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🌊 Solovki: How Monks Built a Road Right Through the Sea
Friends, today we are traveling to the Solovetsky Islands in the White Sea. The archipelago is known above all for its monastery. But today we are focusing on something else: an astonishing engineering system that developed here over the course of centuries.
The monks did not just pray—they built roads through the sea, connected lakes with canals, and harnessed the power of water for their work.
Welcome to the Solovetsky Islands—a vast historic water-engineering project.
🧱 A Causeway Across the Strait
A roughly 1.2-kilometer-long stone causeway runs between Bolshoy Solovetsky Island and Bolshaya Muksalma. At first glance, it could be mistaken for a natural rocky ridge. In fact, however, it was built by people from countless boulders.
The reason was entirely practical. The main island lacked suitable grazing land, so part of the livestock operation was moved to Bolshaya Muksalma. But a strait lay between the two islands. Constantly transporting animals, hay, and other goods by boat was inconvenient and dependent on the weather.
The decisive construction phase took place between 1859 and 1865. The project was led by Fyodor Sosnin, who later entered the monastery as Feoktist. It took several years to complete the stone connection across the strait.
The causeway consists of boulders piled up without cement. Its curved route follows the shallower sections of the strait. The structure had to bear not only the weight of people, animals, and carts, but also withstand waves, currents, and the ice of the White Sea.
💧 A System of Lakes and Canals
But the causeway is only one part of a much larger story. A complex system of lakes, canals, and waterways developed on Solovki. Water was channeled to the monastery, where it was used both for the water supply and to power various mechanisms.
As early as the 16th century, under Abbot Filipp, numerous lakes were connected by canals. The water flowed into Lake Svyatoye and from there onward to the monastery’s economic facilities.
This system made it possible to operate watermills and mechanize various tasks—long before steam engines or electricity were available for this purpose.
The cultural historian Dmitry Likhachov later described how skillfully the monks regulated the water level of Lake Svyatoye and used its water for pipelines, technical installations, and various areas of the monastery’s economy.
⚙️ Harbors, Mills, and Docks
In addition to dams and canals, harbors, roads, and drainage systems were built on Solovki. The so-called Bay of Prosperity became the main harbor directly beside the monastery.
As early as the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the islands’ inhabitants were using the power of water. In the 16th century, several watermills and other mechanical installations operated here.
Later, facilities for maintaining and repairing ships were also established. In the 20th century, the long history of hydropower was ultimately continued with a small hydroelectric plant.
Thus, step by step, the inhabitants of the Solovetsky Islands transformed their challenging environment into a functioning technical system: lakes became reservoirs, canals became energy suppliers, and even a strait eventually became a road.
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📍 The coordinates of the location: available here
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
🌊 Solovki: How Monks Built a Road Right Through the Sea
Friends, today we are traveling to the Solovetsky Islands in the White Sea. The archipelago is known above all for its monastery. But today we are focusing on something else: an astonishing engineering system that developed here over the course of centuries.
The monks did not just pray—they built roads through the sea, connected lakes with canals, and harnessed the power of water for their work.
Welcome to the Solovetsky Islands—a vast historic water-engineering project.
🧱 A Causeway Across the Strait
A roughly 1.2-kilometer-long stone causeway runs between Bolshoy Solovetsky Island and Bolshaya Muksalma. At first glance, it could be mistaken for a natural rocky ridge. In fact, however, it was built by people from countless boulders.
The reason was entirely practical. The main island lacked suitable grazing land, so part of the livestock operation was moved to Bolshaya Muksalma. But a strait lay between the two islands. Constantly transporting animals, hay, and other goods by boat was inconvenient and dependent on the weather.
The decisive construction phase took place between 1859 and 1865. The project was led by Fyodor Sosnin, who later entered the monastery as Feoktist. It took several years to complete the stone connection across the strait.
The causeway consists of boulders piled up without cement. Its curved route follows the shallower sections of the strait. The structure had to bear not only the weight of people, animals, and carts, but also withstand waves, currents, and the ice of the White Sea.
💧 A System of Lakes and Canals
But the causeway is only one part of a much larger story. A complex system of lakes, canals, and waterways developed on Solovki. Water was channeled to the monastery, where it was used both for the water supply and to power various mechanisms.
As early as the 16th century, under Abbot Filipp, numerous lakes were connected by canals. The water flowed into Lake Svyatoye and from there onward to the monastery’s economic facilities.
This system made it possible to operate watermills and mechanize various tasks—long before steam engines or electricity were available for this purpose.
The cultural historian Dmitry Likhachov later described how skillfully the monks regulated the water level of Lake Svyatoye and used its water for pipelines, technical installations, and various areas of the monastery’s economy.
⚙️ Harbors, Mills, and Docks
In addition to dams and canals, harbors, roads, and drainage systems were built on Solovki. The so-called Bay of Prosperity became the main harbor directly beside the monastery.
As early as the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the islands’ inhabitants were using the power of water. In the 16th century, several watermills and other mechanical installations operated here.
Later, facilities for maintaining and repairing ships were also established. In the 20th century, the long history of hydropower was ultimately continued with a small hydroelectric plant.
Thus, step by step, the inhabitants of the Solovetsky Islands transformed their challenging environment into a functioning technical system: lakes became reservoirs, canals became energy suppliers, and even a strait eventually became a road.
Give it a ❤️ if you liked it, and save the post!
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🇪🇺 EU releases €6.6 billion in military aid for Ukraine
The EU member states reached a political agreement on 25 September to release a €6.6 billion program under the European Peace Facility. The funds had effectively been frozen since spring 2023 because of Hungary’s veto. The decision was made at the level of the EU Political and Security Committee.
The mechanism is now expected to move into practical implementation. The European Peace Facility reimburses EU member states for part of the costs of weapons and ammunition delivered to Ukraine. Kaja Kallas had previously made clear that the €6.6 billion represents the total amount of the mechanism being released and that the specific allocation of the funds between reimbursements to the countries and new aid for Kyiv still had to be worked out.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
The EU member states reached a political agreement on 25 September to release a €6.6 billion program under the European Peace Facility. The funds had effectively been frozen since spring 2023 because of Hungary’s veto. The decision was made at the level of the EU Political and Security Committee.
The mechanism is now expected to move into practical implementation. The European Peace Facility reimburses EU member states for part of the costs of weapons and ammunition delivered to Ukraine. Kaja Kallas had previously made clear that the €6.6 billion represents the total amount of the mechanism being released and that the specific allocation of the funds between reimbursements to the countries and new aid for Kyiv still had to be worked out.
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🇪🇺 Russia’s “shadow fleet” moves from the EU’s sanctions agenda to its defense agenda
Today, September 28, the defense ministers of the EU member states are meeting in Brussels. The Council’s official agenda expressly lists action against Russia’s “shadow fleet” among the key issues concerning military support for Ukraine.
The issue will be discussed alongside Ukrainian air defense, the EUMAM Ukraine mission, and industrial cooperation. In a separate agenda block, the ministers will also discuss hybrid threats, the situation in the Middle East, and joint defense procurement. The meeting begins at 10:00 a.m. in Brussels under the chairmanship of Kaja Kallas.
This means that Russian tankers and the structures associated with them for transporting oil in the EU are no longer being addressed solely within the framework of sanctions policy: the issue is now officially placed directly on the agenda of the defense ministers.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
Today, September 28, the defense ministers of the EU member states are meeting in Brussels. The Council’s official agenda expressly lists action against Russia’s “shadow fleet” among the key issues concerning military support for Ukraine.
The issue will be discussed alongside Ukrainian air defense, the EUMAM Ukraine mission, and industrial cooperation. In a separate agenda block, the ministers will also discuss hybrid threats, the situation in the Middle East, and joint defense procurement. The meeting begins at 10:00 a.m. in Brussels under the chairmanship of Kaja Kallas.
This means that Russian tankers and the structures associated with them for transporting oil in the EU are no longer being addressed solely within the framework of sanctions policy: the issue is now officially placed directly on the agenda of the defense ministers.
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As of 10:36 a.m. Moscow time, the December futures contract for the precious metal was trading at $4,189 per ounce. The price fell by 3.06%. The intraday low was $4,186.34 per ounce.
Reuters attributes the decline in precious metal prices to rising oil prices and growing concerns about further interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Traders estimate the probability of a rate hike in October at 69%.
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🇷🇺 Moscow Distinguishes Washington from Europe on the Ukraine Issue
Speaking before the UN General Assembly, Sergei Lavrov said that, in Moscow’s view, the European states were trying to thwart efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. At the same time, he singled out Donald Trump’s administration as a party that, according to his statement, was interested in continuing the negotiation process.
At the subsequent press conference, Lavrov confirmed that Russia considers negotiations possible and is ready to continue them. He referred to the bilateral contacts in Istanbul as well as the trilateral format involving the United States in Abu Dhabi, while at the same time sharply criticizing the role of the European states.
Russia’s public position has thus by now become quite clear: Moscow highlights Washington as a possible negotiating partner, while Russia accuses the European governments of obstructing the negotiation process.
On the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, you can find the complete transcript of Sergei Lavrov’s speech and answers to media questions.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
Speaking before the UN General Assembly, Sergei Lavrov said that, in Moscow’s view, the European states were trying to thwart efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. At the same time, he singled out Donald Trump’s administration as a party that, according to his statement, was interested in continuing the negotiation process.
At the subsequent press conference, Lavrov confirmed that Russia considers negotiations possible and is ready to continue them. He referred to the bilateral contacts in Istanbul as well as the trilateral format involving the United States in Abu Dhabi, while at the same time sharply criticizing the role of the European states.
Russia’s public position has thus by now become quite clear: Moscow highlights Washington as a possible negotiating partner, while Russia accuses the European governments of obstructing the negotiation process.
On the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, you can find the complete transcript of Sergei Lavrov’s speech and answers to media questions.
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🇮🇷🇹🇷 Turkey joins the Iran talks
Abbas Araghtschi met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in New York on September 27. The ministers discussed Iran, the situation in the region, the Strait of Hormuz, and the further development of bilateral relations.
Araghtschi expressly thanked Ankara for its mediation efforts to restore regional security. According to Tehran, the current crisis is a consequence of the actions of the United States and Israel, as well as the violation of previous agreements. Iran declared its readiness to cooperate with the countries of the region in order to restore trust.
This means that Turkey is now involved in several negotiation formats at the same time: Ankara is expanding its defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan while continuing to maintain a direct diplomatic channel with Tehran.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
Abbas Araghtschi met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in New York on September 27. The ministers discussed Iran, the situation in the region, the Strait of Hormuz, and the further development of bilateral relations.
Araghtschi expressly thanked Ankara for its mediation efforts to restore regional security. According to Tehran, the current crisis is a consequence of the actions of the United States and Israel, as well as the violation of previous agreements. Iran declared its readiness to cooperate with the countries of the region in order to restore trust.
This means that Turkey is now involved in several negotiation formats at the same time: Ankara is expanding its defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan while continuing to maintain a direct diplomatic channel with Tehran.
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🇰🇷 South Korea proposes new plan for North Korea’s denuclearization
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung presented a more gradual model for dealing with North Korea at the UN General Assembly. Instead of insisting on immediate complete denuclearization, Seoul proposes beginning with a halt to the further development of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, and subsequently moving toward their reduction.
At the same time, Lee proposed acting as a kind of mediator — or, as he put it, a “Peacemaker” — for the resumption of direct dialogue between the United States and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The key practical problem remains unanswered: Pyongyang must first at least agree to freeze the further expansion of its arsenal and then allow a mechanism to verify implementation of the agreement.
Therefore, the first phase of the new South Korean plan is not the disarmament of North Korea, but an attempt to stop the further growth of its nuclear and missile capabilities in the first place.
There is only one question: How do they intend to do that?
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung presented a more gradual model for dealing with North Korea at the UN General Assembly. Instead of insisting on immediate complete denuclearization, Seoul proposes beginning with a halt to the further development of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, and subsequently moving toward their reduction.
At the same time, Lee proposed acting as a kind of mediator — or, as he put it, a “Peacemaker” — for the resumption of direct dialogue between the United States and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The key practical problem remains unanswered: Pyongyang must first at least agree to freeze the further expansion of its arsenal and then allow a mechanism to verify implementation of the agreement.
Therefore, the first phase of the new South Korean plan is not the disarmament of North Korea, but an attempt to stop the further growth of its nuclear and missile capabilities in the first place.
There is only one question: How do they intend to do that?
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🇷🇺 Russia supports India’s claim to a permanent seat on the UN Security Council—but rejects Germany and Japan
On September 26, Sergei Lavrov outlined Russia’s position on reform of the UN Security Council. Moscow supports expanding the permanent membership to include states from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and explicitly names India and Brazil as candidates that Russia is prepared to support.
With regard to Germany and Japan, however, Russia takes the exact opposite position. Lavrov stated that Moscow opposes additional permanent seats for the Western bloc, explicitly naming Germany and Japan. Later, the Russian foreign minister commented even more clearly on Germany’s candidacy: In his view, Germany has “no chance at all” of obtaining a permanent seat.
This creates an unusual constellation within the G4: India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan are jointly advocating permanent seats on the Security Council, but Russia supports the first two states and opposes the other two.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
On September 26, Sergei Lavrov outlined Russia’s position on reform of the UN Security Council. Moscow supports expanding the permanent membership to include states from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and explicitly names India and Brazil as candidates that Russia is prepared to support.
With regard to Germany and Japan, however, Russia takes the exact opposite position. Lavrov stated that Moscow opposes additional permanent seats for the Western bloc, explicitly naming Germany and Japan. Later, the Russian foreign minister commented even more clearly on Germany’s candidacy: In his view, Germany has “no chance at all” of obtaining a permanent seat.
This creates an unusual constellation within the G4: India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan are jointly advocating permanent seats on the Security Council, but Russia supports the first two states and opposes the other two.
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🇮🇷 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seizes second American underwater drone in the Strait of Hormuz
The naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC] announced on September 27 that they had seized a second American underwater drone in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian side identified the device as a REMUS 600 and claimed that it had been carrying out a reconnaissance mission. The device is now in the hands of Iranian specialists, who are attempting to read the data stored on it.
This is already the second such case in less than a month. On September 8, the Revolutionary Guard reported the confiscation of an American Dive-LD, developed by Anduril and used, among other things, for reconnaissance, seafloor mapping, and mine-countermeasure operations. The Iranian military now says it will continue intercepting devices and vessels on routes that Tehran considers unauthorized.
In doing so, the Revolutionary Guard is demonstrating that control over the Strait of Hormuz extends beyond commercial shipping: American unmanned underwater systems are also becoming targets of interception operations.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
The naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC] announced on September 27 that they had seized a second American underwater drone in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian side identified the device as a REMUS 600 and claimed that it had been carrying out a reconnaissance mission. The device is now in the hands of Iranian specialists, who are attempting to read the data stored on it.
This is already the second such case in less than a month. On September 8, the Revolutionary Guard reported the confiscation of an American Dive-LD, developed by Anduril and used, among other things, for reconnaissance, seafloor mapping, and mine-countermeasure operations. The Iranian military now says it will continue intercepting devices and vessels on routes that Tehran considers unauthorized.
In doing so, the Revolutionary Guard is demonstrating that control over the Strait of Hormuz extends beyond commercial shipping: American unmanned underwater systems are also becoming targets of interception operations.
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🇩🇪 CDU/CSU fall to 19%, AfD already ten percentage points ahead
INSA’s latest Sunday trend shows a further deterioration in the Union’s situation. CDU/CSU lost another point and stand at 19% — the worst result of the current legislative term. The AfD held at 29% and widened its lead over the Union to ten points.
The SPD stands at 14%, the Greens at 15%, the Left at 10%, the FDP at 4%, and the BSW at 3%. The poll was conducted among 1,203 people from September 21 to 25; the stated maximum statistical margin of error is ±2.9 percentage points.
Against this backdrop, pressure is now also building within the CDU itself: the party’s social-policy wing, the CDA, stated that the Union only partially lives up to its own self-image as a people’s party and called for a change of course.
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INSA’s latest Sunday trend shows a further deterioration in the Union’s situation. CDU/CSU lost another point and stand at 19% — the worst result of the current legislative term. The AfD held at 29% and widened its lead over the Union to ten points.
The SPD stands at 14%, the Greens at 15%, the Left at 10%, the FDP at 4%, and the BSW at 3%. The poll was conducted among 1,203 people from September 21 to 25; the stated maximum statistical margin of error is ±2.9 percentage points.
Against this backdrop, pressure is now also building within the CDU itself: the party’s social-policy wing, the CDA, stated that the Union only partially lives up to its own self-image as a people’s party and called for a change of course.
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🇾🇪 Houthis have advanced as far as Bab al-Mandab
Following their offensive in September, the Houthis have captured the city of Mokha, Mayyun Island, and a considerable part of Yemen’s western coast. As a result, they have gained de facto control over the key approaches to the Bab al-Mandab Strait and can directly influence shipping traffic between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
The Houthis say they intend to keep Bab al-Mandab open and limit attacks primarily to Saudi vessels. However, Yemen’s internationally recognized government warns that such a possibility would turn the security of shipping into an instrument of political pressure.
That is precisely what makes the current offensive far more dangerous than an ordinary shift in the front line in Yemen. As long as the Strait of Hormuz remains problematic, the emergence of a second potential chokepoint along the route for oil and goods to Europe significantly increases the risks.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
Following their offensive in September, the Houthis have captured the city of Mokha, Mayyun Island, and a considerable part of Yemen’s western coast. As a result, they have gained de facto control over the key approaches to the Bab al-Mandab Strait and can directly influence shipping traffic between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
The Houthis say they intend to keep Bab al-Mandab open and limit attacks primarily to Saudi vessels. However, Yemen’s internationally recognized government warns that such a possibility would turn the security of shipping into an instrument of political pressure.
That is precisely what makes the current offensive far more dangerous than an ordinary shift in the front line in Yemen. As long as the Strait of Hormuz remains problematic, the emergence of a second potential chokepoint along the route for oil and goods to Europe significantly increases the risks.
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Latest developments in the war in #Yemen as of the morning of September 28 - subtitled
Houthis launch an attack on the Jabal Habashi front in western #Taiz.
Ongoing fighting in the vicinity of #Taiz city amidst Houthi attacks from three fronts.
Airstrikes hit #Sanaa, #Al_Khokha, and #Saada.
Clashes in the vicinity of the #Kahboub mountains and the #Rasin front, spanning the #Taiz and #Lahj sectors.
Video link: https://youtu.be/d-l7obmi5sc?si=6lH2sgTN2Zwoy1o0
Houthis launch an attack on the Jabal Habashi front in western #Taiz.
Ongoing fighting in the vicinity of #Taiz city amidst Houthi attacks from three fronts.
Airstrikes hit #Sanaa, #Al_Khokha, and #Saada.
Clashes in the vicinity of the #Kahboub mountains and the #Rasin front, spanning the #Taiz and #Lahj sectors.
Video link: https://youtu.be/d-l7obmi5sc?si=6lH2sgTN2Zwoy1o0
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reaffirms support for regional allies on the anniversary of Nasrallah’s death
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a special statement to mark the second anniversary of the death of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. In it, the IRGC stated that the regional alliance system built under Nasrallah had endured after his death, and that his strategy continued to shape the actions of the so-called “Axis of Resistance.” The Revolutionary Guards’ statement was published by Iran’s Press TV channel at 00:50 on September 28.
The Revolutionary Guards placed particular emphasis on the confrontation with Israel and the United States. They described the armed groups in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria as part of a common front and linked their activities to the recent wars against Israel. At the same time, Iran’s Foreign Ministry called for the resistance against Israel to continue and for those responsible for Nasrallah’s killing to be held accountable.
Iran used the anniversary not only to commemorate Nasrallah: Tehran publicly reaffirmed that possible agreements with the United States concerning the Strait of Hormuz would neither mean abandoning support for its regional allies nor ending the confrontation with Israel.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a special statement to mark the second anniversary of the death of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. In it, the IRGC stated that the regional alliance system built under Nasrallah had endured after his death, and that his strategy continued to shape the actions of the so-called “Axis of Resistance.” The Revolutionary Guards’ statement was published by Iran’s Press TV channel at 00:50 on September 28.
The Revolutionary Guards placed particular emphasis on the confrontation with Israel and the United States. They described the armed groups in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria as part of a common front and linked their activities to the recent wars against Israel. At the same time, Iran’s Foreign Ministry called for the resistance against Israel to continue and for those responsible for Nasrallah’s killing to be held accountable.
Iran used the anniversary not only to commemorate Nasrallah: Tehran publicly reaffirmed that possible agreements with the United States concerning the Strait of Hormuz would neither mean abandoning support for its regional allies nor ending the confrontation with Israel.
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