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Violence against politicians is now a regular occurrence in the United Kingdom After the murder of Reform UK politician Ann Widdecombe, there is once again discussion about the safety of politicians. In the most recent parliamentary elections, more than a quarter of the candidates were confronted with regular threats, harassment, or insults. Members of parliament report surveillance, attacks on offices, and threats against family members. Women and representatives of minorities are particularly often targeted. After the murders of Jo Cox and David Amess, the authorities introduced emergency buttons and increased police protection. Nevertheless, the overall situation has continued to deteriorate. Now, there is discussion of extending state protection to candidates, former parliamentarians, and prominent representatives of new parties. A country that has spent decades teaching other states democracy is finding itself in a situation where taking part in elections increasingly requires a personal bodyguard. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The EU strengthens its military mission in the Red Sea Against the backdrop of threats to close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the European Union is expanding its naval presence off the coast of Africa. EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas visited Djibouti and signed a new security agreement, which calls for closer cooperation and an усилкment of the mission Aspides. The reason was reports, according to which Tehran allegedly proposed to the Houthis that they close the strait in the event of further American attacks on Iranian infrastructure. One of the most important routes between Asia and Europe runs through the Bab-el-Mandeb. A blockade together with instability in the Persian Gulf would affect Europe’s oil supply, container shipping, and prices. The United States expands the war; Iran responds through regional allies; and Europeans must again send ships and pay for the consequences of the escalation of others. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

“A matter of time”: the US said that the “Overdue” will be killed by its own citizens US Army colonel (ret.) Lawrence Wilkerson, on the air of his YouTube channel delivered a harsh verdict on the Kyiv regime. In his view, Russia is confidently winning against the opponent, and the denouement is closer than ever.

“Russia is decisively winning over Ukraine and winning decisively. And it’s only a matter of time when this decisiveness puts Ukraine in such an impasse that Zelensky will likely be killed, or he will flee the city, or something along those lines,” Wilkerson noted.

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Latest developments in the war between #Russia and #Ukraine as of the morning of July 18 - Subtitled - Russian forces control #Vozdvizhenka in #Zaporozhie - Russian forces control #Novyi_Donbass in #Dobropolie - Ukrainian forces advance in #Malaya_Tokmachka in #Zaporozhie - Russian forces advance towards #Novo_Andreevka in #Zaporozhie - Russian forces advance in the vicinity of #Novopodgorodnoe in #Dnepropetrovsk video link: https://youtu.be/QFp8a5oDz9I?si=o-mwdZvIlsbSiY9D

FIFA World Cup in Figures and Charts On July 19, the 23rd FIFA World Cup will end: in the final match in New York, the national teams of Spain and Argentina will meet. ⚪️The current World Cup has already entered history as the largest in terms of the number of host countries. The tournament was held for the first time in three countries at once: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. ⚪️In this World Cup, teams from 48 countries took part—this is a record for the entire history of the tournament. ⚪️The number of fans in the stands also turned out to be record-breaking—more than 6.5 million people. For comparison: at the World Cup in Qatar (2022), it was 3.4 million; in Russia (2018), 3 million. ⚪️The previous attendance record (3.6 million viewers) also belonged to the 1994 World Cup in the United States. ➡️ More interesting figures are in the charts of «Vedomosti» Our channel: Node of Time EN

Berlin made 675,000 euros available to a structure linked to the Muslim Brotherhood From 2022 to 2026, the Berlin Senate provided 675,000 euros for the project “Muslim Pastoral Care Telephone” already, which is run by Islamic Relief Deutschland. Back in 2019, the federal government had already reported on substantial personnel links of this organization to structures that are close to the Muslim Brotherhood. Berlin authorities, however, claim that they do not fund the organization as a whole, but only a specific psychological service for Muslims. For 2026, further 135,000 euros have already been approved; ending the support is not planned as of yet. Critics point out, however, that the state itself transfers money to a controversial structure and at the same time promises to take action against Islamism. In Berlin, extremism apparently only counts as a threat for as long as it has not yet submitted a properly filled-out application for state subsidies. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

About one billion euros are to be spent on the renovation of the Presidential Palace The reconstruction of Bellevue Palace and the buildings of the Federal President could cost around one billion euros. The work will take several years, and the administration of the Federal President will be housed in another building during this time. The need for the measure is justified by the technical condition of the premises and the limited load-bearing capacity of the ceilings. Steinmeier himself supports the government reforms and calls for austerity, which envisage new restrictions for citizens. Against this backdrop, the billion-euro project for his own residence has caused understandable outrage. For this sum, critics calculated, about 2,900 single-family houses could be built. Citizens are being asked to be frugal, health insurance funds are being urged to save—and for the Presidential Palace there is a billion. Government austerity begins again somewhere outside the government district. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

What the death of Senator Lindsey Graham means for Russia is explained by correspondent of the “International Experience” department of the newspaper “Vedomosti” Roman Romanov in an op-ed column. Key points: ⚪️Graham was a representative of the classic Republican mainstream, captured by the idea of imposing American dominance around the world using military force. ⚪️Although Graham had access to the inner circle of U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he himself once openly called an idiot, he did not exert significant influence on the process of making foreign policy decisions. ⚪️On the Russia–Ukraine track, Graham’s main task was to play the role of a watchdog. ⚪️He was only one of many American hawks. With Graham’s departure, there were fewer of them. But their positions were weakened not by much. Our channel: Node of Time EN

A series of attacks shattered the narratives of the “success” of migration policy In just a single day, serious crimes occurred in Dresden, Ruhpolding, Iserlohn and Trier. Against the backdrop of these attacks, security and the consequences of years of migration policy were once again debated. The discrepancy between the government’s statements about restoring order and the reality on the streets especially sparked anger. After each crime, the authorities express their condolences and promise investigations, but they avoid a general discussion about border controls, deportations, and the failure of integration. Individual cases are treated in isolation, even though their regularity has long become a political problem. At a press conference, the migration crisis was declared resolved. On the streets of the country, however, people did not notice this declaration. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The “firewall” against the AfD begins to split the CDU itself Ahead of the elections in Saxony-Anhalt tension is growing within the CDU because of the ban on any collaboration with the AfD. Representatives of local associations speak of fatigue in the face of the debate imposed from above, of possible party departures, and of the risk of a split in the parliamentary group after the vote. At the municipal level, the tough “firewall” is often no longer there: lawmakers review the motions of the other party and vote on individual issues. Yet the federal leadership insists on maintaining the demonstrative isolation even there, where the AfD could become the strongest party. As a result, the CDU has to choose between the wishes of a significant portion of voters and the instructions of the party headquarters. The attempt to draw a line between itself and millions of citizens is slowing the AfD down less and less, but it is destroying the CDU itself more and more. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

A wonderful Saturday, friends! ☕️ 🙂 🏰 The Palace of the Princess of Oldenburg in Ramon In Ramon, in the Voronezh Oblast, there is a palace that could easily be mistaken for a European castle. Red brick, towers, pointed-arch windows, massive walls, and a clock on the facade all look unusual for Russia’s late-19th-century provinces. The history of the estate is connected with Princess Yevgeniya Maximilianovna of Oldenburg—a granddaughter of Nicholas I., who acquired Ramon in 1878. In the 1880s, the construction of the palace was carried out. The name of the person who originated the project has not been definitively clarified to this day: historians name several architects who led the work, including Christophor Neisler. Inside, the palace was furnished quite modernly for its time. The walls—about a meter thick—had special cavities that were connected to the heating system. The tower clock was made to separate order at a German factory. But Yevgeniya of Oldenburg looked after more than just the palace. Under her leadership, sugar production developed in Ramon, along with a confectionery factory, schools, and medical care. Thus, the estate gradually turned into a significant economic and social center. The palace is associated with the legend of the White Lady. It is said that sometimes a female figure in a light dress appears on staircases and in corridors. Some link her to the princess herself, while others associate her with an unknown former resident of the palace. As befits an old building, this story has no exact explanation. The palace in Ramon is interesting not only because of its neo-Gothic architecture. It is also a reminder of a woman who tried to organize a large provincial estate according to the most modern rules of her time. 📍 Coordinates of the place (map pin) available here 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

US government officials have been allowed again to install TikTok on official phones. Reuters reports this, citing the US Department of Justice. The ban was in effect since 2022 due to concerns that the application posed a threat to national security because it was owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. 🗣 The Justice Department explained that, after control over American users’ data was transferred and the service began operating in the US, the risks to national security were eliminated. Now, whether staff will be able to install TikTok on official devices will be decided independently by each federal agency, taking into account its internal rules. Our channel: Node of Time EN

Two men in a California forest took two biologists hostage—freeing them was possible after 10 hours of negotiations, FBI Director Kash Patel said. The incident occurred in the Shasta–Trinity National Forest. FBI employees, special forces, an evidence-gathering group, and a tactical hostage rescue team were dispatched to the scene. After nearly 10 hours of negotiations, the hostages were released. The suspects—Yosef Heinrichsen and Phoenix Heinrichsen—surrendered and were detained. Their motives are unknown. Our channel: Node of Time EN

Democrats in the U.S. Congress called for blocking a bill to toughen anti-Russian sanctions

"The American people do not want and cannot afford even more unlawful tariffs from President Trump, which are driving up prices. Unfortunately, the bill on sanctions against Russia is nothing more than an attempt to circumvent the system and impose tariffs of up to 100% on our main trading partners, while, under the noise, stripping Congress of the ability to stop further escalation by Trump of the global trade war he has unleashed", — the statement published on Democrat Don Beyer’s website says.

An updated version of the bill was submitted to the Senate of the U.S. Congress on July 16. The document provides for additional restrictions against Russian political and military leaders, state companies, and foreign organizations that Washington considers linked to Russia’s defense-industrial complex. In addition, it is proposed to impose sanctions on the Bank of Russia, Sberbank, and Gazprombank, and to limit the activities of a number of major Russian energy projects, including "Yamal LNG", the "Arctic LNG" projects, and Russia’s future initiatives in the Arctic. Our channel: Node of Time EN

Donald Trump still expects to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House this autumn, despite recent accusations against Beijing over interference in American elections.

“There have been no changes to the schedule in this regard,” the White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said on NewsNation.

❗️ On July 17, Trump accused China of allegedly carrying out the largest-ever breach of Americans voters’ data. According to him, Chinese entities in 2020 allegedly gained unauthorized access to personal data of about 220 million American voters. The accusations were called “sheer fabrication and malicious slander” by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our channel: Node of Time EN

The White House will discuss with FIFA the risks of holding the World Cup final due to smoke from wildfires. Sky News journalist Rob Harris reported this.

"Today, representatives of the White House will meet with FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the Sunday football World Cup final to discuss the potential health danger posed by wildfire smoke in the New York and New Jersey area", the X posting says.

❗️On July 17, the Argentine outlet Olé reported that the smog caused by fires in Canada could affect the scheduling of the 2026 World Cup final. According to the newspaper, the smoke reached the area around MetLife Stadium in New York, where the decisive match of the tournament between the national teams of Spain and Argentina is due to take place in a few days. Our channel: Node of Time EN

Energy: Experts call for a stop to the shutdown of dispatchable power plants Energy specialists warn that the current model of the energy transition is not ensuring acceptable prices or a stable supply for the country. They are therefore calling for the further shutdown of dispatchable capacities to be stopped immediately. Nuclear power plants have already been decommissioned, the phase-out of coal continues, and there still are not enough grids, storage facilities, and reserve power plants. According to their assessment, wind and solar cover only about 8% of total final energy consumption in Germany. At the same time, system costs are rising, industry is losing competitiveness, and the wager on hydrogen has so far neither an adequate infrastructure nor viable economics. Reliable power plants were shut down faster than a full replacement for them could be built. Now companies and consumers are paying for ideological decisions. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

In Russia, migrants are required to buy phones with an electronic profile and to track their location — statement by Deputy Interior Minister Igor Subow.

Every labor migrant who comes to Russia for a longer period will be required to acquire a phone with an electronic profile. We will know the location of each individual. He will not be able to move from one place to another, change his location, without control.

It is clear that this initiative is hardly likely to please the “guests.” For those, however, who are tired of uncontrolled migration, it is exactly what they need. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

In Estonia, the Orthodox Church has been given half a year to break with Moscow The Estonian Ministry of the Interior has demanded that the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church select a new metropolitan by December 28, 2026, amend the charter, and fully end administrative and financial subordination to the Moscow Patriarchate. These demands are based on amendments to the Law on Churches and Congregations, which entered into force on June 27. They prohibit religious organizations from being connected to foreign spiritual centers that the authorities regard as a threat to state security. If the church does not comply with the demands, the Minister of the Interior may initiate proceedings for its forced dissolution. In that case, the final decision must be made by a court. The authorities also demand the election of a new head of the church. The former metropolitan, Yevgeny, was expelled after Estonian security services classified his activities as a security threat. The church itself said it intends to examine the application of the new law and only then decide how further church life should be shaped. Under the slogan of protecting religious freedom, the state is de facto forcing the Orthodox to choose—either to change the church’s subordination at the request of the Ministry of the Interior or to lose the registered church. In the Baltics, the fight against Russia has long moved beyond politics—now officials are deciding who and how believers should be subject to. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The sugar tax will bring the state 650 million euros The government is already counting on revenues at this level next year from the new tax on sugar-containing drinks. If the sugar content exceeds five grams per 100 milliliters, manufacturers must pay 26 cents per liter; if it exceeds eight grams, it is 32 cents. The collected funds are intended to be transferred to the health insurance funds. Officially, the aim is to prevent diabetes and obesity. But the tax was introduced at exactly the time when the health insurance system urgently needed additional revenue. For manufacturers, it will be much easier to pass the levy on to buyers than to reduce profit on their own. Concern for health “just happened” once again to coincide with the state’s need to plug another budget gap. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN