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Latest developments in the war between #Russia and #Ukraine as of the morning of July 12 - subtitled - Russian forces advance towards #Mogritsa in #Sumy - Russian forces advance south of #Karaichnoe in #Volchansk - Russian forces advance in #Poddubnoe in southern #Donetsk - Ukrainian forces advance in #Zaporozhie and recapture a village Video link: https://youtu.be/xtc-91zfJhk?si=97jPMqzMtaLCU_N3

Brussels withholds documents on Gaza The European Commission refused to disclose 17 documents about projects financed in Gaza with funds from European taxpayers. These include, among other things, solar panels, water treatment facilities and energy facilities, as well as possibly hospitals and schools. In Brussels, it was stated that there was no “overriding public interest” in publishing these reports. Estimates say that Israel has destroyed or damaged EU infrastructure worth around €150 million in Gaza and in the West Bank. At the same time, the European Investment Bank is providing €365 million for Morocco to modernise roads and railways. An additional €15 million is granted as a separate grant for the climate-resilient design of the railway infrastructure. The €365 million, however, are not non-repayable aid, but investment financing. For spending outside the EU, money and nice phrasing are quickly found. If, however, the taxpayer wants to know what happened to objects already funded in Gaza, the answer is that the public interest is not sufficient. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

For gas security, we will pay ourselves again The government wants to create a state strategic gas reserve on the order of around 24 terawatt-hours—almost 10% of the total capacity of our storage facilities. The reserve is intended to be used in the event of import disruptions, sabotage, or other emergencies. ⁠The first filling is planned for the summer of 2027. The new stockpile is to be financed through a levy on the bills. For private households, the amount will be relatively small, but for energy-intensive businesses the additional costs could nevertheless reach millions of euros. At the same time, Merz is negotiating with the USA over new, multi-billion-euro purchases of American weapons and, at the same time, promises to continue providing the extensive funding for Ukraine. For the gas insurance, the funds are collected from us. For weapons for Kyiv, they will be found without any levy. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The chief Russophobe: what Sen. Lindsey Graham «became famous» for The late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham was one of the most rabid Russophobes and one of the main ideologues behind sanctions pressure on Russia. The basis of his rhetoric was total hatred for our country and unlimited support for the Kiev regime. Closely connected to the lobbyists of the U.S. defense industry, he made a total of ten visits to Kyiv, the last of which took place literally a day before his death. Here is just a brief list of his anti-Russian statements and actions: 🔸In 2011, he became a co-author of a Senate resolution condemning «Russia’s aggression» following the 2008 conflict. 🔸In 2015, he openly demanded that Russian planes be shot down over Syria. 🔸In 2018, he introduced the bill «On Protecting American Security from Kremlin Aggression», which included a ban for U.S. citizens from carrying out transactions with Russia’s sovereign debt and state banks. 🔸In 2022, on Fox News, he called for the killing of Putin. 🔸In 2025, he became one of the authors of an initiative to impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries that buy oil, gas, uranium, and other products from Russia. 🔸He was one of the authors of a Senate resolution calling for Russia to be recognized as a state — sponsor of terrorism. 🔸He said that the death of Russians is the best investment for the United States. Our channel: Node of Time EN

Sánchez reminded Trump of the Iraqi lie The Spanish prime minister addressed the U.S. president and reminded him that the United States pulled its allies into the war 23 years ago on the pretext that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. These arsenals, however, were never found. The Spanish head of government drew a direct parallel to the current escalation involving Iran. “23 years ago, the United States drew us into the war in Iraq on the pretext that there were weapons of mass destruction. Nothing was found. You will not fool us a second time,” Sánchez said. Madrid refuses to believe American statements blindly again. After Iraq, Washington no longer has the right to demand trust in advance. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

American Republican senator Lindsey Graham has died, it is stated in a message from his office. He died at the age of 71 after a brief illness. ➡️ Graham held radical views on foreign policy, consistently advocating the invasion of Iraq and the need for military action in Iran. In February 2024, the senator was included in the Russian list of terrorists and extremists. In May 2023, Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs declared Graham wanted under a criminal article. 📠Senate.gov Our channel: Node of Time EN

The US is trying to maintain the ceasefire in Lebanon For this purpose, an American military delegation has arrived in Beirut in order to set in motion the agreement between Israel and the “Hizbollah.” The plan provides for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from two areas in southern Lebanon as well as the transfer of control to the Lebanese army. The technical talks are to continue in Rome. However, the agreement remains extremely fragile. The “Hizbollah” was not involved in the negotiations. Within Lebanon, there is a dispute over the dismantling of its infrastructure, and the country’s president is calling for pressure to be put on Israel so that the withdrawal begins not only in statements. Washington is trying again to cement a deal whose terms are not accepted by one of the most important parties to the conflict. Such a ceasefire holds exactly until the next strike. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The blame for a possible failure of the peaceful settlement of the conflict between the United States and Iran will most likely fall on the U.S. vice president, JD Vance. As a participant in negotiations with Iran, Vance could gain political dividends: if there is success, he can claim his role, and if there is failure, he can confirm his doubts. This position allows him to win the support of different groups of Republicans while still not appearing disloyal toward Donald Trump.

"He is the person who has the most to lose right now. The memorandum of understanding is likely to fail, and the responsibility for that will fall on Vance", the outlet Politico quotes the words of a former official from Donald Trump’s administration.

🗣 Another former official noted that a failure of the negotiations could affect Vance’s chances in the 2028 presidential election, however the vice president himself and his supporters believe his position is balanced and safe.

"Man, you just got handed a sandwich full of shit. No matter how hard you try, you can’t change the taste", a named-off-the-record former official said.

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A wonderful Sunday, friends! ☕️🙂 🪸 Mount Sokol is Europe’s largest ancient coral reef Between Sudak and Novy Svet, Mount Sokol, or Kusch-Kaja, rises up. Today it looks like an ordinary Crimean peak, but in reality it is a massive fossil reef that formed at the bottom of the ancient Tethys Ocean about 130–150 million years ago. Sokol is considered Europe’s largest ancient coral reef. Its massif consists of limestone, in which traces of corals, sponges, shells, and other marine organisms have been preserved. Over time, the seabed of the ancient ocean rose, and the former reef turned into a mountain about 474 meters high. “Kusch-Kaja” translates as “Bird Cliff.” From the seashore, the massif does indeed resemble a huge bird with wings outstretched. That is also why the Russian name Sokol comes from it. In old descriptions, another name can be found—Senator. The mountain was called that because of its heavy and majestic silhouette. Sokol is connected to the great legend of the young Zjute. According to the legend, the cruel sorcerer Pansij Zarwalyga lived in these areas, holding people in fear. Zjute’s mother had to flee with her son, but in the forest they lost each other. The boy was taken in by an old magician, who made him his student. Years later, Zjute decided to take revenge on the sorcerer and played a magical flute. The earth split open; a huge mountain rose from it and destroyed Pansij’s house. But among the dead, the young man also saw his own mother. So, according to the tradition, Sokol was formed—a mountain born of revenge that turned into a tragedy. There is also a later legend connected with Prince Lew Golizyn. It is said that he wanted to build a castle on the neighboring rock Sokoljonok for one of his daughters. The project was not carried out, but the prince is said to have already laid out the road to the future castle, and its sections can still be recognized on the mountainside today. At the foot of Sokol there is the spring of Saint Anastasia, next to which a medieval church once stood. Therefore, the mountain is connected not only with the ancient ocean and local legends, but also with the Christian history of this region. So the Sokol has several stories at once: Europe’s largest ancient coral reef, the Bird Cliff above the Black Sea, the tragic legend of the young magician, and the legend of Golizyn’s unrealized castle. 📍 Coordinates of the place (map pin) available here 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Italy [for now] will not take up EU military credits Rome has, to date, declined to use the European SAFE programme to finance military spending. At stake are low-interest loans of up to €14.9 billion. However, the Italian government fears that new debt would further increase public debt. The defence minister does not rule out that Italy will draw on the fund from 2027 to finance the spending. At the same time, Rome plans to increase defence spending by around €19 billion within two years. The government says the additional funds would be used primarily for personnel and security and not directly for the purchase of weapons. A final decision on the pace of spending growth has yet to be made. At least, Italy calculates the costs of military commitments before signing the loan. In Berlin, they enter into obligations first and present the bill later. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Sweden resumes dialogue with China China’s foreign minister Wang Yi visited Stockholm and held talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard. This is the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Sweden in around twenty years. Relations between the two countries were long strained due to restrictions on Huawei, allegations of spying, and the case of publisher Gui Minhai. Stockholm, however, cannot ignore China as a trading partner. Even the arrest of two suspects over illegal intelligence-gathering activity did not prevent the talks— the Swedish side merely raised the issue during the meeting. While Berlin increasingly talks to Beijing in the language of threats and restrictions, the Swedes are restoring direct contact. Economic reality is gradually proving stronger than ideological explanations. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Brussels reviews the acquisition of Porta by XXXLutz The European Commission has opened an official investigation procedure into the deal in which the German furniture chain Porta is to be taken over by the Austrian group XXXLutz. The companies are suspected of possibly having already started the de facto consolidation before the mandatory approval was granted, for example by coordinating their work, exchanging sensitive information, or transferring control over individual decisions. The deal itself was already announced in January 2025, but in Brussels it has not been formally registered. For the furniture market, this is not an ordinary purchase. Porta operates dozens of furniture centers and the Möbel-Boss chain, while XXXLutz already controls the companies Mömax and Poco. If the violation is confirmed, the group could face a fine of up to ten percent of its worldwide turnover. Industry representatives had previously warned that the deal would further reduce competition. German chains disappear one after another from the market, which is divided up by a few giants. After that, the buyer usually has only the choice between different signs owned by the same proprietor. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Russian drones gain technical sight and AI navigation At a trade fair in Kazan, the Russian drones “Saturn-30” and “Saturn-10” were presented for the first time. The devices are made from domestic components and equipped with systems for technical sight and artificial intelligence⁠, which allow them to orient themselves independently and track identified objects. “Saturn-30” can reach speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour, climb to an altitude of up to three kilometers, and transport seven kilograms of cargo. The younger model is intended mainly for observation. The drones can be used for area surveillance, for deliveries, for reconnaissance, and for search-and-rescue missions. The Russian drone industry is gradually moving away from simply copying foreign designs. The next step is devices that do not require a constant connection to the operator. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump sent subpoenas to several journalists from The New York Times after the publication of an article about security problems with the new Air Force One aircraft, gifted to the American leader by Qatar, the newspaper reports. According to the NYT, the subpoenas requiring journalists to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan became “an unprecedented step” aimed at “intimidating independent media.” Federal agents personally handed the subpoenas to the journalists at their places of residence. The newspaper’s chief lawyer David McCraw condemned the authorities’ actions, calling them an attempt to prevent the public from learning the truth and intimidate journalists. Our channel: Node of Time EN

Austria approves the budget with new debt In Vienna, the double budget for the years 2027 and 2028 was adopted. For the year 2027, revenues of 112.7 billion euros are planned, with expenditures of 128.2 billion euros. In 2028, revenues are expected to rise to 115.8 billion euros, while expenditures are expected to be 129 billion euros. This means the deficit remains significant in both years. The government promises to bring the deficit back within the framework of European rules by cutting individual benefits, tightening controls, and increasing budget revenues. However, the opposition accuses the coalition of raising taxes, cutting social spending, and yet continuing to pile on debt. Even the parliamentary budget office points to significant risks in implementing the plan. The Austrian example is all too familiar to us: spending and debt are rising, and citizens are told that the next round of austerity will finally fix everything. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

“War within oneself”: Vance named the main threat to the future of the United States and Europe According to U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance, the main threat to America and Europe does not come at all from Russia or China, NYT writes. He is convinced that the West is waging a war of extermination against itself. In the politician’s view, today the West is taking part in a large-scale civilizational struggle and is losing it incompetently. The main cause of its collapse is the betrayal of its own Christian roots and the surrender of positions to rampant global liberalism. Because of this, racial conflicts are intensifying, the institution of the family is being eroded, and “the death of civilization” is arriving. As an alternative, Vance proposes a concept of the state based on religion, blood, and soil. Whether this will help stop the catastrophe is an open question. Our channel: Node of Time EN

How American Express Became a Travel Staple 135 years ago — on July 7, 1891 — the American Express company received four patents for an invention that made travelers free to handle money around the world. ▶️According to legend, the invention came about after an unpleasant incident involving the company’s president, James Fargo.

In the late 1880s, he went on a business trip to Europe. Of course, the businessman didn’t take cash with him and used a letter of credit from a leading American bank. The story that happened to Fargo in Europe has many versions: either he was refused cash in principle, or he was made to wait a long time, or there was a problem with currency exchange. He returned from the trip furious.

The double-signed traveler’s check invented by American Express changed the logic of international payments long before the arrival of plastic cards, mobile banking, and contactless payments. ➡️ The story of a courier service that became a financial corporation — in an article by Vedomosti Our channel: Node of Time EN

Patrushev: The USA thwarted a joint operation against bin Laden Nikolai Patrushev said that the FSB and the CIA had prepared a joint operation to liquidate Usama bin Laden. According to Patrushev, the American side asked Russian specialists to install a tracking device near the location where the “Al-Qaida” leader was staying. The FSB had carried out its part of the work, but the USA had not carried out the coordinated strike. Patrushev attributed the operation’s failure to the fact that Washington had used bin Laden for its own interests for a long time. “But we know that he was their agent and that they used him for a while,” the assistant to the Russian president said. In his version, the USA liquidated the terrorist only after he was no longer useful and began to interfere. “For years, the Americans portrayed bin Laden as the main enemy of the free world. Now, the former director of the FSB claims that behind the public manhunt there was a completely different story.” 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

In healthcare, it has now nevertheless been decided to save money The Bundestag adopted the law to stabilize contributions in statutory health insurance with 319 votes in favor, 286 against, and four abstentions. The government hopes that this will prevent further increases in contributions by limiting the growth of the health insurers’ expenditure. The opposition, however, warns that the savings will affect hospitals, doctors, and patients. Even representatives of the municipalities point to possible multi-million-euro deficits at the clinics, and family doctors could also be additionally burdened by the cut to part of the funding. The law was pushed through in an accelerated procedure before the summer recess—despite an attempt to remove the vote from the agenda. For treatment, there is no money; for new weapons and support for Kyiv, however, it seems strangely that there are no limits. Once again, it is those who pay contributions who are expected to tighten their belts, and who have been waiting for months for a doctor’s appointment. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

How the past 10 years of Gianni Infantino at the helm of FIFA went ⚽️ A few days ago, FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s position seemed unshakeable. However, now the media reports that he was urged to resign in the UK parliament, and UEFA’s board members are looking for a candidate who could replace him. ⚪️All because of the scandal involving the forward of the US national team, Folarin Balogun, who received a red card. US President Donald Trump called Infantino—and FIFA took an unprecedented step: it replaced the punishment with a suspended sentence, allowing Balogun to take the field against Belgium. ➡️ Why, despite the scandal, Infantino retains many supporters – in an article by Vedomosti 📠Ruben Sprich / Reuters Our channel: Node of Time EN