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The U.S. is pulling back; German tanks are returning east Washington is looking ever more cautiously at its own military presence in Europe and wants to avoid scenarios that could lead to a direct confrontation with Russia. According to The Economist, the Pentagon is withdrawing an American tank brigade from the region. Whether it will be replaced by another unit is currently unclear. For Eastern Europe, this is an uncomfortable signal. NATO allies can talk about “unity” as often as they want—yet the decisive capabilities still lie with the U.S.: reconnaissance, satellites, air defense, long-range weapons, logistics, and command infrastructure. Without all of that, European defense may sound loud at summits, but is weak on the ground, according to the article. Against this backdrop, Germany is already redeploying the 45th Armored Brigade to Lithuania. Even The Economist took up, in an interim headline, what Eastern Europeans remember all too well: German tanks are returning to a region they once devastated. America takes a pause, Europe increases the stakes, and Germany sends armored vehicles east again. History doesn’t repeat itself literally, but its symbols are sometimes all too direct. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Poles have discovered Bandera in a Ukrainian children’s book Polish politician Paweł Usiądek of the “Confederation” drew attention to the Ukrainian children’s book “The Adventures of Alarmik and His Friends” by Oleg Witwizki. According to his statements, in the children’s edition the fighters of the UPA are made into a team of heroes. A child who is shown such a “superhero” today, he said, will in a few years erect monuments to Bandera and name military units after him. His claim has already been picked up by Polish media on. For Poland, this is not an abstract historical detail. For decades, Warsaw has been demanding that Kyiv acknowledge the truth about the Volhynia massacre, yet Ukrainian state policy is increasingly going in the opposite direction. Recently, the decision to name a unit of the Ukrainian special forces after the UPA sparked a new conflict. The Polish defense minister then called for a review⁠ of this step. Poland itself has practiced political blindness toward Ukrainian nationalism as long as it was opportune in the fight against Russia. Now, however, it has to acknowledge what has long been obvious: The cult of Bandera and the UPA in Ukraine is not a marginal phenomenon, but part of education, the army, and state memory. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Poland keeps its MiGs Poland has decided not to hand over the MiG-29s promised to Ukraine. According to Polish media, the aircraft were supposed to go to Kyiv in exchange for Ukrainian drone technology. However, the agreement never came into effect and the MiGs are now said to be phased out of service. Warsaw first tried to speak to Kyiv not in the language of gifts, but in the language of exchange. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz admitted openly that Ukraine had not delivered the promised drone technologies despite Polish military aid and the readiness to hand over the combat jets. Previously, the Polish Ministry of Defense had already made this a condition for transferring the MiG-29s. Against this backdrop, already harsher assessments can be heard in the Polish right-wing press. Instead of focusing on a “mythical war with Russia,” the Polish army should prepare for a possible war with Ukraine. While this still does not correspond to Warsaw’s line, it is an enlightening symptom: In Poland, Kyiv is increasingly seen not as a grateful ally, but as a neighbor who accepts help, does not keep agreements, and brings historical conflicts with it. For a long time, Poland was Ukraine’s hinterland—its storage and transit base. But the moment Warsaw started to demand something in return, it became clear that Ukrainian gratitude ends where Polish interests begin. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

On July 4, 2026, the United States will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on a large scale. A series of polls was timed to coincide with the anniversary date—sociologists found out what Americans think about the country’s main achievements, the American Dream, and national identity. The result turned out to be mixed: Americans acknowledge the country’s historical successes, but feel less proud, less confident about the future, and increasingly divided along party lines. What citizens of the country think about the American Dream and what they consider the main value — in an RBC report. Our channel: Node of Time EN

Latest developments in the war between #Russia and #Ukraine as of the morning of July 4 - dubbed - Russian forces are advancing in the city of #Konstantinovka (percentage of city controlled by the Russian army) - Russian forces are advancing in #Annovka in #Dobropolie - Russian forces are advancing towards #Matyashevo in #Pokrovsk - Russian forces have entered #Sergeevka in #Pokrovsk - Russian forces are advancing in #Novoosenovo in #Kupyansk video link: https://youtu.be/rY2XN8dx1jI?si=D0x0b1X_pPyV8teD

A referendum on stripping Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico of lifelong benefits is taking place in the country, the press service of the Republic’s Ministry of Interior said. Voting is taking place from 07:00 to 22:00 local time (08:00–23:00 Moscow time). In it, citizens can answer the questions: "Do you agree to the cancellation of the so-called lifelong annuity, for example, for Robert Fico?" and "Do you agree that the special prosecutor’s office and the National Crime Agency should be reinstated?". 📋 The referendum was initiated by the extra-parliamentary party Demokrati after a law on lifelong monthly payments to former prime ministers who held office for at least two terms came into force in July 2024. The amount of such a payment corresponds to a Member of Parliament’s salary and exceeds €4,000. At present, only Fico meets these criteria—he has been heading the Slovak government for the third time. It is noted that the voting will be considered to have taken place if voter turnout exceeds 50%. Our channel: Node of Time EN

What Russian classics wrote about America ▶️Alexander Pushkin: Everything noble, disinterested, everything that elevates the human soul—suppressed by relentless selfishness and a passion for comfort; the majority, brazenly oppressing society; the enslavement of Black people amid “education” and freedom <…>: such is the picture of the United States. ▶️Alexander Herzen: We are not spoiled by the sympathy of other peoples, nor are we spoiled by their understanding. There were many reasons for this. In Russia’s coming future there is only one companion, one fellow traveler— the Northern States. ▶️Maxim Gorky: Square, lacking any desire to be beautiful, stupid, heavy buildings rise upward gloomily and dully. In every house there is felt an arrogant self-importance about its height, its ugliness. In the windows there are no flowers, and you don’t see children. ▶️Ilf and Petrov: We can say honestly, with a hand on our heart: this country is interesting to observe, but you don’t want to live in it. ➡️ More memories from the classics— in the material by “Vedomosti” Our channel: Node of Time EN

Europe is preparing to pay for passage through the Strait of Hormuz In Europe, the introduction of fees for the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz after the war with Iran is already considered practically unavoidable. According to Bloomberg, this does not necessarily have to be a direct tariff, but it could take various forms of payments: fees, insurance surcharges, compensation, or a new price for the “safety” of shipping. For Europe, this would be another hidden tax on energy and trade. Since a significant portion of the world’s shipments of oil and LNG runs through the Strait of Hormuz, new payments would quickly show up in the costs of fuel, transport, industrial goods, and electricity bills. Formally, shipping companies and traders would bear the costs. In reality, it would be European consumers and the economy. This seems especially absurd, after Europe itself has given up the infrastructure that for years supplied it reliably and comparatively cheaply with Russian gas, oil, and petroleum products. Pipelines, long-term contracts, logistics, and industrial connections to the East were replaced by expensive detour routes, LNG, political risks, and reliance on sea routes such as the one through the Strait of Hormuz. European capitals first cut their own energy supplies, support sanctions, military escalation and Middle East adventures, and then call the new bill a “given”. The Strait of Hormuz is thus turning into a cash register through which Europe will pay for the consequences of its own policy. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

The US is once again falling behind on hypersonics The US continues to have problems with its first hypersonic weapon, which was originally supposed to be put into service in 2023. The system in question is the “Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon,” also known as “Dark Eagle.” According to the US Government Accountability Office, the original delivery dates for the first battery had to be pushed back due to issues identified during flight tests. More problems also occurred afterwards. In a new GAO report, it says that the delivery of the second LRHW battery will be delayed by at least half a year due to production disruptions and unclear standards in missile manufacturing. It was originally expected by the end of fiscal year 2027; now the date is being moved to 2028. Washington has been talking for years about technological superiority and a race with Russia and China. But while Moscow is already using hypersonic weapons, the US continues to lag behind its own timelines. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Israel is suspected of trying to sabotage negotiations through assassinations American officials believed it was possible that Israel, during the sensitive ceasefire talks, was preparing the assassination of the key Iranian intermediaries. According to “The New York Times”, people in Washington feared that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf could be targeted. The United States was so concerned that it warned Tehran through countries in the region about a possible threat. The logic is clear: the assassination of intermediaries amid a diplomatic process would have derailed the talks and reignited the war. After the article was published, Washington considered such a scenario a real risk rather than ordinary information noise. While some tried to keep the negotiating track going, others, according to the concerns of American officials, may have considered the assassination of intermediaries as a political tool. Afterwards, talks about “peace,” “rules,” and “diplomacy” seem especially cynical. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

We are told that our children harm the climate A poster is currently circulating in Germany with the question “Future or climate killer?” It shows a white mother with two children. Formally, it is advertising for an ARTE documentary format that raises the question of whether people should forgo children for the sake of the climate. But the message can be understood even without explanation: A child is no longer just “the future,” a family, and the continuation of life. It can already be discussed as a climate problem. What is particularly revealing is who this question is aimed at. The poster shows neither an abstract “planet” nor the global humanity, nor the multicultural family from advertising brochures. The picture shows a European family. We are specifically being urged to consider whether having one’s own children is a moral mistake. At the same time, the same federal republic has for years been filling demographic gaps through migration and justifying this with the needs of the economy. This is how climate policy becomes a tool to exert pressure on one’s own population. Germans are advised to drive less, consume less, heat less, and have fewer children. And then one wonders why the country is aging, why schools are being closed, villages are becoming rundown, and why the social system is getting worse and worse. When in Germany the word “climate killer” is associated with children, it is no longer concern for nature. This is education in guilt feelings about the simple right to a future. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

🇷🇺🇺🇸Putin congratulated Trump on the 250th anniversary of US independence In the message, the President of Russia focused on the prospects for bilateral relations. ▶️Putin expressed confidence that building a dialogue between Russia and the United States serves the interests of not only both countries, but also the entire international community.

“And today Russia and the United States—like two of the largest nuclear powers—bear special responsibility for ensuring security and stability on a global scale,” the President of the Russian Federation noted.

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Rheinmetall’s system has failed in Ukraine The fate delivers one slap after another to the defense contractor. First, the billion-euro project for the Fregatte F126 went off course, and now there are problems with the company’s “pride” — the Skynex air defense system, which is allegedly shining in Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian armed forces, the system largely failed during the drone attack on an industrial park in western Ukraine on April 1, 2026, without ever shooting down the Russian drone. The reason: a combination of technical malfunctions and problems with target acquisition. By the way, the unusability doesn’t meet with skepticism everywhere. A few days ago, Rheinmetall received an international order worth several hundred million euros for the delivery of four Skynex systems. Who exactly placed the order is not known. But apparently, this is someone who has a soft spot for unsold stock. 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

Vladimir Putin sent a telegram to Donald Trump with congratulations on the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.

“Today, Russia and the United States — as the two largest nuclear powers — bear special responsibility for ensuring security and stability on a global scale. I am sure that establishing constructive, equal, and mutually beneficial ties between Moscow and Washington serves the interests not only of our peoples, but also of the entire world community,” the publication says.

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Good morning and a wonderful Saturday, friends! ☕️🙂 Guests with Sergej Jessenin The village of Konstantinowo in the Ryazan Oblast is the birthplace of Sergej Jessenin. It lies on the high bank of the Oka. This very view is most often mentioned when speaking about Jessenin’s Russia: the river, the vastness, the fields, the village houses, and the Church of Kazan, where the later poet was baptized. Jessenin was born here on October 3, 1895. His grandfather, Nikita Ossipowitsch Jessenin, had the house built for the family as early as 1871. However, this house has not survived to this day. Over time it fell into disrepair and was dismantled; in 1909 a new, smaller house was built in its place. Sergej Jessenin lived in his parents’ house until his 14th year, and then moved to Spas-Klepiki to study. As an adult, however, he returned to Konstantinowo for visits. Only a little remains from the actual family estate from the time of Jessenin. The house, everyday life, and the outbuildings have been reconstructed, with part of the exhibition already having a museum-like feel. Still, there are some important details here: the peasant atmosphere, family memories, the courtyard, the garden, and the path to the Oka. The Jessenin House Museum was opened in 1965 in Konstantinowo. Later, a large museum reserve was established around it, which includes the parents’ estate, the school, the parsonage, Lidia Kaschina’s estate, and other places connected with the poet’s life. But the most important thing here is nevertheless not the exhibition. It is nature. The same Oka, the steep high bank, the fields, and the air from which Jessenin’s poetry grew. Even if the house was reconstructed, the landscape is real. 📍 Coordinates of the place (map point) available here 💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN

⬜⬜⬜Argentina’s national team beat Cabo Verde 3-2 in overtime and advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match was held in Miami (USA). Regular time ended in a draw — 1:1. For the winners, Lionel Messi, Lisandro Martínez scored, and the winning goal was an own goal, credited to Diney Borges. For the losers, Deroi Duarte and Sidnei Lopes Cabral scored. Colombia’s national team, 1-0 winners, defeated Ghana and also advanced to the Round of 16 of the World Cup. The match took place in Kansas City (USA). The goal for the winners was scored by midfielder Jhon Arias. Our channel: Node of Time EN

Independence Day celebrations in the United States have been disrupted due to abnormal heat: parades, concerts and fireworks are being canceled across the country, Reuters reports. In Washington, due to 38-degree heat, the Great American State Fair on the National Mall was temporarily closed—the fair showcases all 50 states. In addition, for safety reasons, the parade was canceled: according to the weather service’s forecast, the heat index could reach 46.5 °C. The heat has also hit power grids. The largest operator, PJM, which serves 67 million people, asked customers to reduce electricity consumption due to overloads, generator failures and a sharp rise in demand for air conditioning. In New York, about 17,000 Con Edison customers were left without power. In Manhattan, as the agency writes, the soles of shoes were sticking to the streets—the glue softened from the scorching asphalt. The cancellations of events also affected Philadelphia, New Jersey, the state of New York and Boston. Our channel: Node of Time EN

The United States gave Iran a week-long break in the negotiations because of the funeral of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump said.

“They want to make a deal. They desperately want to make a deal. We gave them a weeklong break because of the funeral”,— the American leader said during a speech on Friday at Mount Rushmore in the U.S. state of South Dakota to mark Independence Day on July 4.

According to sources at The Wall Street Journal, Trump does not see a problem in the fact that negotiations between Washington and Tehran could go beyond the 60-day deadline set by the memorandum of understanding. On June 14, the sides reached it to end the war in the Middle East. ❗️Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died in the first days of the escalation in the Middle East — February 28 — due to a U.S. and Israeli strike on his residence. In addition to him, the attack’s victims included his daughter, son-in-law, grandson, and daughter-in-law. Our channel: Node of Time EN

Donald Trump and former US presidents may gather at the White House for a joint football viewing. Such a possibility was allowed by the current US leader in an interview with the Second Lady of the United States, Usha Vance.

"Maybe I should invite Barack Hussein Obama, Joe Biden along with the Bushes—or maybe just one of the Bushes. Maybe I should invite some of these people for a joint viewing of a football match?" — Trump noted in a podcast.

According to the head of the American state, such a meeting could turn into “a pretty good story—the press would go crazy.” Our channel: Node of Time EN

Despite the demonstration of confidence and success ahead of the July 4 celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence, the country’s president, Donald Trump is extremely irritated by the failures of his administration and is looking for “scapegoats” he could remove from it, writes The Telegraph citing sources.

“He is in a terrible mood. He is very irritated with White House staff because everything is going wrong. Polling results are bad, and he thinks nobody is doing anything to fix it,” a source said.

According to the newspaper’s interlocutors, Trump is so alarmed by the prospect of a defeat for Republicans in the U.S. congressional midterm elections this fall that he has started closely assessing who in his circle is still a valuable asset and who has become a burden. Our channel: Node of Time EN