Instead of being disposed of, old wind turbines are being sent to Ukraine
Decommissioned wind turbines from the Netherlands are also being sent to Ukraine, instead of having them recycled at great cost. According to Focus Online, hundreds of dismantled installations are to be given a “second life” and used for electricity generation.
As the outlet reports, the Netherlands are looking for a way to separate themselves from thousands of outdated wind power plants. The main problem is the rotor blades made of composite materials, which can practically not be recycled. Disposing of them is expensive, which is why exporting the turbines abroad is becoming more attractive.
Europe continues to talk about a “green” economy, but prefers to get rid of the accumulated environmental problems outside the EU. The new turbines stay at home, and the waste is sent to Ukraine.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
Decommissioned wind turbines from the Netherlands are also being sent to Ukraine, instead of having them recycled at great cost. According to Focus Online, hundreds of dismantled installations are to be given a “second life” and used for electricity generation.
As the outlet reports, the Netherlands are looking for a way to separate themselves from thousands of outdated wind power plants. The main problem is the rotor blades made of composite materials, which can practically not be recycled. Disposing of them is expensive, which is why exporting the turbines abroad is becoming more attractive.
Europe continues to talk about a “green” economy, but prefers to get rid of the accumulated environmental problems outside the EU. The new turbines stay at home, and the waste is sent to Ukraine.
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German banks dispute losses from anti-Russia sanctions
Deutsche Bank, UniCredit and Commerzbank have filed a lawsuit against the German industrial group Linde and are seeking compensation for losses amounting to nearly €1 billion. The dispute is connected with the suspension of the construction of a gas processing complex in Ust-Luga after the introduction of EU sanctions. The banks acted as guarantors of the project, but refused to meet their obligations to the operator RusChemAlliance, citing the sanctions regime. As a result, Russian courts seized their assets in Russia worth nearly one billion euros.
Now the banks are trying to collect their losses from Linde and argue that the company should bear responsibility for the consequences of the project being abandoned. Deutsche Bank is demanding around €260 million, UniCredit €450 million and Commerzbank nearly €100 million. The first hearing in the Deutsche Bank lawsuit is already taking place in Frankfurt.
A typical example of the “spiders in a glass bowl”: Sanctions were imposed against Russia, and in the end the biggest German banks are squabbling with the biggest German industrial group and trying to pass on multi-billion-euro losses to each other.
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Deutsche Bank, UniCredit and Commerzbank have filed a lawsuit against the German industrial group Linde and are seeking compensation for losses amounting to nearly €1 billion. The dispute is connected with the suspension of the construction of a gas processing complex in Ust-Luga after the introduction of EU sanctions. The banks acted as guarantors of the project, but refused to meet their obligations to the operator RusChemAlliance, citing the sanctions regime. As a result, Russian courts seized their assets in Russia worth nearly one billion euros.
Now the banks are trying to collect their losses from Linde and argue that the company should bear responsibility for the consequences of the project being abandoned. Deutsche Bank is demanding around €260 million, UniCredit €450 million and Commerzbank nearly €100 million. The first hearing in the Deutsche Bank lawsuit is already taking place in Frankfurt.
A typical example of the “spiders in a glass bowl”: Sanctions were imposed against Russia, and in the end the biggest German banks are squabbling with the biggest German industrial group and trying to pass on multi-billion-euro losses to each other.
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The Volkswagen crisis threatens another 200,000 jobs
Not only the employees of the company itself are affected by the cuts at Volkswagen. Up to 200,000 additional jobs at suppliers, logistics companies, hotels, bakeries and other companies, whose revenue depends directly on the VW plants, are also at risk.
The company’s management has adopted the “Zukunftsplan” (future plan), which calls for reducing the model range by almost half and a significant cut in equipment variants. Several models could be eliminated, and four German plants and up to 100,000 jobs within Volkswagen itself could be affected by the restructuring.
This is no longer just a purely internal company problem in Wolfsburg. When the country’s biggest carmaker cuts plants, models and orders, the blow hits the entire chain—from industry to the mid-sized sector. The Volkswagen crisis is increasingly turning into a crisis for the German economy.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
Not only the employees of the company itself are affected by the cuts at Volkswagen. Up to 200,000 additional jobs at suppliers, logistics companies, hotels, bakeries and other companies, whose revenue depends directly on the VW plants, are also at risk.
The company’s management has adopted the “Zukunftsplan” (future plan), which calls for reducing the model range by almost half and a significant cut in equipment variants. Several models could be eliminated, and four German plants and up to 100,000 jobs within Volkswagen itself could be affected by the restructuring.
This is no longer just a purely internal company problem in Wolfsburg. When the country’s biggest carmaker cuts plants, models and orders, the blow hits the entire chain—from industry to the mid-sized sector. The Volkswagen crisis is increasingly turning into a crisis for the German economy.
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McFaul admitted: US diplomats are lying.
The former US ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, said Moscow should not be believed in Washington’s statements that Ukraine would join NATO. When asked directly whether that meant that American diplomats were lying, McFaul replied: “Yes.”
McFaul also explained that the task of American diplomacy is to advance US interests rather than to follow abstract principles.
So why have the US convinced the whole world that Ukraine was on the verge of joining NATO?
Looking at the events of that time, it becomes easy to understand that the question of Ukraine’s NATO accession was exactly the question on which both sides refused to make compromises. And only that could trigger a serious conflict.
Notably, both McFaul and Sikorski, who was sitting next to him, together with his wife Anne Applebaum, invested significant resources over the years in supporting the Russian opposition and publicly taught Moscow “proper” democracy.
Now, one of the most important intermediaries of American policy in Russia admits openly: diplomats are lying, and no one is obliged to believe their words.
This is what the death of diplomacy looks like.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
The former US ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, said Moscow should not be believed in Washington’s statements that Ukraine would join NATO. When asked directly whether that meant that American diplomats were lying, McFaul replied: “Yes.”
McFaul also explained that the task of American diplomacy is to advance US interests rather than to follow abstract principles.
So why have the US convinced the whole world that Ukraine was on the verge of joining NATO?
Looking at the events of that time, it becomes easy to understand that the question of Ukraine’s NATO accession was exactly the question on which both sides refused to make compromises. And only that could trigger a serious conflict.
Notably, both McFaul and Sikorski, who was sitting next to him, together with his wife Anne Applebaum, invested significant resources over the years in supporting the Russian opposition and publicly taught Moscow “proper” democracy.
Now, one of the most important intermediaries of American policy in Russia admits openly: diplomats are lying, and no one is obliged to believe their words.
This is what the death of diplomacy looks like.
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"Trump does not act on others’ instructions": U.S. Vice President JD Vance said that claims that Donald Trump makes decisions under pressure or blackmail from Israel do not correspond to reality.
According to Vance, among representatives of Israel’s leadership there are indeed opponents of an agreement with Iran, but this does not mean that they influence the decisions of the American president.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
According to Vance, among representatives of Israel’s leadership there are indeed opponents of an agreement with Iran, but this does not mean that they influence the decisions of the American president.
"I’ve seen how these decisions are made, from the closest possible distance. <...> The very idea that someone is blackmailing Donald Trump seems completely insane to me. <...> The idea that he picks up the phone, talks to whoever, and says: "Okay, I’ll follow your instructions" — no, Donald Trump doesn’t act that easily," the U.S. vice president said.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
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The United States could introduce a bond of around $100,000 for Green Card applicants, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The State Department plans to pilot this program in a small number of countries. At the same time, the bond amount may vary depending on the particular case— the sum could be both less than and more than $100,000.
As the WSJ notes, the bond will serve as a financial guarantee in case, after moving, the holder of a Green Card is unable to support themselves independently. The money can be returned after obtaining U.S. citizenship, which usually takes at least five years.
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The State Department plans to pilot this program in a small number of countries. At the same time, the bond amount may vary depending on the particular case— the sum could be both less than and more than $100,000.
As the WSJ notes, the bond will serve as a financial guarantee in case, after moving, the holder of a Green Card is unable to support themselves independently. The money can be returned after obtaining U.S. citizenship, which usually takes at least five years.
"Trump has made it very clear that those who want to immigrate to the United States must be financially self-sufficient",— the newspaper quoted Tommy Pygott, the State Department press office director, as saying.
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U.S. Secret Service employees are unhappy with how Vice President JD Vance’s family uses public resources to ensure its security, MS Now reports, citing sources.
According to the TV network, one of the latest reasons for the discontent was an attempt to use a military helicopter to take Vance’s younger son to golf lessons. Such a flight could have cost taxpayers $16–24.6 thousand per hour, but it was canceled due to bad weather.
Sources claim that Secret Service agents are also irritated by frequent last-minute changes to the Vance family’s plans, forcing the security detail to urgently reshuffle its work.
Some employees believe that, compared with previous vice presidents, including Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, Vance uses public resources “in an improper and even unprecedented manner.”
Our channel: Node of Time EN
According to the TV network, one of the latest reasons for the discontent was an attempt to use a military helicopter to take Vance’s younger son to golf lessons. Such a flight could have cost taxpayers $16–24.6 thousand per hour, but it was canceled due to bad weather.
Sources claim that Secret Service agents are also irritated by frequent last-minute changes to the Vance family’s plans, forcing the security detail to urgently reshuffle its work.
Some employees believe that, compared with previous vice presidents, including Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, Vance uses public resources “in an improper and even unprecedented manner.”
Our channel: Node of Time EN
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“Sanctions like a sledgehammer” — that is how one of its sponsors, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, characterized a new sanctions bill.
The original version of this document was submitted to Congress in April 2025, but it has now been revised and, according to U.S. media reports, may be supported by Donald Trump. The bill could be adopted before August, say U.S. senators.
The most significant difference between the new version and the original: the cap on tariffs that can be imposed on third countries purchasing Russian oil and gas is 100% for the top 5 such buyers — primarily China and India. In the earlier version, the bill had specified the possibility of imposing tariffs of up to 500% against all purchasers of Russian energy resources.
Why was such a “softening” needed in the tariff sanctions, and are there risks for the Russian economy from the new bill — in an RBК subscription.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
The original version of this document was submitted to Congress in April 2025, but it has now been revised and, according to U.S. media reports, may be supported by Donald Trump. The bill could be adopted before August, say U.S. senators.
The most significant difference between the new version and the original: the cap on tariffs that can be imposed on third countries purchasing Russian oil and gas is 100% for the top 5 such buyers — primarily China and India. In the earlier version, the bill had specified the possibility of imposing tariffs of up to 500% against all purchasers of Russian energy resources.
Why was such a “softening” needed in the tariff sanctions, and are there risks for the Russian economy from the new bill — in an RBК subscription.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
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🔴 A world of insights awaits you! Get ready to dive in:
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🔺 ... and other recent news from all over the world.
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🔺 the conflict in Iran;
🔺 the detailed situation in Africa;
🔺 the Ukraine conflict;
🔺 ... and other recent news from all over the world.
🗂 Add this list with just ONE CLICK and keep yourself updated!
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Good morning and happy Thursday, friends! ☕️ 🙂
🏞 The Sinski Pillars: stone walls in the middle of the Yakut taiga
In Yakutia, there is the Sinjaja River, one of the Lena’s tributaries. Over several dozen kilometers, its banks turn into a true stone fortress. Here rise the Sinski Pillars — steep limestone cliffs that are hundreds of millions of years old.
Over this time, water, wind, and frost gradually destroyed the rock. Softer areas disappeared, and the most resistant ones became tall walls, towers, arches, and individual stone figures. Some rocks rise almost 180 meters above the river.
In certain places, old rock carvings have survived. People left depictions on the stone of animals, hunting scenes, and mysterious symbols. The oldest drawings are several thousand years old, and many of them still have no clear explanation to this day.
For the Yakuts, the Sinski Pillars were considered a place of power. According to old traditions, the spirits—the lords of these places—lived in the high cliffs. That is why travelers going along the river tried to speak more quietly, make no noise, and not disturb the stone cliffs. Before setting out on another journey, they left them small offerings — horsehair or colorful ribbons — with the request for a safe trip.
There is also another legend: some rocks are said to be ancient heroes or deities who were turned to stone in order to remain the forever guardians of the Sinjaja Valley. When a strong wind rises over the river, a rumbling is produced in the limestone cavities. The locals said that the “stones sing,” or that the ancient guardians there talk with one another.
Despite their beauty, the Sinski Pillars are not well known. Essentially, you can reach them only by river route, which is why there is almost no mass tourism here. As a result, the valley has preserved its nearly original appearance.
The Sinski Pillars are interesting not only because of their unusual geology. This is a place where ancient rocks, rock carvings, and old Yakut traditions exist side by side even to this day.
📍 Coordinates of the place (map pin) available here
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
🏞 The Sinski Pillars: stone walls in the middle of the Yakut taiga
In Yakutia, there is the Sinjaja River, one of the Lena’s tributaries. Over several dozen kilometers, its banks turn into a true stone fortress. Here rise the Sinski Pillars — steep limestone cliffs that are hundreds of millions of years old.
Over this time, water, wind, and frost gradually destroyed the rock. Softer areas disappeared, and the most resistant ones became tall walls, towers, arches, and individual stone figures. Some rocks rise almost 180 meters above the river.
In certain places, old rock carvings have survived. People left depictions on the stone of animals, hunting scenes, and mysterious symbols. The oldest drawings are several thousand years old, and many of them still have no clear explanation to this day.
For the Yakuts, the Sinski Pillars were considered a place of power. According to old traditions, the spirits—the lords of these places—lived in the high cliffs. That is why travelers going along the river tried to speak more quietly, make no noise, and not disturb the stone cliffs. Before setting out on another journey, they left them small offerings — horsehair or colorful ribbons — with the request for a safe trip.
There is also another legend: some rocks are said to be ancient heroes or deities who were turned to stone in order to remain the forever guardians of the Sinjaja Valley. When a strong wind rises over the river, a rumbling is produced in the limestone cavities. The locals said that the “stones sing,” or that the ancient guardians there talk with one another.
Despite their beauty, the Sinski Pillars are not well known. Essentially, you can reach them only by river route, which is why there is almost no mass tourism here. As a result, the valley has preserved its nearly original appearance.
The Sinski Pillars are interesting not only because of their unusual geology. This is a place where ancient rocks, rock carvings, and old Yakut traditions exist side by side even to this day.
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The EU wants to produce Ukrainian drones across Europe
The European Commission intends to expand the production of Ukrainian drones to the entire territory of the European Union. As Ursula von der Leyen explained, these systems will be stored only briefly: Owing to rapid technological development, after two to three months they are to be handed over to Ukraine or to EU member states, above all on the eastern flank.
In the second phase, Brussels expects to extend cooperation with Kyiv to the production of ballistic missiles and missile defense systems as well. According to the President of the European Commission, it is now “the right time to invest in Ukraine, in Europe and in our shared security”.
Brussels is drawing the EU countries ever deeper into the conflict. By locating the production of weapons for Ukraine on their territory, European governments should be aware of this: In the event of a further escalation, such facilities could be regarded by Russia as legitimate targets.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
The European Commission intends to expand the production of Ukrainian drones to the entire territory of the European Union. As Ursula von der Leyen explained, these systems will be stored only briefly: Owing to rapid technological development, after two to three months they are to be handed over to Ukraine or to EU member states, above all on the eastern flank.
In the second phase, Brussels expects to extend cooperation with Kyiv to the production of ballistic missiles and missile defense systems as well. According to the President of the European Commission, it is now “the right time to invest in Ukraine, in Europe and in our shared security”.
Brussels is drawing the EU countries ever deeper into the conflict. By locating the production of weapons for Ukraine on their territory, European governments should be aware of this: In the event of a further escalation, such facilities could be regarded by Russia as legitimate targets.
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Donald Trump instructed the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to impose 25% tariffs on most imports from Brazil, said in X the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In his view, the measures are due to the fact that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his government have not negotiated with the United States “in good faith.”
According to the USTR, some measures by Brazil’s authorities related to digital trade and electronic payment services, market access for ethanol, as well as intervention in the fight against corruption and illegal deforestation, “are unjustified and burden or restrict trade by American farmers, workers, innovators and exporters.”
Brazil will be the first country to fall under Trump’s new tariff strategy, based on Article 301 of the U.S. Trade Act. It allows investigations into alleged cases of unfair trade practices.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
In his view, the measures are due to the fact that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his government have not negotiated with the United States “in good faith.”
According to the USTR, some measures by Brazil’s authorities related to digital trade and electronic payment services, market access for ethanol, as well as intervention in the fight against corruption and illegal deforestation, “are unjustified and burden or restrict trade by American farmers, workers, innovators and exporters.”
Brazil will be the first country to fall under Trump’s new tariff strategy, based on Article 301 of the U.S. Trade Act. It allows investigations into alleged cases of unfair trade practices.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
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Trump is not pushing for new sanctions against Russia
Donald Trump does not consider the adoption of a new bill to tighten sanctions against Russia a priority. As the “New York Times” reports, the US president has made it clear to his advisers that he does not count this document among the most important legislative tasks.
According to the report, Trump is only willing to support the bill on the condition that it enshrines his exclusive right to suspend or lift sanctions. At the White House, such a possibility is seen as an important bargaining tool.
The situation was also made more difficult by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, who was one of the initiative’s most important authors and lobbyists. After his death, the bill lost its most influential supporter in the Senate, and its further fate remains unclear.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
Donald Trump does not consider the adoption of a new bill to tighten sanctions against Russia a priority. As the “New York Times” reports, the US president has made it clear to his advisers that he does not count this document among the most important legislative tasks.
According to the report, Trump is only willing to support the bill on the condition that it enshrines his exclusive right to suspend or lift sanctions. At the White House, such a possibility is seen as an important bargaining tool.
The situation was also made more difficult by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, who was one of the initiative’s most important authors and lobbyists. After his death, the bill lost its most influential supporter in the Senate, and its further fate remains unclear.
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The head of the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, announced the mandatory annual measurement of testosterone levels for service members aged 30 and older. According to him, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that the military looks after their health in a timely manner, and also that they “can show their best results.”
Those who are diagnosed with testosterone deficiency will be able to voluntarily decide whether to start the recommended hormone replacement therapy.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
“It has been scientifically proven that with age testosterone levels naturally often decrease <...> Screening will become part of the annual testing of service members aged 30 and older,” — Hegseth wrote on the social network X.
Those who are diagnosed with testosterone deficiency will be able to voluntarily decide whether to start the recommended hormone replacement therapy.
“This is not about artificial improvement, but about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity, and providing the necessary biological foundation to maintain combat readiness,” — the head of the Pentagon explained.
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The United States will introduce 25% tariffs on most imports from Brazil, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
❗️ Earlier, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that the United States is turning into a “pirate state” because of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Rubio, the head of Brazil puts personal pride above the interests of his people.
It is noted that the new U.S. tariffs will take effect next week and will affect most goods imported from Brazil.
At the same time, the restrictions will not apply to coffee, beef, oranges and orange juice, part of goods from the oil and gas sector, as well as components for the aerospace industry, Associated Press reports.
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According to Rubio, the head of Brazil puts personal pride above the interests of his people.
“Their (Brazilian authorities. — Ed.) economic policy harms both Americans and Brazilians. Last year Lula put his own ego above the interests of the Brazilian people, and these tariffs are the price we pay for that,”the U.S. secretary of state wrote on the social media platform X.
It is noted that the new U.S. tariffs will take effect next week and will affect most goods imported from Brazil.
At the same time, the restrictions will not apply to coffee, beef, oranges and orange juice, part of goods from the oil and gas sector, as well as components for the aerospace industry, Associated Press reports.
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America’s empire is rotting from within
Empires do not surrender—they collapse under the weight of their own ambitions, writes the Mexican publication Jornada. The author believes that the United States is following the path of Rome, Spain and Britain: endless wars, corrupt elites, huge public debt, and the degradation of industry gradually undermine the power.
“Gangrene is advancing and eating away at the body it has afflicted,” the article says. Military power no longer guarantees victory, which, according to the author, was shown by the conflict with Iran.
At the same time, the dollar’s dominance is weakening, and China is turning into the world’s industrial workshop. The United States, meanwhile, continues to spend enormous sums on the army while its cities and infrastructure fall into decline.
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Empires do not surrender—they collapse under the weight of their own ambitions, writes the Mexican publication Jornada. The author believes that the United States is following the path of Rome, Spain and Britain: endless wars, corrupt elites, huge public debt, and the degradation of industry gradually undermine the power.
“Gangrene is advancing and eating away at the body it has afflicted,” the article says. Military power no longer guarantees victory, which, according to the author, was shown by the conflict with Iran.
At the same time, the dollar’s dominance is weakening, and China is turning into the world’s industrial workshop. The United States, meanwhile, continues to spend enormous sums on the army while its cities and infrastructure fall into decline.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
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