Oil prices saw a modest rise this week, breaking a three-week losing streak, as tensions in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict flared up once again, casting uncertainty over a potential peace deal. A Week of High Stakes and Tense Talks Despite market hopes for progress, attempts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia remain in a deadlock. President Donald Trump, currently leading U.S. diplomatic efforts, hinted at organizing a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. However, no date or agenda has been confirmed, and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of refusing key negotiations. "Everyone is waiting for President Trump's next step," said UBS commodity analyst Giovanni Staunovo. The lack of movement on a ceasefire is making energy markets nervous, especially with the possibility of new, tougher U.S. sanctions on Russia if the war drags on. Oil Market Responds to Geopolitical Risk By Friday’s c...
🌍 The Mysterious Fog of 536 AD: The Year the Sun Disappeared A dark fog covers the Earth in 536 AD, blocking sunlight and causing global chaos. Most people haven’t heard of the year 536 AD—but historians and scientists consider it one of the worst years to be alive. Why? Because during that year, something strange and terrifying happened across the globe: The sun disappeared. For over 18 months, people in Europe, Asia, and even parts of the Middle East reported a dark fog that blocked sunlight during the day. The sky stayed grey, crops failed, temperatures dropped, and famine followed. A Global Mystery Begins According to Byzantine historian Procopius, the sun gave off light "without brightness, like the moon," and it appeared this way for a whole year. Even in China and Ireland, records mention strange weather patterns, food shortages, and extreme cold summers. Snow fell in summer months, harvests failed, and people began to starve. Many believed it was the end of the wor...