🧑🎨 On this day in 1887, Marc Chagall was born – a famous Russian-French painter whose work fused modernism and the avant-garde, drawing together strands of surrealism, symbolism and expressionism into a unique visual language. Beyond painting, Chagall became one of the great masters of stained glass, bringing the same luminous imagination to glass as he did to canvas.
Britain holds a special place in that legacy. Chagall created the stained-glass windows for All Saints’ Church in Tudeley, where every window is his work, and later designed the magnificent Psalm 150 window for Chichester Cathedral. These commissions reflected his belief that art could transcend borders, religions and cultures.
Britain holds a special place in that legacy. Chagall created the stained-glass windows for All Saints’ Church in Tudeley, where every window is his work, and later designed the magnificent Psalm 150 window for Chichester Cathedral. These commissions reflected his belief that art could transcend borders, religions and cultures.
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⚠️ On the eve of the NATO summit and the OPCW Executive Council session, London has introduced yet another raft of sanctions. Illegitimate restrictions have been imposed on Russian research institutions.
Lacking any fresh ideas, the UK authorities have dusted off their favourite "chemical dossier" – a set of stale accusations concerning the poisoning of the Skripals, Dawn Sturgess and Alexey Navalny, as well as the alleged development of chemical weapons in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
We categorically reject these allegations. Russia strictly adheres to the norms of international law, including the CWC provisions. International inspections have confirmed that the Russian Armed Forces do not possess chemical weapons.
The accusations regarding the use of the notorious "Novichok" are fundamentally baseless. The British side itself refused to cooperate with Russia as set out in the Chemical Weapons Convention and has failed to answer key questions relating to both the Skripal case and the death of Dawn Sturgess.
Despite not having been legally proven in British courts, this slander continues to be used by the UK leadership as proof of an imaginary "Russian threat". The aim is to intensify confrontation with Russia and to justify unpopular decisions at the expense of the British public. The epibatidine story is following the same pattern: loud allegations without a shred of evidence.
In this matter, one must be guided by common sense and think critically, rather than accepting anything the British government claims about Russia at face value.
Lacking any fresh ideas, the UK authorities have dusted off their favourite "chemical dossier" – a set of stale accusations concerning the poisoning of the Skripals, Dawn Sturgess and Alexey Navalny, as well as the alleged development of chemical weapons in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
We categorically reject these allegations. Russia strictly adheres to the norms of international law, including the CWC provisions. International inspections have confirmed that the Russian Armed Forces do not possess chemical weapons.
The accusations regarding the use of the notorious "Novichok" are fundamentally baseless. The British side itself refused to cooperate with Russia as set out in the Chemical Weapons Convention and has failed to answer key questions relating to both the Skripal case and the death of Dawn Sturgess.
Despite not having been legally proven in British courts, this slander continues to be used by the UK leadership as proof of an imaginary "Russian threat". The aim is to intensify confrontation with Russia and to justify unpopular decisions at the expense of the British public. The epibatidine story is following the same pattern: loud allegations without a shred of evidence.
In this matter, one must be guided by common sense and think critically, rather than accepting anything the British government claims about Russia at face value.
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❤️ In Russia, 8 July is celebrated as the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity.
The date wasn't picked at random – it comes from the Russian Orthodox Church's commemoration of Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom, an example of true love.
Legend has it that Prince Peter was struck with incurable leprosy after killing a magical serpent. A village girl named Fevronia agreed to heal him – but only if he married her. He promised, was healed – then broke his word, and the disease returned. Repentant, he kept his promise, and they married.
When Peter's time came to rule Murom, the boyars didn't want a commoner as their princess and forced the prince to choose between the throne and love. Without hesitation, he chose Fevronia, and they left Murom together. But soon the boyars begged him to return, and the couple ruled wisely ever after.
In old age, he became a monk and she a nun, and together they prayed to die on the same day and be buried side by side. Their wish was granted: their remains were moved to separate churches twice, and twice they miraculously ended up together again.
Today, their relics rest in Murom's Holy Trinity Monastery, where believers from across Russia come to pray for family happiness.
ℹ️ For more on the story of Peter and Fevronia, check out this article by Gateway to Russia.
The date wasn't picked at random – it comes from the Russian Orthodox Church's commemoration of Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom, an example of true love.
Legend has it that Prince Peter was struck with incurable leprosy after killing a magical serpent. A village girl named Fevronia agreed to heal him – but only if he married her. He promised, was healed – then broke his word, and the disease returned. Repentant, he kept his promise, and they married.
When Peter's time came to rule Murom, the boyars didn't want a commoner as their princess and forced the prince to choose between the throne and love. Without hesitation, he chose Fevronia, and they left Murom together. But soon the boyars begged him to return, and the couple ruled wisely ever after.
In old age, he became a monk and she a nun, and together they prayed to die on the same day and be buried side by side. Their wish was granted: their remains were moved to separate churches twice, and twice they miraculously ended up together again.
Today, their relics rest in Murom's Holy Trinity Monastery, where believers from across Russia come to pray for family happiness.
ℹ️ For more on the story of Peter and Fevronia, check out this article by Gateway to Russia.
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💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: The West's expansion of military production and investment in industrial capacity is driven by two factors.
The first is the desire to continue supplying the Zelensky regime for as long as possible, so that Ukraine can do Europe's work of exhausting Russia, as many representatives of the European political echelon have openly stated.
The second factor is that without such measures, the deteriorating state of the European economy would be impossible to conceal. Social programmes have been impacted, benefits are being cut and industry is relocating from Europe to the United States, which offers much better business conditions. In these circumstances, allocating budget funds to weapons production is one way of keeping the economy afloat.
However, if they wish to militarise to the hilt, they will simply lose their own race for superiority.
Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following consultations with Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Addis Ababa, 7 July 2026
The first is the desire to continue supplying the Zelensky regime for as long as possible, so that Ukraine can do Europe's work of exhausting Russia, as many representatives of the European political echelon have openly stated.
The second factor is that without such measures, the deteriorating state of the European economy would be impossible to conceal. Social programmes have been impacted, benefits are being cut and industry is relocating from Europe to the United States, which offers much better business conditions. In these circumstances, allocating budget funds to weapons production is one way of keeping the economy afloat.
However, if they wish to militarise to the hilt, they will simply lose their own race for superiority.
Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following consultations with Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Addis Ababa, 7 July 2026
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❌ Британский политикум вновь отметился серией антироссийских выпадов. На этот раз поводом послужило решение МОК восстановить в правах Олимпийский комитет России.
Риторика местного истеблишмента наглядно демонстрирует, что спорт здесь давно рассматривается как инструмент политического давления. Прикрываясь лозунгами о поддержке Украины, Лондон в последние годы последовательно выступал за недопуск российских атлетов к международным соревнованиям – по сути, сегрегацию по национальному признаку, что прямо противоречит принципам Олимпийской хартии.
Показательны лицемерие и двойные стандарты британского подхода: аналогичные призывы никогда не звучали в отношении спортсменов из союзных Соединённому Королевству государств, чьи вооружённые силы участвуют в военных конфликтах.
Всё это укладывается в общую линию Лондона на нанесение России «стратегического поражения» и попытки навредить нашей стране в различных сферах. Не исключено и стремление устранить конкурента на крупных международных стартах в лице одной из ведущих спортивных держав.
Решение МОК – шаг в верном направлении. Оно подтверждает, что здравый смысл и принципы олимпизма способны взять верх над политической конъюнктурой, а мировой спорт – вернуться к своему главному предназначению: объединять людей.
Риторика местного истеблишмента наглядно демонстрирует, что спорт здесь давно рассматривается как инструмент политического давления. Прикрываясь лозунгами о поддержке Украины, Лондон в последние годы последовательно выступал за недопуск российских атлетов к международным соревнованиям – по сути, сегрегацию по национальному признаку, что прямо противоречит принципам Олимпийской хартии.
Показательны лицемерие и двойные стандарты британского подхода: аналогичные призывы никогда не звучали в отношении спортсменов из союзных Соединённому Королевству государств, чьи вооружённые силы участвуют в военных конфликтах.
Всё это укладывается в общую линию Лондона на нанесение России «стратегического поражения» и попытки навредить нашей стране в различных сферах. Не исключено и стремление устранить конкурента на крупных международных стартах в лице одной из ведущих спортивных держав.
Решение МОК – шаг в верном направлении. Оно подтверждает, что здравый смысл и принципы олимпизма способны взять верх над политической конъюнктурой, а мировой спорт – вернуться к своему главному предназначению: объединять людей.
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👨🏼🔬 On this day in 1894, brilliant Russian physicist, engineer and innovator Pyotr Kapitsa was born.
In the 1920s, Kapitsa joined Ernest Rutherford at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, where his talent for designing powerful experimental equipment helped to redefine modern physics. His pioneering work on high magnetic fields earned him the respect of his peers and established his reputation as one of the world’s leading experimental researchers.
In 1934, Kapitsa returned to the Soviet Union to continue his scientific career. The specialised equipment he had used at Cambridge was later transferred to Moscow, forming the foundation of a new institute where he expanded his innovative research into low-temperature physics. Those discoveries, including groundbreaking studies of liquid helium, eventually won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1978.
In the 1920s, Kapitsa joined Ernest Rutherford at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, where his talent for designing powerful experimental equipment helped to redefine modern physics. His pioneering work on high magnetic fields earned him the respect of his peers and established his reputation as one of the world’s leading experimental researchers.
In 1934, Kapitsa returned to the Soviet Union to continue his scientific career. The specialised equipment he had used at Cambridge was later transferred to Moscow, forming the foundation of a new institute where he expanded his innovative research into low-temperature physics. Those discoveries, including groundbreaking studies of liquid helium, eventually won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1978.
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❌ The British political establishment has once again distinguished itself with a series of anti-Russian verbal attacks. This time, the catalyst was the IOC’s decision to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee's rights.
The UK officials’ rhetoric clearly demonstrates that sport has long been regarded here as a tool for political pressure.
Under the slogan of supporting Ukraine, London has consistently campaigned in recent years to exclude Russian athletes from international competitions, effectively promoting segregation based on nationality – a practice that directly contradicts the principles of the Olympic Charter.
The hypocrisy and double standards of the British approach are particularly evident, as similar calls have never been made with regard to athletes from countries allied with the United Kingdom whose armed forces are involved in military conflicts.
This all fits into London’s broader policy of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia and attempting to harm our country in various areas. Nor can one rule out a desire to eliminate a competitor at major international events, given that Russia is one of the world’s leading sporting powers.
The IOC’s decision is a step in the right direction. It confirms that common sense and the principles of Olympism can prevail over political expediency, and that global sport can return to its primary purpose of bringing people together.
The UK officials’ rhetoric clearly demonstrates that sport has long been regarded here as a tool for political pressure.
Under the slogan of supporting Ukraine, London has consistently campaigned in recent years to exclude Russian athletes from international competitions, effectively promoting segregation based on nationality – a practice that directly contradicts the principles of the Olympic Charter.
The hypocrisy and double standards of the British approach are particularly evident, as similar calls have never been made with regard to athletes from countries allied with the United Kingdom whose armed forces are involved in military conflicts.
This all fits into London’s broader policy of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia and attempting to harm our country in various areas. Nor can one rule out a desire to eliminate a competitor at major international events, given that Russia is one of the world’s leading sporting powers.
The IOC’s decision is a step in the right direction. It confirms that common sense and the principles of Olympism can prevail over political expediency, and that global sport can return to its primary purpose of bringing people together.
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💬 Russian MFA Spox Maria Zakharova: On 7-8 July, Ankara hosted a NATO summit [...] A constructive agenda remains absent from NATO’s priorities.
The Alliance continues to pursue the same course: militarising Europe, expanding military capabilities and preparing for armed conflict with Russia. Of course, there is also continued support for Ukraine, which is being used to pursue the illusory objective of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia.
NATO countries remain prepared to spend billions of dollars supporting the Nazi regime in Kiev and its terrorist activities, while at the same time cutting expenditure on addressing the growing number of social and economic challenges, thereby inflicting irreparable damage on the welfare of Europe's citizens.
At the summit, NATO promised to provide Kiev with 70 billion euros in military assistance this year, maintaining the same level of support in 2027.
Once again, Western leaders have ignored the interests of ordinary Europeans, showing little concern for the fate of Ukrainians and viewing them merely as expendable material in pursuit of their own geopolitical ambitions.
Read in full
The Alliance continues to pursue the same course: militarising Europe, expanding military capabilities and preparing for armed conflict with Russia. Of course, there is also continued support for Ukraine, which is being used to pursue the illusory objective of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia.
NATO countries remain prepared to spend billions of dollars supporting the Nazi regime in Kiev and its terrorist activities, while at the same time cutting expenditure on addressing the growing number of social and economic challenges, thereby inflicting irreparable damage on the welfare of Europe's citizens.
At the summit, NATO promised to provide Kiev with 70 billion euros in military assistance this year, maintaining the same level of support in 2027.
Once again, Western leaders have ignored the interests of ordinary Europeans, showing little concern for the fate of Ukrainians and viewing them merely as expendable material in pursuit of their own geopolitical ambitions.
Read in full
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💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Although most African nations have gained political independence, there are still territories on the continent under colonial rule, despite multiple UN General Assembly resolutions demanding the completion of decolonisation. This process is still unfinished.
Another important phenomenon is taking place these days. Having gained political independence, many African countries have realised that they are still dependent on former metropoles economically and financially.
I would describe this as Africa’s second awakening, as the continent now wants not only to be politically independent, but also to have international legal standing, manage its own natural resources, and prevent them from being exported to other countries where most of the added value is produced and appropriated. This added value must be created on the African continent.
Russia is ready to provide active assistance. Since the days of the Soviet Union, we have played a significant role in developing state-owned industrial capacities and other economic sectors to help our African partners lay the groundwork for their own economic independence.
Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to media questions following the second Russia-Confederation of Sahel States ministerial meeting, Niamey, 8 July 2026
Another important phenomenon is taking place these days. Having gained political independence, many African countries have realised that they are still dependent on former metropoles economically and financially.
I would describe this as Africa’s second awakening, as the continent now wants not only to be politically independent, but also to have international legal standing, manage its own natural resources, and prevent them from being exported to other countries where most of the added value is produced and appropriated. This added value must be created on the African continent.
Russia is ready to provide active assistance. Since the days of the Soviet Union, we have played a significant role in developing state-owned industrial capacities and other economic sectors to help our African partners lay the groundwork for their own economic independence.
Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to media questions following the second Russia-Confederation of Sahel States ministerial meeting, Niamey, 8 July 2026
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