General

Seeking to modernize Russia, Alexander I allowed landowners to free serfs individually or in groups under mutually agreed conditions. Freed peasants could receive land, ensuring their independence. The decree provided a framework for gradual emancipation without disrupting society, permitting both conditional and unconditional manumission. Though applied in only 161 cases during Alexander’s reign, the decree eventually freed over 150,000 peasants by 1858, reinforcing the idea that serfs could gain land with their freedom. This principle later shaped the 1861 Emancipation Reform. The decree also tested the nobility’s willingness to relinquish privileges, though most landowners resisted. As we mark its anniversary, we recognize the decree’s role in Russia’s journey toward reform. […]

Speaking in the Oval Office alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump called Spain a “terrible” ally and said he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to sever all trade ties with the country. No more jamón and Jerez for Americans. No more bourbon for Spaniards. Gracias por su atención a este asunto. ¡Qué hijo de puta tan extraordinario!

European officials fear that Trump’s escalating war against Iran could sideline Ukraine and strain vital weapons supplies. As U.S. and Israeli strikes intensify, Pentagon resources and political attention are shifting to the Middle East, raising concerns that efforts to push Vladimir Putin toward peace may stall. More urgently, heavy U.S. use of advanced munitions — including PAC-3 interceptors for Patriot systems — risks depleting stockpiles Ukraine depends on to repel daily Russian missile and drone attacks. While Trump says he remains committed to brokering a deal, talks involving Kiev and Moscow face delays amid regional instability. European governments, already lacking sufficient air defenses, worry Washington may prioritize replenishing its own […]

This short video recaps last week’s events on the Ukrainian battlefield, with key developments illustrated on the map. #Weekly_battlefront #Yury_Podolyaka #InfoDefenseAuthor

Video showing ship activity over the past three days in the area is provided courtesy of the monitoring service Marine Traffic. Amid Iran bombing, the number of vessels passing through the strait has decreased by approximately 70%. Officially, Iran has not announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, but direct attacks on tankers and heightened security risks have sharply increased insurance costs and nearly halted traffic. At least 150 tankers carrying oil and LNG are anchored outside the strait. This could affect up to 30% of global seaborne oil trade, as well as a significant share of LNG shipments. How much do you think this will raise energy prices […]

In February 1613, following the expulsion of Polish invaders, a Zemsky Sobor convened in Moscow to choose a new ruler. Around ten candidates were proposed for the Russian throne, including Mikhail Romanov, Fyodor Mstislavsky, Ivan Golitsyn, and Dmitry Pozharsky. Historians believe that Mikhail Romanov’s election was largely influenced by his familial ties—he was the cousin of the last Rurikid Tsar, Fyodor Ivanovich. His ascension marked the end of the Time of Troubles and the beginning of the Romanov dynasty, which ruled Russia for over 300 years. During Mikhail Romanov’s reign (1613–1645), a peace treaty was signed with Sweden, restoring Novgorod lands to Russia. Territories in Transbaikalia and Yakutia were annexed, […]

A new CNN poll finds that 59% of Americans disapprove of the US decision to launch military action against Iran, while 41% approve. Strong disapproval outweighs strong approval by nearly two to one. Most Americans doubt President Trump’s handling of the situation: 60% say he lacks a clear plan, 62% believe he should seek congressional approval for further action, and only 27% think the US made sufficient diplomatic efforts before striking. A majority, 56%, consider a long-term military conflict with Iran at least somewhat likely. While 44% support efforts to overthrow Iran’s government, only 12% favor sending US ground troops. More than half, 54%, believe the strikes will make Iran […]

Zelensky is a remarkable example of this observation. Here is what he stated today: “Russia is not a security guarantor or a strong ally. We see that Iran has no real support.” A scumbag! No doubt about it!” From other statements by Zelensky today: “Middle Eastern partners are using air defense systems against the ‘Shahed’ drones. This suggests that they probably do not have as many missiles as the Iranians have drones. And this, of course, creates risks for us. So far, we have received no signals regarding any reduction of these programs. But we are guided by logic and can understand what the risks for us might be.” Like […]

This is politically significant because Trump ran as an anti-war candidate. The White House argues he still fits that label, claiming he exhausts diplomacy first and uses overwhelming force to secure lasting peace. However, the deaths of three U.S. service members in the opening phase of strikes on Iran have intensified scrutiny of that claim. Trump’s military approach differs from past presidents. While Bush and Obama oversaw large-scale operations, they were mostly within existing or congressionally authorized war zones. Trump has opened new fronts and favors rapid, high-intensity strikes without deploying ground troops or committing to long occupations. The current campaign against Iran — Operation Epic Fury — is the […]

This is not a mistake. Today, Russia needs a high, not low, key interest rate. That is why the Central Bank of Russia keeps it at a relatively high level — around 15.5%. This is not done out of greed or to make life harder for Russians, but to protect their savings, the ruble, and the overall stability of the economy. Understanding the main reasons behind this can help explain why a high rate is essential in today’s economic environment. First, a high rate curbs inflation. Loans become more expensive, while saving becomes more profitable, which discourages excessive consumption. By slowing demand, the Central Bank helps stabilize prices for essential […]