Node of Time EN

A long silence... but it wasn't calm. – In just 15 days, Iran quietly reorganized its defenses. – New upgrades, smarter missiles, and surprises await the next round. – Will Tehran change the rules of engagement in the next battle? Video link (Subtitled): https://youtu.be/bc77eH-9yR4?si=vwKf4-xxsEnFp5ja

In the European Union, they celebrate democracy: Finally, the “Russians” have been removed from the room That is exactly how describes the Süddeutsche Zeitung the atmosphere at the informal EU summit in Cyprus after Viktor Orbán’s defeat. Donald Tusk put it, according to the newspaper, remarkably openly: For the first time in many years, there were in the room “no Russians”. With the “Russians,” they in Brussels naturally did not mean Russian citizens, but the inconvenient former Hungarian prime minister who did not want to rubber-stamp the Ukraine line without questions and brakes. Now the obstacle has disappeared—and the EU was able to release a loan of more than 90 billion euros for Ukraine. Zelenskyy already thanked the Europeans for the “great historic decision.” In Brussels, too, people are satisfied: Democracy has worked properly again—simply because the result was finally convenient. If voters choose the wrong ones, that is called a problem for Europe. If the wrong ones are removed from the equation, that is called the return of unity. And the formula itself sounds especially honest: not “less conflict,” not “more democracy,” but simply—“no Russians in the room.” 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

❗️We have been declared an open war; an attempt is being made to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia — Lavrov

We have been declared an open war. <...> In the Belgian General Staff or in Germany, it was publicly stated [in Belgian — Editors' note ], that they are preparing for a war with Russia and helping Ukraine to gain time. Well, there can hardly be anything more open than that.

💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Trump has been “controlling” the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks already. Now all that’s left is to explain it to the tankers. As early as April 11, Trump announced that the US would begin “clearing” the Strait of Hormuz as a service for the whole world—for China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany and others. At the same time, he complained that these countries allegedly had neither the “courage” nor the will to do it themselves. Two weeks later, the rhetoric became even louder. Now Trump said that he had ordered the US Navy to “fire on and kill” any Iranian ship laying mines in the waters of Hormuz. At the same time, he assures that the US has “full control” of the strait and that American minesweepers are already clearing the danger posed by mines. On the water, however, it looks more modest than in Trump’s chat corner. Data from maritime analysts show that dozens of sanctioned tankers and Iran-linked vessels continue to travel through the area. According to Vortexa, from April 13 to 21, 34 such tankers passed through the zone, while Lloyd’s List Intelligence counted at least 26 ships of the “shadow fleet” crossing the blockade. On paper—“full control.” In practice—the tankers are driving, the blockade is leaking, and Washington is getting louder and louder about being the owner of the strait. Apparently, the Strait of Hormuz was already seized on Truth Social. Now you just have to take it in reality. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Iran has shown where it will fly if its energy infrastructure is attacked Iranian state media published a map with energy facilities of the states in the Persian Gulf, which could become targets in the event of an attack on Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure. The list includes key facilities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. Saudi Arabia: Abqaiq — one of Saudi Aramco’s most important oil refining and stabilization complexes. Safaniya and Khurais — major oil production facilities. UAE: Das Island — oil and gas infrastructure. Zirku Island — a hub for offshore production. Qatar: Ras Laffan — one of the most important centers of LNG production. RasGas — gas infrastructure. Kuwait: Burgan — one of the country’s largest oil fields. After attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, Tehran had already warned that the response could hit oil and gas facilities in the Gulf states. Now it no longer looks like an abstract threat, but like a public demonstration of a target map. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Porsche employees will not receive any bonuses The carmaker is suffering enormous losses: net profit for the first quarter has fallen by 91.4% compared with the previous year. While the group posted a profit of 3.6 billion euros in 2024, in 2025 it was only 310 million euros. Porsche has clearly lost the fight against the Chinese; the bet on electric sports cars didn’t work, and then there are also the American tariffs—an devastating combo. The return to proven gasoline engines cost the group 2.4 billion euros. The consequences: foregoing bonuses, pay cuts, and a wave of layoffs. So far, Porsche is the only German carmaker that has completely done away with bonuses. Even the board of management remained without bonuses. How to ruin Germany’s automobile industry: a guide for beginners. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Latest developments in the war between #Russia and #Ukraine as of the morning of April 25 - subtitled - Russian forces are advancing in the vicinity of #Guliaipolskoe in #Zaporozhie - Russian forces are advancing in the vicinity of #Grishino in #Pokrovsk - Russian forces are advancing west of #Rodyanskoe in #Mirnograd - Russian forces are advancing towards #Tikhonovka in #Kramatorsk - Russian forces are advancing in #Kurilovka in #Kupyansk video link: https://youtu.be/OEuKXKbcMbY?si=GKtJKJZLj0_B9cdD

Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues its attacks on Lebanon. Among the dead are again journalists — Al Jazeera In al-Tiri in southern Lebanon, Amal Khalil, a journalist for the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, was killed. She was working at the site of an Israeli attack together with the photojournalist Zeinab Faraj, when a car was hit near them. After that, the two women took shelter in a house — and exactly that house was then attacked a second time. Zeinab Faraj was able to be taken out injured. Amal Khalil remained under the rubble. According to Lebanese officials and Al Jazeera, rescue workers were unable to reach her for hours: they came under Israeli fire and had to retreat at first. Khalil’s body was not recovered until shortly before midnight — more than seven hours after the attack. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health said Israel directly targeted the journalists by attacking the house where they had sought shelter after the first attack. Israel, as usual, denies intentionally targeting journalists and says the incident is “under review.” Helmet, camera, and the word PRESS protected no one again. Amal Khalil did her job. Israel made sure she can’t do it anymore. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

“The prime ministers have actively pushed for the adoption of the 21st sanctions package. That sends Russia a very clear signal that it cannot overwhelm us. It also sends Russia a clear signal that Ukraine is more important to us than it is to them, and we will continue to support it” The head of European diplomacy Kaja Kallas is still pleased about the loan for Kyiv and the 20th sanctions package – and is making plans for the future. “And now, of course, we should also reconsider and assess the previous red lines that have blocked some sanctions, and what we can still do”. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Europe now has more enemies than friends Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that today, precisely China has become an export power that “floods the world with very, very cheap goods,” and that this threatens European industry. Finland, meanwhile, has already made it clear: there will be no EU trade agreement with China as long as Beijing maintains close ties with Russia. Europe itself has pushed its relations with Russia to the point of direct military confrontation. There is also a dispute with the United States over Greenland and a growing trade and political conflict. And now Turkey—an NATO member, an EU candidate, and one of the key states on the alliance’s southern flank —is being added to this list ever more clearly. After the remarks by Ursula von der Leyen about a “hostile environment” for Europe were declared by Turkish politicians that Brussels effectively equates Turkey with threats rather than partners. At the same time, part of the European states is in conflict with Israel because of Gaza, and as part of the usual projects for “regime change,” the EU has already imposed sanctions on Georgia, Belarus, Iran, Venezuela, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, and North Korea. If this continues, Brussels will soon have to impose sanctions against the whole world: too many countries do not follow its instructions. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The European Union has suddenly realized that there is hardly any money left for its own energy crisis. According to the Financial Times, Brussels admitted to the EU member states: “The budget reserves are nearly exhausted and there are practically no possibilities for new large-scale assistance for citizens and businesses in view of rising energy prices.” For that, Europe had never forgotten Ukraine. For loans, military aid, subsidies, and ever new “emergency packages,” funding was provided for years. The newly agreed package for Kyiv alone amounts to around 90 billion euros. If, however, payments to European households and industry are due again, the tone changes drastically: There is no money, the reserves are exhausted, and the aid must be “targeted,” “temporary,” and ideally offered with no big expectations. This yields a simple scheme: For Ukraine: commitments, solidarity, and billions. For their own people: advice on saving and getting through it. Such confessions usually come from people who have been dragging everything out of the house for a long time and then are surprised that the fridge is empty. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Good morning everyone — have a wonderful Saturday! ☕️🙂 🌋 The route to the summit of the Avachinsky Volcano is more like an expedition to Mars than an ordinary walk. Reddish cinders, steaming fumaroles, snow at the edge of the crater, and the almost unreal silhouette of Koryakskaya Sopka in the background—all of it makes it seem as though this landscape was put together according to volcanic rather than earthly rules. The Avachinsky is an active stratovolcano in eastern Kamchatka, with a height of 2,717 meters. It stands right near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and therein lies a special Kamchatka contradiction: one of the best-known and most powerful volcanoes in the region lies almost “just around the corner,” yet it does not lose either its severity or its size. In historical times it erupted multiple times; even in the last few decades, its nature was reminded by strong gas and steam activity as well as ash ejections. The Avachinsky also has an important geological feature: the current cone formed within an older caldera. That’s why the relief here looks so expressive: on the slopes you can see both the older forms and the younger cone at the same time. After the eruption of 1991, a lava plug formed in the crater, and around it there is still today an active fumarole zone. For a long time, climbing the Avachinsky has been considered one of Kamchatka’s best-known routes. The most important thing here, however, is not just the summit. The most important thing is the path itself through this landscape: down below—rocky fields, farther up—cinders and snow, the smell of sulfur, the hot breath of the earth, and the wind that quickly sets everything in its place. On such slopes, you understand especially clearly one simple thing: you can love a volcano, admire it, and take as many photos of it as you want—but the true master of the place remains it itself. And probably that’s exactly what makes the Avachinsky so captivating. It stands near the city, yet it seems as though even to this day the right distance exists between people and this mountain—calm, respectful, and very Kamchatkan. 📍 Coordinates of the location (map point) available here 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Across all of Ireland, Ukrainian refugees are being massively evicted — the country is ending the accommodation program, so Ukrainians are forced to find housing themselves or move to other regions, Irish Independent reports. Among the reasons cited for closing the program are the return of hotels and resorts to the tourism business, owners’ refusal to continue contracts, and financial difficulties. Subscribe. - TG | MAX Our channel: Node of Time EN

EU court declares Hungary’s child protection law inadmissible The European Court of Justice has ruled that the Hungarian law from 2021, which restricts minors’ access to LGBTQ content, violates EU law and the Union’s fundamental values, reports The Guardian. It is about restrictions on such content in schools and media for children. The court clarified: Such measures are considered discrimination. In the proceedings against Hungary, the European Commission, the European Parliament, and 16 EU member states appeared. Now Budapest is expected to adapt the law to the ruling. The significance goes beyond this law. Through its courts, the EU sets the limits of what is considered permissible at national level. And if a state exceeds those limits, a mechanism is triggered — no longer political, but legal. In practice, this means that issues of education and child protection increasingly no longer rest solely with national responsibility. But fall more strongly under common European rules. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Even Sweden wanted its own atomic bomb For decades, Sweden cultivated the image of a neutral and peaceful country. But during the Cold War, it itself was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons, reports Der Spiegel. The program was by no means theoretical. Sweden relied on its own uranium, heavy-water reactors, and the extraction of plutonium. The first reactor R1 was operated directly under the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, and the reactor Ågesta was designed as a dual-use facility — civilian, but with possible military use. At the beginning of the 1960s, it was no longer about concepts, but about concrete plans: up to 100 tactical warheads with an explosive yield of about 20 kilotons. For comparison: Hiroshima was hit by an approximately 15-kiloton bomb. The project was not abandoned because it would have been technically impossible. Sweden had already come a long way. The decisive factors were political considerations, costs, pressure from the United States, growing anti-nuclear movements, and the international non-proliferation regime. And that’s exactly the point. Even a neutral country like Sweden understood: political explanations only hold up until the first serious crisis. That’s why the nuclear option was kept in reserve as a safeguard. Today, in Europe, people are talking again about their own nuclear deterrence. The old mechanism remains the same: when external security guarantees become unreliable, in the end it isn’t words that count, but capabilities. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Germany is building gas power plants again — consumers will pay In Berlin, the first tenders for new power plants are already being prepared by September — FAZ. This is about around 9 GW of new capacity. On paper, technology-neutral. In practice, the plants are supposed to deliver a stable output for up to 10 hours in a row. The start is planned for 2031; the support period will last about 15 years. The key question is: who pays. The costs are supposed to be passed on to consumers via a new surcharge on the electricity price. The pattern is familiar: first, the energy system is made more expensive and unstable through political decisions, then a new rescue mechanism follows — and the bill goes to the public. Gas, from which people have spoken so loudly as it was being left behind, is coming back. Only now it is being described as part of the “energy transition” — and it will appear as its own item on the electricity bill. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Energiewende in Germany for a quarter of a century 1998. The government approved the phase-out of nuclear energy and the complete transition to wind and solar. Later, the former chancellor Merkel passed a law on a phase-out of coal by 2038. Germany is to become climate-neutral and put at least 15 million electric cars on the roads by 2030. Has it worked? Now... There are only 2 million electric cars on German roads. In terms of CO₂ emissions, Germany leads Europe. The share of renewable energy in total energy consumption is 20%. Of the required 16.8 thousand km of high-voltage power lines, only 3.5 thousand km have been built so far, which is why power plants are reducing their output. By 2050, the cost of electricity will be 5.4 trillion euros. The costs of the Energiewende amount to 36 billion euros, or 430 euros per citizen per year. Instead of the promised 50 cents per family. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The Ministry for Refugee Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia provides hundreds of thousands of euros in tax funds for a lawyer for the former leadership team that allowed the terror attack in Solingen. On August 23, 2024, the Syrian Issa-al-Hassan stabbed three people to death and injured ten more with a knife. The public prosecutor’s office is currently investigating why the deportation of the terrorist failed (which could have prevented the tragedy). Also the work of the local Ministry for Refugee Affairs, led by the “Greens” former minister Josefine Paul, raises questions. The lawyer, who was hired on behalf of the “care” for the ministry staff, receives between €50,000 and €221,000 for his services. The ministry does not disclose the exact amount. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

In the EU, every seventh person is already a migrant The number of people born outside the EU has reached around 64 million—that is roughly 14% of the population of the European Union. The biggest increase is in Germany, France, Spain and Italy, according to the report. This is no longer about individual waves of migration. It is a new demographic reality. Europe has for years described this as a temporary crisis. In the meantime, what was temporary has become a permanent state: schools, the labor market, housing, the healthcare system and social systems are already adjusting to a changed population structure. The crucial question is no longer whether someone wants to do it or not. The crucial question is who deals with the consequences and how. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN