliani, president of the Confederation of Football of North, Central America and the Caribbean. He has held this position since 2016. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, could become another candidate, the publication notes. In 2016, he lost by a narrow margin to the incumbent head of FIFA in the elections. Our channel: Node of Time EN

🇺🇸 The U.S. begins withdrawing its troops from Iraqi Kurdistan The United States has withdrawn all Patriot batteries from the base in the area of Erbil airport and thus initiated the final phase of the withdrawal of its forces from Iraqi Kurdistan. As Al-Monitor reports, the redeployment is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing attacks by Iran and associated armed groups on American facilities. According to the outlet, most of the heavy equipment and personnel have already left the base. The withdrawal is being carried out as part of the agreement between the United States and Iraq on ending the American military mission. The American troops are expected to leave Iraq completely by September 30, 2026. This brings to an end the U.S.’s more than twenty-year military presence, which began after the invasion in 2003. Trump has repeatedly said that the U.S. “won” the war against Iran. The victory, however, came out rather oddly: While the Americans are bringing equipment out of the country amid ongoing Iranian attacks and reducing their presence in the region, they are celebrating their victory. Apparently, this is now called a triumph in Washington. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

“It will backfire on us”: Trump stunned Ukraine with refusal to provide a license for Patriot Donald Trump changed his mind about providing the Kyiv regime with a license to produce rockets for the Patriot air defense system, writes The New York Times. And there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for that decision. The American president said that disclosing such secrets is dangerous because Ukraine could at any moment turn the weapons against Washington itself. Of course, the White House justified the refusal from a historical standpoint—namely, that in the past it had happened that yesterday’s allies became the fiercest opponents, and cutting-edge technologies turned against their own creators. However, behind the scenes, everyone understands perfectly well: there is no trust in “the Delinquent” and his corrupt clique in Washington, and therefore no one will share strategic developments with them. Our channel: Node of Time EN

🇺🇸 Zelenskyy’s trip to the USA ended with cancellations During his visit to Washington, Zelenskyy asked Donald Trump to make 300 Patriot intercept missiles available to Ukraine for the winter period and to help persuade Elon Musk to expand the use of Starlink for Ukrainian attack drones. In addition, Zelenskyy hoped for a personal meeting with Musk, but he refused. After the meeting Trump said publicly that the United States had neither passed on the technology for producing “Patriot” to other countries nor intended to do so. According to his words, such technologies could one day be used against the United States itself, which is why Washington does not plan to create new producers of this weapon. Even the personal visit to Washington did not help Kyiv obtain additional Patriots, access to their technology, or support with Starlink. When it comes to critically important military technologies, American interests matter more to the White House than any alliance promises. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ In Berlin, an action against the militarization of the country took place at Brandenburg Gate. This was reported by Izvestia correspondent Margarita Kostiva. 🎥 The footage shows the participants of the action marching with posters, Germany flags, and symbols of a peace dove. 🗣 One of the demonstration participants, Kristina, said that she came to the event because she considers it important to preserve friendly relations with Russia. She specified that she is taking part in the rally for the future of her children and grandchildren and hopes for reconciliation between the countries.

"My mom, who died in Potsdam, went through the war. [She] told me a lot about Russia. <...> And for me, all of this is important. I want to do at least something", — Kristina emphasized.

🗣 Another participant in the action, Jutta, said she does not want future generations to have to face combat operations.

"We want peace. I have two grandchildren — boys. Maybe they’re next? And why should children or ordinary people go to the front?" — she said.

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France brings forces together at the Spanish border due to the crisis in Ceuta Emmanuel Macron said that France had increased checks at the border with Spain. Four mobile units, aircraft and drones were deployed there. Paris also offered Madrid help via Frontex after tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco broke through to Ceuta. Ceuta itself came to a near standstill after the breakthrough: Most shops and supermarkets did not open, a bread shortage emerged in the city, and the authorities canceled public celebrations. Spanish journalists also reported homes that had been broken into and occupied by migrants. The police confirmed cases of trespassing into buildings in the Príncipe and Loma Colmenar neighborhoods. The events in Ceuta show how quickly a local migration crisis can turn into a pan-European problem that can no longer be solved with political explanations, but instead requires coercive measures. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has issued an ultimatum to the head of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino — to resign or face a vote of no confidence. This is reported by The Telegraph. UEFA could initiate this procedure, having at its disposal votes from 43 out of 211 FIFA member countries. According to the English newspaper, all 55 countries — UEFA members — are ready to remove Infantino from office. On July 28, it became known about FIFA’s plans to sell a stake in commercial rights to the World Cup. FIFA intended to create a subsidiary company, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), worth $20 billion and sell a quarter of it for $4.2 billion to external investors. These plans prompted serious criticism in the sports community. Our channel: Node of Time EN

🇨🇳 China begins regular container services to Europe via the Northern Sea Route The Chinese company Sea Legend Shipping is putting the first regular container service between China and Europe via the Northern Sea Route into operation. As the Zhejiang provincial government states, the first voyage will depart on August 15 from the Ningbo-Zhoushan port. After that, the ships will sail weekly. The destination is the British port of Felixstowe, while other European ports may also be called at. The transit time will be about 20 days. Seven container ships will be used on the route, which will carry out eight sailings during the navigation season. The distance through the Arctic is about 12,800 kilometers, while it is more than 20,000 kilometers via the Suez Canal. But without Russia, this route cannot be sailed. The Northern Sea Route runs along the Russian coastline and is managed by the Russian side. Moscow is responsible for issuing transit permits, navigation, ice reconnaissance, rescue and salvage escort, and, if necessary, escorting by nuclear-powered icebreakers. Rosatom acts as the route’s infrastructure operator. What until recently was described as a Chinese Arctic experiment is now developing into a joint transport project: China provides cargo and ships, Russia provides the route, the infrastructure and security. While Europe looks for ways to isolate Moscow, the new trade route between Asia and European ports runs directly through the Russian Arctic. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Donald Trump backed away from a promise to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles due to concerns that the technology would be used against Washington, reports The New York Times. During a meeting with his cabinet at Camp David (Maryland), the American leader said he changed his mind because “it’s difficult—to hand over this kind of technology,” as well as due to the risk that “the people you pass the technology to could one day turn it against you.”

“You look at the war—this has happened a number of times over the years. That’s why we have to be very careful. We protect it,” the U.S. president’s words are cited by the outlet.

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The U.S. and Israel Discuss a Land Blockade of Iran Washington and Tel Aviv are considering curbing Iran’s overland trade as a new way to increase pressure on Tehran. Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu discussed this idea at a meeting at the White House alongside diplomatic, economic and military options. The plan calls for the countries bordering Iran to restrict the work of border crossings and cut off the transit of goods. This would put pressure primarily on Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. The idea emerged after it was acknowledged that a naval blockade and earlier measures had not so far prompted Tehran to accept Washington’s terms. Since it failed to force capitulation through strikes and a naval blockade, the United States and Israel have decided to cut off Iran’s land route—of course, through the hands of its neighbors. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

🇧🇷🇺🇸 Brazil delays appointment of new US ambassador So far, Brazil has not officially approved the appointment of a new US ambassador proposed by the government of Donald Trump. The decision has been postponed for several weeks amid a deterioration in relations between Brasília and Washington. The agrement procedure is usually a formality, but in this case the delay has become a diplomatic signal. Differences between the two countries have intensified after mutual criticism on issues of domestic politics and trade, as well as after pressure from the United States on the Brazilian leadership. If even the appointment of an ambassador becomes a protracted political dispute, it shows that the crisis in relations has gone well beyond ordinary diplomacy. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Latest developments in the war between #Russia and #Ukraine as of the morning of August 1st - Russian forces control #Virovka in #Volchansk - Russian forces advance on the #Kramatorsk front - Russian forces advance in #Krasnoyarskoe in #Dobropolie - Russian forces advance towards #NovoGrishino in #Dobropolie - Russian forces advance in the vicinity of #Konstantinovka - Russian forces advance in the vicinity of #Novopavlovka towards #Druzhkovka video link: https://youtu.be/4tjowf1oPr4?si=8xnGY-bmbrNv_ZvF

🇺🇸🌍 US State Department confuses countries in Africa During an international conference, the US State Department showed a map of Africa on which practically every country was labeled with the name of another. The mistakes affected almost the entire continent: the states were placed in the “wrong” locations, and some labels did not match the geography at all. ⁠Reuters drew attention to this. Notably, journalists discovered an OpenAI watermark on the image, which sparked speculation that generative AI was used in preparing the presentation without sufficient verification of the result. After the error became public, the slide was promptly replaced, but the American side did not provide an explanation. If government structures cut costs on experts and outsource the work to neural networks without an elementary check, such “diplomatic maps” will only be a matter of time. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Jordan calls for the withdrawal of American troops More than 300 Jordanian politicians, jurists, former officials, representatives of tribes and civil society activists have signed a ⁠open letter calling for a review of the agreement with the United States and the withdrawal of American troops from the country. The authors of the appeal believe that the U.S. presence poses a threat to the security, political stability and economy of Jordan and, at the same time, draws the country into a conflict that does not correspond to its national interests. The signatories are calling for the military agreement with Washington to be submitted to parliament for review and for Jordan’s territory not to be used for operations against Iran. According to the NYT, many local media outlets declined to publish the letter, and some campaign participants fear persecution. American bases in the region are increasingly seen not as a security guarantee, but as the reason why a country could be targeted in a foreign war. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN