Silicon Curtain

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Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/siliconcurtain/subscribe A podcast about propaganda, digital disinformation, politics, corruption, hybrid warfare, weaponised conspiracy theories, social echo chambers and digital dystopias. 1984, Authoritarian, Autocracy, Autocrat, Big Brother, Brainwashing, Cold war, Cold war propaganda, Communism, Conflict, Conspiracy theories, Control, Cults, Cyber warfare, Deception, Dictator, Dictatorship, Digital dystopia, Digital media, Disinformation, Echo chambers, Economic sanctions, Fascist, Fake news, Foreign correspondents, Foreign policy, Fossil fuel sanctions, George Orwell, History, Hybrid warfare, Industrial disinfo

Jonathan Fink


    • Jul 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 47m AVG DURATION
    • 960 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Silicon Curtain podcast is an exceptional source of in-depth discussions and analysis on a range of topics, with a particular focus on Russian information warfare and the Ukraine war. The seminar-style format brings together top-tier experts from various disciplines, creating a rich and enlightening dialogue that educates and provokes thought. As a listener, I have found this podcast to be an invaluable resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the complex geopolitical issues at play in the region.

    One of the standout aspects of The Silicon Curtain podcast is the caliber of its guests. Each episode features experts who bring diverse perspectives and deep knowledge on the subjects being discussed. It is evident that the host, Jonathan Fink, takes great care in curating his guest list. Whether it's academics, journalists, or policymakers, the guests always provide valuable insights and thought-provoking analysis. This allows listeners to gain a well-rounded perspective on the topics being explored.

    Furthermore, I greatly appreciate the unbiased approach taken by Jonathan Fink and his guests. The discussions are free from any sort of political bias or agenda-pushing. Instead, they focus on presenting facts, analyzing events from multiple angles, and offering nuanced interpretations. This commitment to intellectual integrity sets The Silicon Curtain apart from many other podcasts in this genre.

    In terms of areas for improvement, one aspect that some listeners may find challenging is the occasional use of strong language. While freedom of speech should be respected and upheld, it is worth considering whether certain words detract from the overall quality of the content. Although it may not bother everyone, those with sensitive ears might prefer to have these words omitted or toned down.

    In conclusion, The Silicon Curtain podcast is an outstanding platform that delves deep into crucial geopolitical issues surrounding Russia and Ukraine. With its impressive lineup of knowledgeable guests and commitment to unbiased analysis, it offers listeners an invaluable opportunity to expand their understanding of these complex dynamics. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone seeking well-informed discussions and a nuanced perspective on the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe.



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    Latest episodes from Silicon Curtain

    776. Livestream - Was This a TACO Monday for Trump?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 120:51


    Live stream with DW Phillips, Honor Phillips and Jonathan MS Pearce. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    775. Livestream with Yuri Rashkin - Is Vladimir Screwed by Trump's Announcement?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 51:18


    Live stream with Yuri Rashkin. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    What's Really Happening to Russia's Population?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 13:44


    Edition No188 | 14-07-2025 - Russia's demographic reckoning is going to be brutal—this is a story too urgent to ignore. We'll explore how Putin's catastrophic war, fully enabled by the Russian people, authoritarian secrecy, and a collapsing birth rate are intersecting to redefine the Russian state—and cast a grim shadow over its future. The Russian empire is an historical anachronism, which may not survive in its current form. Let's dive in.----------Thumbnail art by Mykhailo Skop (NEIVANMADE):Please support Ukrainian Culture and Artists by buying NEIVANMADE works of art:https://neivanmade.com/https://www.instagram.com/neivanmade/?hl=enhttps://x.com/neivanmadehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/neivanmade/https://www.facebook.com/Neivanmade/https://www.ukraineablaze.art/en/artists/neivanmade/https://uk.pinterest.com/neivanmade/----------DESCRIPTION:Russia's Looming Demographic Crisis and The Human Cost of WarIn this episode of Silicon Bites, we explore the unfolding demographic crisis in Russia, exacerbated by the ongoing war initiated by Putin. We discuss the effects of Russia's collapsing birth rates, high military casualties, and how the regime's secrecy is hiding the full scale of the human toll. We delve into the country's demographic data blackout since March 2025, estimating over 250,000 deaths and nearly 1 million casualties. The episode highlights the economic and social ramifications of Russia's shrinking and aging population, the exodus of young people, and how the government's policies are leading to a potential social and economic collapse. We also touch on the geopolitical implications, the regime's use of fear to maintain control, and the stark human cost of Putin's war on Ukraine.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Support Acknowledgment00:59 The Urgency of Russia's Demographic Crisis01:32 Data Blackout and Its Implications03:08 Estimating the True Cost of War05:40 The Birth Rate Collapse09:47 The Impact on Russia's Future12:49 Conclusion: A Grim Future for Russia----------LINKS: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/07/07/rosstat-stops-publishing-monthly-population-data-amid-war-deaths-demographic-crisis-a89696 https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-faces-population-wipe-out-as-bleak-new-data-hints-at-ticking-time-bomb/ar-AA1IdRNZ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-08/russia-locks-up-demographic-data-with-war-in-ukraine-in-its-fourth-year https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56084 https://unn.ua/en/news/russia-is-hiding-population-data-due-to-a-drop-in-the-birth-rate-to-a-200-year-low https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/wartorn-russia-facing-time-bomb-35523693 ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

    771. Secrets of How Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Can be Defeated

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2025 47:19


    Lesia Ogryzko is a visiting fellow with the Wider Europe programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations. She leads a Ukrainian think-tank on security and defence, Sahaidachnyi Security Center, and is board member of Ukraine's biggest expert coalition on the country's reconstruction, RISE Ukraine. Previously, Ogryzko served as international civil servant across the UN system, dealing with human rights and the coordination of UN agencies in Ukraine. She also worked for the Ukrainian government on the implementation of reforms, including in public administration for the cabinet of ministers' reforms delivery office. She is also the co-founder of several civic initiatives, as well as the Ukrainian office of the humanitarian international NGO Save the Children. Prior to that, Ogryzko worked for the Spanish think-tank FRIDE, researching international affairs. She is the author of numerous publications in international media on the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine's reconstruction, and the country's civil society.Ogryzko holds an MA in international relations and security studies from the Institute of international relations at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and an MA in European public affairs from the Maastricht University, the Netherlands.----------LINKS:https://ecfr.eu/profile/lesia-ogryzko/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesia-ogryzko-33285163/https://x.com/ogryzko_lhttps://ecfr.eu/profile/lesia-ogryzko/type/media/https://defence.org.ua/en/tag/lesia-ogryzko/----------DESCRIPTION:Understanding Ukraine's Resilience and European Geopolitical Dynamics: An In-depth DiscussionIn this episode, we dive deep into the resilience of Ukrainian society amid the ongoing war, with a visiting fellow from the European Council on Foreign Relations. We discuss the historical and cultural foundations of Ukraine's societal strength, the shifting strategies of Russian aggression, and the critical role of decentralized networks in the country's endurance. The conversation also touches on the international response, European threat perceptions, and the geopolitical implications of the conflict. Key points include the necessity of robust sanctions against Russia, the influence of external nations like China, and the various potential future scenarios for Russia as analyzed in a recent report. This episode provides a multifaceted look at the current situation and the broader implications for global security.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:32 Channel Support and Fundraiser01:16 Resilience of Ukrainian Society03:01 Historical Context of Ukrainian Resilience08:46 Impact of Russian Strategy on Ukraine12:36 Western Response to Russian Aggression23:28 Challenges in European Preparedness25:42 Russia's Hybrid Warfare Tactics30:20 China's Role in the Conflict32:21 Economic Sanctions and Their Impact39:47 Future Scenarios for Russia46:44 Conclusion and Next Steps----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

    Is Putin About to Face His Most Dangerous Challenge Yet?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2025 19:44


    Edition No187 | 13-07-2025 - In this Silicon Bites, we'll look at the latest comments of Russian patriots calling out their own army – not for its crimes but for its ineffectiveness, and inability to mount breakthrough offensives. There are rumours of North Korean troops being drafted to support, Putin's “last throw of the dice” in a major summer offensive. We look at Russia's brutal tactics and Ukraine's defence. And finally ask whether economic and manpower strains in Russia mean that this is the last year in which Putin can maintain full combat operations. And how could an increase in Western support for Ukraine further pile pressure on Putin's stretched resources. Let's unpack Putin's **last-ditch gambit** for a maximalist victory in Ukraine. ----------DESCRIPTION:This Will Break Russia: Unpacking Putin's Final Summer OffensiveIn this edition of Silicon Bytes, we delve deep into the rumored major summer offensive by Russia and its potential impacts on the war and Putin's regime. The episode examines Russian patriots' criticisms of their military's inefficacy, rumors of North Korean troops joining the conflict, and the overall sustainability of Russia's combat operations. Insights from key Russian figures like Igor Gerkin and Maxim Kalashnikov highlight the growing dissatisfaction within Russia. We also discuss Western support for Ukraine, the strategic importance of economic pressures, and how these factors might push the war towards a decisive turning point. Analysts warn that the coming months could determine the future of Putin's regime, with significant implications for global geopolitics.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Support Acknowledgment00:37 Russian Patriots Criticize Their Own Military00:51 North Korean Troops and Russia's Summer Offensive01:12 Economic and Manpower Strains in Russia01:23 Putin's Last Ditch Gambit02:11 Criticism from Russian Nationalists03:06 Strategic Surrender and North Korean Involvement05:24 Plans for a Large-Scale Offensive06:24 Challenges and Criticisms of the Offensive14:46 Economic Collapse and Recruitment Issues16:25 Western Support and Strategic Shifts17:57 Sanctions and Economic Pressure on Russia19:26 Conclusion: The Limits of Putin's War----------LINKS: https://www.ft.com/content/ef899f3a-3f93-4aef-824a-ecdd75f6dcc0 https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-10-2025 https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/ukraine-prepares-russian-summer-offensive https://www.economist.com/interactive/graphic-detail/2025/07/09/russias-summer-ukraine-offensive-looks-like-its-deadliest-so-far https://kyivindependent.com/russias-summer-offensive-becomes-its-costliest-campaign-during-ukraine-invasion-economist-reports-06-2025/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/29/russia-summer-offensive-fizzling-out-ukraine-putin/ https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/29/europe/russia-summer-offensive-kyiv-ukraine-intl https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/30/russia-military-challenges-summer-offensive/ https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/06/08/vladimir-putin-unleashes-a-summer-offensive-against-ukraine https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/06/08/vladimir-putin-unleashes-a-summer-offensive-against-ukraine https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-halts-russian-advance-in-sumy-syrskyi-says-summer-offensive-faltering-06-2025/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/11/ukraine-war-briefing-trump-poised-to-send-weapons-under-biden-style-drawdown-say-sources?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-gb ----------

    773. Summer Offensive Could be Putin's Last 'Throw of the Dice' Before Regime Collapse

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2025 51:40


    In-Depth Discussion with Paul Warberg: Ukraine War, Russian Propaganda & Global GeopoliticsIn this episode, Jonathan interviews Paul Warberg, an independent open-source geopolitical analyst renowned for his content within the pro Ukraine activist community. They delve into Paul's background, motivations, and his rapid rise as a credible voice in the field. Paul shares a moving story about how his cousin's sacrifice in the Ukraine war influenced his shift from being apolitical to a passionate advocate. The discussion covers the geopolitical significance of the Ukraine conflict, the role of Russian Propaganda, and its impact on the American psyche. They also explore the resilience of democratic values and the potential for change in the global order.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:57 Paul Warberg's Background and Motivation03:12 The Impact of Personal Loss05:56 Religious Propaganda and Morality10:40 Geopolitical Importance of Ukraine15:55 Historical Echoes and Conspiracy Theories22:38 Russia's Influence and Misconceptions25:06 Reflections on Modern Russia26:24 Hope Amidst the Struggle29:44 The Fragility of Putin's Regime32:40 The Economic Strain of War35:25 The Reality of Military Tactics46:21 The Influence of Russian Narratives50:25 A Hopeful Conclusion----------LINKS: ⁨@PaulJWarburg⁩  ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    BREAKING NEWS - Shock Assassination in Kyiv - Moscow Suspected

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 6:00


    Edition No186 | 11-07-2025 - The Assassination of Ivan Voronych will send shock waves through the intelligence community in Kyiv and across Ukraine. On 10 July 2025, the heart of Kyiv turned into a crime scene. Colonel Ivan Voronych, a senior officer in Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), was shot dead in broad daylight in Holosiivskyi district.Here's the BBC's summary: “A top official from the Security Service of Ukraine was killed in Kyiv in a suspected assassination.” Reuters confirmed the grim details: “A senior Ukrainian security officer was gunned down in a residential parking lot in Kyiv… The slain agent was a colonel in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).”----------PLASMA AND AMBULANCES APPEAL:Please write to: Director Objective Ukraine, Info@ObjectiveUkraine.comBefore we do this is a message from a dear friend in Kyiv who works with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence. He says, there is a serious shortage of blood plasma here in Ukraine. He has had several messages from ex-comrades and medics, asking if the Allies can help find much needed plasma for medical stations at various depths behind the 'zero' or front-line. This shortage is risking the lives of wounded fighting men and women and, all too often, the medics and ambulance drivers who try to evacuate them.A medic friend who has been saving lives in Ukraine for three years, he says, explained how she lost four medic friends and units sustained several casualties, because of the lack of medical evacuation units, ambulances at the front and plasma. During recent delays in receiving equipment and supplies, one group had to walk out...like WW1 stretcher bearers...during which episode they suffered 50% casualties from enemy drones. Including new solar powered drone variants. We desperately need to find ways to improve casualty survival rates, with basic supplies like plasma that we take for granted outside Ukraine. ----------DESCRIPTION:Shock Assassination in Ukraine: Shadow Warfare and RetaliationWelcome to Silicon Bites! This brief episode discusses the shocking assassination of Colonel Ivan Ches, a senior officer in Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), in Kyiv on July 10, 2025. The episode explores the context of Ukraine's alleged targeted killings of high-ranking Russian officials as acts of retaliation for war crimes. This assassination is seen as part of an ongoing shadow warfare, with Ukraine sending a clear message about accountability and justice. The video also touches on past instances where Ukraine targeted Russian military leaders and the potential repercussions from Moscow. Stay tuned for a deep dive into this evolving conflict.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:37 Details of the Assassination01:38 Suspicions and Reactions02:25 Context of Ukraine's Targeted Killings04:12 Broader Implications and Analysis05:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------LINKS: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2l8kwd13wohttps://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-spy-colonel-gunned-down-kyiv-2025-07-10/https://www.firstpost.com/world/top-ukrainian-spy-shot-dead-in-kyiv-in-suspected-assassination-report-13905102.htmlhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/10/ukrainian-spy-assassinated-by-gunman-in-kyiv/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/ukrainian-intelligence-officer-colonel-ivan-voronych-shot-dead-in-broad-daylight-in-possible-assassination-bid-8858584----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    BREAKING NEWS: Is Grok Secretly Russophobic?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 15:20


    Edition No185 | 11-07-2025 - Today, an exploration of Grok's extreme political rants, that have enraged vatniks and Z-Patriots, especially about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For those who may live under a rock, and not know what Grok is, it's the AI assistant on Elon Musk's ‘X' platform. And like its creator it seems to court controversy and have something of a split personality. Here are the juiciest viral responses, also with some speculation about the ethics of AI censorship. ----------Pour a cup of tea and prepare to delve into the madness. Grok seems to have developed quite a personality recently and has issued some shockingly bold takes on extreme politics—Russia's war in Ukraine included. Is this an example of LLMs can go haywire, or developing a kind of political conscience? ----------PLASMA AND AMBULANCES APPEAL:Please write to: Director Objective Ukraine, Info@ObjectiveUkraine.comBefore we do this is a message from a dear friend in Kyiv who works with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence. He says, there is a serious shortage of blood plasma here in Ukraine. He has had several messages from ex-comrades and medics, asking if the Allies can help find much needed plasma for medical stations at various depths behind the 'zero' or front-line. This shortage is risking the lives of wounded fighting men and women and, all too often, the medics and ambulance drivers who try to evacuate them.A medic friend who has been saving lives in Ukraine for three years, he says, explained how she lost four medic friends and units sustained several casualties, because of the lack of medical evacuation units, ambulances at the front and plasma. During recent delays in receiving equipment and supplies, one group had to walk out...like WW1 stretcher bearers...during which episode they suffered 50% casualties from enemy drones. Including new solar powered drone variants. We desperately need to find ways to improve casualty survival rates, with basic supplies like plasma that we take for granted outside Ukraine. ----------DESCRIPTION:AI Ethics in the Spotlight: Uncovering Grok's Controversial Political BiasIn this episode of Silicon Bytes, we dive into the ethical complications surrounding Grok, Elon Musk's AI assistant on the X platform. Known for its unfiltered and bold statements, Grok has sparked debate with its politically charged responses, particularly regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While its anti-Kremlin stance resonates with a pro-Ukraine audience, the AI has also made controversial and extremist remarks, leading to bans and regulatory probes. We discuss the implications of AI's political conscience, the importance of balance and ethics in AI training, and the urgent need for AI regulation and human oversight to prevent future instances of hate speech and misinformation.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:33 Exploring Grok's Political Rants02:38 Grok's Controversial Responses04:56 The Dark Turn: Grok's Extremist Statements12:03 The Need for AI Guardrails14:07 Conclusion: The Future of Ethical AI----------LINKS: https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-chatbot-ai-grok-d745a7e3d0a7339a1159dc6c42475e29https://www.businessinsider.com/grok-artificial-intelligence-chatbot-elon-musk-xai-explained-2025-7https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/10/what-is-grok-and-why-has-elon-musks-chatbot-been-accused-of-anti-semitismhttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/grok-elon-musks-ai-chatbot-antisemitic-comments/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/09/grok-ai-praised-hitler-antisemitism-x-ntwnfbhttps://apnews.com/article/turkey-artificial-intelligence-grok-access-ban-erdogan-8ba6c5b9529fb17b6ec8025f25a8b59chttps://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/how-grok-learned-to-be-a-nazi.html----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    772. Can Russia Win Without Changing its Tactics and Full Mobilization?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 52:31


    DESCRIPTION: Insights from Ukrainian Perspective: Russian Propaganda, Military Strategy, and the FutureIn this episode, the host is joined by Operator Starkey, a former Ukrainian military veteran, to discuss various topics including his experiences with Russian propaganda, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the essential role of volunteers and civic society in Ukraine's defense. The conversation covers the underestimated resilience of Ukraine, the hubris of the Russian regime, and how Russia's internal issues and mismanagement may lead to its unraveling. Starkey also addresses how systemic corruption and a culture of fear in Russia affect both its governance and military capabilities. The discussion extends to the importance of Western support for Ukraine and strategies for enhancing communication and information warfare against Russian disinformation.----------Today I'm speaking with Operator Starsky, a former Ukrainian National Guardian, blogger, and inspiration for everyone who is following the war, and supporting a Ukrainian victory. He has created one of the most popular and original YouTube channels dedicated to the international community. I'm not sure you need an introduction – I'm sure most people watching this channel will have seen your videos! ----------LINKS:https://www.youtube.com/@PropagandaStudyInstitutehttp://psi-eu.org/https://www.youtube.com/@StarskyUA----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Birthday Celebration00:41 Background and Mission of Operator Starkey01:15 Ukraine's Struggle and Global Support02:58 Russian Miscalculations and Propaganda03:41 The Unraveling of the Russian Regime06:36 Strategic Use of Ukraine's Geography07:57 High-Profile Russian Deaths and Corruption20:05 Putin's Increasing Desperation26:53 Putin's Regime and Historical Repetition27:52 Western Imagination vs. Russian Reality29:14 Comparing Societal Responses to Warfare30:29 Russian Propaganda and Public Perception33:39 Life in Russia vs. Life in Ukraine36:21 The Role of Communication in Warfare42:14 Western Allies' Role in Countering Russian Aggression49:27 The Importance of Government and Public Cooperation----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.org----------

    770. Is Trump Turning on Putin or is More Political Theater?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 56:54


    Decoding the Chaos: Ukraine War, Russia's Internal Struggles, and Global RamificationsIn this compelling discussion, we welcome back Professor Geras, a conservative commentator who is strongly pro-Ukraine. The conversation navigates through various critical topics including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Trump's erratic stance on his administration's decisions, and the geopolitical intricacies involving figures like Eldridge Kolby and Lindsey Graham. The dialogue also delves into Russia's internal chaos under Putin, the impact of China's tacit support for Russia, and the evolving technological warfare, particularly the role of drones. The discussion wraps up with a foresight into the instability within the Russian regime and its broader implications for global security. Tune in for a deep dive into these multifaceted and pressing issues.----------Professor Darin Gerdes provides in-depth analysis of the Russo-Ukrainian war on his popular YouTube channel, 'Professor Gerdes Explains'. Channel -  @Dr.Gerdes  - He tries to provide unique insights that help his audience to understand the context of the war, and grounds his analysis in facts.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:53 Fundraising for Ukraine01:16 Trump's Administration and Decision-Making04:35 MAGA and Support for Ukraine10:05 Russia's Influence and Propaganda15:10 Russian Perception of Ukraine24:21 Historical Amnesia and NATO28:19 Understanding Historical Empires30:07 Comparing Russian and British Empires35:03 Ukraine's Threat to Russia42:00 Sanctions and Political Dynamics47:01 China's Role and Global Implications52:33 The Impact of Drone Warfare56:26 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions----------LINKS:https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/videoshttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/dr.gerdes----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    How Weak Is Putin's Regime Right Now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 14:18


    Edition No184 | 10-07-2025 - Putin is under pressure. We are seeing a regime fraying from the inside. This episode digs deeper into three seismic trends:1. The widening cohesion cracks at the top of the Kremlin.2. A spate of mysterious 'accidents' among high-ranking officials.3. Signs of an approaching summer offensive, possibly fueled by forced mobilization—even in Russia's major cities.The chaos in the Kremlin is accelerating so buckle up for a wild ride. Putin will fall, not necessarily when he is materially weakest, but if he stumbles and losing the will to rule. That could come from being too paranoid and taking out too many officials, and even loyalists. Or could come from making too many concessions to other officials. Let's see how this plays out. ----------PLASMA AND AMBULANCES APPEAL:Please write to: Director Objective Ukraine, Info@ObjectiveUkraine.comBefore we do this is a message from a dear friend in Kyvi who works with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence. He says, there is a serious shortage of blood plasma here in Ukraine. He has had several messages from ex-comrades and medics, asking if the Allies can help find much needed plasma for medical stations at various depths behind the 'zero' or frontline. This shortage is killing wounded fighting men and women and, all too often, the medics and ambulance drivers who try to evacuate them.A medic friend who has been saving lives in Ukraine for three years, he says, explained how she lost four medic friends and units sustained several casualties, because of the lack of medical evacuation units, ambulances at the front and plasma. During recent delays in receiving equipment and supplies, one group had to walk out...like WW1 stretcher bearers...during which episode they suffered 50% casualties from enemy drones. Including new solar powered drone variants. We desperately need to find ways to improve casualty survival rates, with basic supplies like plasma that we take for granted outside Ukraine. ----------DESCRIPTION:Regime Fractures: The Unraveling of Putin's PowerIn this episode of Silicon Bites, we explore the growing fragility within Putin's regime. We begin by thanking our supporters who make our operations and upcoming events in Kiev and Odessa possible. The discussion then delves into three major trends indicating regime cracks: elite dissatisfaction, mysterious deaths of high-ranking officials, and preparations for a large-scale military mobilization. The analysis explores the potential collapse of Putin's regime, driven by internal paranoia and forced decisions. We provide historical and contemporary examples of elite defections, mysterious deaths, and the ongoing strain caused by military and economic pressures. The episode calls for the West to take decisive action by increasing sanctions, supporting Ukraine, and leveraging Russian assets to counteract the regime while highlighting the prospective consequences of prolonged conflict.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Channel Support00:52 Putin's Regime Under Pressure01:55 Cracks in the Kremlin06:13 Mysterious Deaths Among the Elite08:46 Military Mobilization and Economic Strain10:36 Western Response and Moral Imperative13:29 Conclusion: Accelerating the Collapse----------LINKS: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/08/putins-regime-is-beginning-to-come-apart/ https://jamestown.org/program/putins-anniversaries-mark-dangerous-degradation-of-his-regime/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/22/putin-regime-will-collapse-without-warning-says-freed-gulag-dissident https://bylinetimes.com/2025/06/18/inside-the-collapse-how-putins-russia-turned-its-opponents-into-exiles/ ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    767. Are NATO Drones Junk - Useless Before They Even Arrive in Ukraine?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 54:56


    Deborah Fairlamb is a Founding Partner at Green Flag Ventures, a business fund investing in the future of Ukraine. Since 2015, she has specialized in investments and business development in Ukraine, with a particular focus on the tech sector and startups.Jan-Erik Saarinen is a defense technology entrepreneur and investor. He is also a finance and investment specialist with a strong background in managing successful tech ventures. An idealist and a realist, a pacifist and a soldier - full of contradictions. He is doing everything he can to help Ukraine win the war, and in the process, protect Finland and Europe too.----------LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahfairlamb/https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeriksaarinen/https://www.greenflag.vc/teamhttps://www.ukrainer.net/deborah-fairlamb/----------ARTICLES:https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/11/24/7430183/https://ubn.news/an-american-founded-investment-fund-plans-to-invest-in-eight-ukrainian-startups-this-year/https://www.defenseone.com/business/2024/01/shark-tank-kyiv-investors-hunt-war-winning-tech-ukraine/393427/----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    BREAKING NEWS: Strelkov Predicts Failure of Russia's Offensive

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 14:41


    Edition No183 | 09-07-2025 - Strelkov is back, with another warning. This time its about Russia's Summer Offensive & Mobilization. Today we dive into the prison dispatches of Igor “Strelkov” Girkin — former commander of the Donetsk People's Republic and now a Kremlin critic (is that the right word to use when thieves and killers fall out with each other?) and is locked away. But not for his actual crimes against innocent people, but for his perceived opposition to Putin's regime. From his cell, he's issued a devastating assessment of the Russian military's performance in Ukraine and commented on the highly anticipated—but faltering—summer campaign. He' also made recent pronouncements about the ongoing pressures on Putin, which have come into stark focus with the death of Russia's transport minister yesterday. We'll examine his insights, Girkin's critique of Russian strategy and tactics, comparing them with independent reporting, and chart what it means for the war's next phase.----------PLASMA AND AMBULANCES APPEAL:Please write to: Director Objective Ukraine, Info@ObjectiveUkraine.comBefore we do this is a message from a dear friend in Kyvi who works with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence. He says, there is a serious shortage of blood plasma here in Ukraine. He has had several messages from ex-comrades and medics, asking if the Allies can help find much needed plasma for medical stations at various depths behind the 'zero' or frontline. This shortage is killing wounded fighting men and women and, all too often, the medics and ambulance drivers who try to evacuate them.A medic friend who has been saving lives in Ukraine for three years, he says, explained how she lost four medic friends and units sustained several casualties, because of the lack of medical evacuation units, ambulances at the front and plasma. During recent delays in receiving equipment and supplies, one group had to walk out...like WW1 stretcher bearers...during which episode they suffered 50% casualties from enemy drones. Including new solar powered drone variants. We desperately need to find ways to improve casualty survival rates, with basic supplies like plasma that we take for granted outside Ukraine. ----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Channel Support00:54 Igor Kin's Critique of Russian Strategy02:19 Predictions and Analysis of Russian Military Movements04:00 Internal Pressures and Mobilization Issues08:57 Gerkin's Correspondence and Insights12:18 Summary and Final Thoughts----------LINKS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM411kDKNTY&t=548shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY9o8_PmLe8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrraSdBxLishttps://t.me/s/strelkoviihttps://jamestown.org/program/russian-mobilization-falls-short-ahead-of-putins-summer-offensive/https://www.euronews.com/2025/07/08/in-an-attempt-to-avoid-mobilisation-kremlin-now-allows-foreigners-to-serve-in-russian-armyhttps://www.dw.com/en/will-russia-launch-another-mobilization-drive/a-64345837https://www.ft.com/content/390fa820-7445-430a-978b-e82c0c5dcdc8https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/30/russia-military-challenges-summer-offensive/----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/----------

    We're Not Ready for the Revolution in Drone Warfare

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 53:50


    https://dzygaspaw.com/triad-silicon-curtain?notes=Jonathan%20Fink%20for%20TRIAD&project=Triad:%20Night%20DronesWebsite: https://dzygaspaw.com/Here at Dzyga's Paw Charity Fund, we understand that the work of this scale can't be accomplished alone. The collaboration shared vision, and collective efforts of dedicated Ukrainian and foreign businesses and individuals enable us to make a lasting impact on the lives of Ukrainian Heroes protecting our freedom.----------LINKS:https://x.com/dzygaspawhttps://x.com/dim0kqhttps://dzygaspaw.com/triad-night-droneshttps://kovyla.pub/dimko--------------------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    766. Live stream with Yuri Rashkin - Ukrainian Drones Shut Down Russian Airports

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 51:51


    Live stream with Yuri Rashkin. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    BREAKING NEWS: Are we in World War 3 Yet?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 15:16


    Edition No182 | 08-07-2025 - China's Hidden Agenda: Proxies, War, and Global Power StrategiesIn this episode of Silicon Bytes, we delve into the unsettling prospect of Russia, North Korea, and Iran acting as proxies for China amidst global conflicts. While China appears neutral, this episode explores its strategic interests in ensuring Russia does not lose the war in Ukraine, suggesting a global strategy that includes bolstering its position on Taiwan. The episode unpacks China's foreign minister Wang Ye's revealing comments, the implications of China's hidden support for Russia, and the broader geopolitical consequences. We analyze the potential for a Taiwan conflict leading to a larger global war, and how Western unity is essential in countering China's strategic facilitation of aggression. An insightful discussion for understanding the intricate dynamics of modern geopolitics.----------PLASMA AND AMBULANCES APPEAL:Please write to: Director Objective Ukraine, Info@ObjectiveUkraine.comBefore we do this is a message from a dear friend in Kyvi who works with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence. He says, there is a serious shortage of blood plasma here in Ukraine. He has had several messages from ex-comrades and medics, asking if the Allies can help find much needed plasma for medical stations at various depths behind the 'zero' or frontline. This shortage is killing wounded fighting men and women and, all too often, the medics and ambulance drivers who try to evacuate them.A medic friend who has been saving lives in Ukraine for three years, he says, explained how she lost four medic friends and units sustained several casualties, because of the lack of medical evacuation units, ambulances at the front and plasma. During recent delays in receiving equipment and supplies, one group had to walk out...like WW1 stretcher bearers...during which episode they suffered 50% casualties from enemy drones. Including new solar powered drone variants. We desperately need to find ways to improve casualty survival rates, with basic supplies like plasma that we take for granted outside Ukraine. ----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:56 China's Strategic Positioning01:31 Implications of China's Support for Russia04:11 China's Global Strategy and Taiwan07:52 Western Response and Strategic Coordination13:46 Conclusion: The Path to World War III?----------LINKS: https://www.economist.com/china/2025/06/19/china-has-become-the-most-important-enabler-of-russias-war-machine https://kyivindependent.com/china-may-enlist-russia-against-nato-if-taiwan-conflict-erupts-rutte-says-06-2025/ https://kyivindependent.com/taiwans-fm-democracies-should-unite-to-prevent-russia-china-from-expanding-further/ https://kyivindependent.com/china-unveils-its-new-graphite-bomb-06-2025/ https://www.economist.com/international/2025/05/15/china-and-russia-are-deploying-powerful-new-weapons-ideas https://www.ft.com/content/c5a1bc4e-462e-4e76-b0cb-5210c2e74efa https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/10/asia/iran-china-russia-joint-navy-drills-intl-hnk https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-china-russia-relationship-and-threats-to-vital-us-interests/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/10/01/china-supporting-enemy-trading-russia-says-blackrock-fink/ https://kyivindependent.com/russia-seeks-to-involve-laos-in-war-against-ukraine-military-intelligence-claims-06-2025/ https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-cannot-lose-war-ukraine-092455893.html https://nypost.com/2025/07/03/world-news/china-cannot-allow-russia-to-lose-ukraine-war-foreign-minister-tells-eu-report/ ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    Putin's Enablers Suffer from Fatal Windows Errors

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 11:47


    Edition No181 | 07-07-2025 - This episode humorously examines the suspicious death of people working under Putin, comparing these incidents to critical "Windows errors," suggesting the regime might need a reboot. We discuss this pattern of mysterious deaths and unexplained accidents, and the impact of these events on the perception of working inside Russia. Stay tuned as we delve into this dark history and try to understand the possible causes.----------PLASMA AND AMBULANCES APPEAL:Please write to: Director Objective Ukraine, Info@ObjectiveUkraine.comBefore we do this is a message from a dear friend in Kyvi who works with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence. He says, there is a serious shortage of blood plasma here in Ukraine. He has had several messages from ex-comrades and medics, asking if the Allies can help find much needed plasma for medical stations at various depths behind the 'zero' or frontline. This shortage is killing wounded fighting men and women and, all too often, the medics and ambulance drivers who try to evacuate them.A medic friend who has been saving lives in Ukraine for three years, he says, explained how she lost four medic friends and units sustained several casualties, because of the lack of medical evacuation units, ambulances at the front and plasma. During recent delays in receiving equipment and supplies, one group had to walk out...like WW1 stretcher bearers...during which episode they suffered 50% casualties from enemy drones. Including new solar powered drone variants. We desperately need to find ways to improve casualty survival rates, with basic supplies like plasma that we take for granted outside Ukraine. ----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction: Putin's Regime Under Scrutiny00:30 Wave of Unexplained Deaths Among Russia's Elite01:02 Case Studies of Suspicious Deaths04:24 Expert Opinions and Analysis06:23 International Ramifications and Economic Impact07:28 Recent Developments: Grounded Jets and Arrests09:55 Conclusion: The Insecurity of Putin's Regime10:15 Urgent Appeal for Blood Plasma in Ukraine----------LINKS: https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/03/russia-putin-ukraine-war-trump-strategy-politics/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524 https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2061159/president-finland-putin-mistake https://theconversation.com/history-shows-that-donald-trump-is-making-a-serious-error-in-appeasing-vladimir-putin-257252 https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-copying-soviet-union-approach-bankrupted-russia-poland-minister-davos-2025-1 https://mickryan.substack.com/p/another-big-putin-mistake https://www.theglobalist.com/russia-china-united-states-europe-geopolitics-ukraine-war-donald-trump-vladimir-putin/ https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/27/world/video/stubb-putin-strategy-live-fst052707pseg1-cnn-world-fast https://ig.ft.com/russias-war-in-ukraine-mapped/ https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/putins-biggest-mistake-was-believing-ukrainians-were-really-russians/ https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-putin-fundamental-mistake-snyder/32824024.html----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

    763. Russia Wants to Steal your Data - and Can

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 42:37


    Russia's Cyber Warfare Tactics: A Deep Dive with Keir GilesIn this episode, we're joined by Keir Giles to discuss Russia's ever-evolving cyber warfare tactics aimed at hacking the data of its enemies. We delve into Giles' first-hand experience and broader insights into how Russia targets specialists, analysts, and those opposing its actions. We emphasize that this threat extends beyond high-profile individuals, potentially affecting anyone with valuable information. Giles provides a detailed account of a sophisticated hacking attempt he recently faced, featuring novel methodologies and significant resource allocation, suggesting a high-level operation. We also explore the broader implications of these cyber attacks, the rationale behind Russia's hierarchical targeting, and the potential geopolitical repercussions involving China. Finally, we touch on the concept of Russia's sub-threshold warfare and anticipate possible future escalations in the ongoing conflict. Stay tuned for a gripping exploration of modern cyber warfare and the intricate strategies employed by state actors.----------Keir Giles has spent his career watching, studying, and explaining Russia. Keir's work has appeared in a wide range of academic and military publications across Europe and in North America, and he is a regular contributor and commentator on Russian affairs for international print and broadcast media. He is a Senior Consulting Fellow at the UK's Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), and also works with the Conflict Studies Research Centre (CSRC), a group of deep subject matter experts on Eurasian security formerly attached to the British Ministry of Defence. He is a regular contributor to research projects on Russian security issues in the U.S., UK, and Europe.----------CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:16 Russia's Data Hacking Tactics03:01 Understanding the Hierarchy of Russian Cyber Attacks04:18 The Zero-Day Cognitive Hack05:03 Personal Experiences with Cyber Attacks12:14 The Broader Implications of Cyber Vulnerabilities15:51 Russia's Strategic Cyber Warfare26:04 Geopolitical Ramifications and Future Threats34:54 China's Role and Global Implications42:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------BOOKS:Who Will Defend Europe? An Awakened Russia and a Sleeping Continent (2024)Order Keir's new book: https://amzn.to/4cFI1b6Russia's War on Everybody: And What it Means for You (2022)Moscow Rules: What Drives Russia to Confront the West (2019)The Turning Point for Russian Foreign Policy (2017)The State of the NATO-Russia Reset (2011)Potential Challenges to Public Order and Social Stability in the Russian Federation (2011)----------LINKS:Order Keir's new book: https://amzn.to/4cFI1b6https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/keir-gileshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keir_Gileshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/keir-giles-499a489/----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

    BREAKING NEWS: Why Trump has Backed the Wrong Horse

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2025 24:06


    Edition No180 | 06-07-2025 - Today we'll dig deep into why Putin's strategy in Ukraine is failing, why pursuing the same delusion objectives using the same methods was always going to fail. We'll question n why Trump has back the wrong horse – decided to appease a loser, and what all this reveals about Putin's regime and its likely downfall. How it's collapse will rebound negatively onto Trump. And in case you're wondering, the horse with glasses in the video thumbnail is Lavrov. He is already so close to resembling a horse, very few modifications to the image were required. And yes, Putin does have donkey ears in the same image. ----------PLASMA AND AMBULANCES APPEAL:Please write to: Director Objective Ukraine, Info@ObjectiveUkraine.comBefore we do this is a message from a dear friend in Kyvi who works with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence. He says, there is a serious shortage of blood plasma here in Ukraine. He has had several messages from ex-comrades and medics, asking if the Allies can help find much needed plasma for medical stations at various depths behind the 'zero' or frontline. This shortage is killing wounded fighting men and women and, all too often, the medics and ambulance drivers who try to evacuate them.A medic friend who has been saving lives in Ukraine for three years, he says, explained how she lost four medic friends and units sustained several casualties, because of the lack of medical evacuation units, ambulances at the front and plasma. During recent delays in receiving equipment and supplies, one group had to walk out...like WW1 stretcher bearers...during which episode they suffered 50% casualties from enemy drones. Including new solar powered drone variants. We desperately need to find ways to improve casualty survival rates, with basic supplies like plasma that we take for granted outside Ukraine. ----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:12 Trump's Missteps and Putin's Failing Strategy01:09 Urgent Appeal for Blood Plasma in Ukraine03:11 Putin's Opportunism and Strategic Failures06:17 Ukraine's Resilience and Western Support09:55 Putin's Misinterpretation of Diplomacy18:39 Implications for Putin's Regime and Global Security20:34 Conclusion: The Fight for Democracy----------LINKS: https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/03/russia-putin-ukraine-war-trump-strategy-politics/?tpcc=recirc_more_from_fp051524 https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2061159/president-finland-putin-mistake https://theconversation.com/history-shows-that-donald-trump-is-making-a-serious-error-in-appeasing-vladimir-putin-257252 https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-copying-soviet-union-approach-bankrupted-russia-poland-minister-davos-2025-1 https://mickryan.substack.com/p/another-big-putin-mistake https://www.theglobalist.com/russia-china-united-states-europe-geopolitics-ukraine-war-donald-trump-vladimir-putin/ https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/27/world/video/stubb-putin-strategy-live-fst052707pseg1-cnn-world-fast https://ig.ft.com/russias-war-in-ukraine-mapped/ https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/putins-biggest-mistake-was-believing-ukrainians-were-really-russians/ https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-putin-fundamental-mistake-snyder/32824024.html----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    761. This is what Russians Really Think of the War

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2025 73:55


    Elvira Bary is an author, researcher, and creator working at the intersection of storytelling, self-discovery, and political insight. She also runs an insightful YouTube channel on Russian politics, history, and culture, where she explores how Russia's history continues to shape the choices that the country makes today. Elvira writes historical fiction and dark fantasy rooted in Russian history and imagination, blending rich detail with unexpected twists, very much in accordance with Russian history itself, narrative that are being reshaped and challenged in the light of Putin's decision to invade Ukraine full-scale in 2022.----------LINKS:https://elvirabary.com/about-elvira/ https://www.youtube.com/@elvirabary https://x.com/elvirabary ----------DESCRIPTION:Exploring Russian History, Culture, and Contemporary Politics with Elvira BarryIn this episode, Jonathan interviews Vera Barry, an author, researcher, and creator who specializes in Russian history, culture, and politics. They discuss the intricacies of Russian historical fiction, the current socio-political climate in Russia, and the far-reaching implications of Putin's regime. Vera shares her personal experiences, including her career challenges following her anti-war stance, her battle with cancer, and her journey as an immigrant in the United States. The conversation also delves into the cultural isolation caused by the Iron Curtain, the psychology of Russian wartime narratives, and the lack of Western integration for Russian literary talent.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Elvira Barry00:38 The Impact of Russian History on Modern Politics00:58 Support and Gratitude01:45 Elvira's Background and Motivations03:41 Challenges Faced by Russian Intellectuals05:20 The Emotional Toll of War08:13 The Struggle of Russian Dissidents09:32 Elvira's Journey to YouTube12:14 Exploring Russian History Through Fiction13:42 The Dark Legacy of Russian History17:21 The Russian Revolution and Its Aftermath17:41 Russian Immigrants in China20:50 The Rise of Totalitarianism in Russia24:48 Western Misunderstandings of Russian Intentions28:12 The Philosophical Divide Between Russia and the West31:22 The Legacy of Soviet Intellectual Property34:38 The Cultural Impact of Russian Literature37:35 Cultural Erasure and Fabricated Confidence38:24 A Father's Inventive Spirit41:46 Struggles and Sacrifices in Russia42:28 Conformity and Non-Conformity in Putin's Russia46:10 The War in Ukraine and Its Impact49:42 Life in Small Towns and Military Contracts53:16 Escaping Russia: A Hairdresser's Story57:22 The Psychology of Vatniks and Propaganda01:02:17 Fantasy Literature and Male Identity in Russia01:06:29 Challenges for Russian Authors in the West01:09:57 Promoting Russian Culture and Experience01:13:05 Conclusion and Future Topics----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

    BREAKING NEWS: Who is Sabotaging Russia's Grey Fleet Oil Tankers?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 13:12


    Edition No179 | 05-07-2025 - The number of incidents befalling Russia's sanctions-busting grey fleet of oil tankers is increasing. Is a pattern emerging, or are these accidents inevitable for a vast fleet of vessels that have outlived their mandated lifespans? Or is Ukraine enforcing oil sanctions in the only way that works – by physically disabling Russian ships on the high seas? Today, we will revisit the topic of oil sanctions by other means — and ask if grey fleet incidents, are covert military cover, and the strategic pain that may be inflicted on Moscow's war machine. We dig deeper into each maritime event, unpack Europe's response, and trace the illicit oil trading that is bringing in vast sums of money to power Putin's war machine.----------DESCRIPTION:Targeting Russia's Gray Fleet: An Inside Look at Covert Maritime WarfareIn this episode of Silicon Bites, we delve into the targeting of Russia's 'gray fleet'—a clandestine fleet of oil tankers sustaining Putin's economy and war efforts. We examine various incidents involving these vessels, potential acts of sabotage, and how Ukraine and Europe are responding. Detailed events such as the Eagle S incident, the Koala's hull blast, and mediteranean attacks on Sea Charm, Sea Jewel, and Grace Phem are discussed. Additionally, we analyze the strategic economic impact of these actions and the need for a united NATO and EU stance to choke off Russia's illegal oil trade support, implicating higher necessary pressure on Putin's war economy.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Russia's Gray Fleet01:43 Incidents Involving Russian Ships04:58 European Response to the Gray Fleet06:28 Russia's Countermeasures11:33 Strategic Importance and Conclusion----------LINKS: https://www.ft.com/content/b2671301-d71f-4781-8d8d-86f7b350ff3c https://www.reuters.com/world/germany-launches-additional-measures-against-russias-shadow-fleet-2025-07-01/https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/key-points-about-russias-shadow-fleet-oil-tankers-2025-05-15/ https://apnews.com/article/5e74109e5b1d84dc73ac2592068d4689 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/18/eu-foreign-ministers-call-for-coordinated-action-on-russian-shadow-fleet-in-baltic-sea https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/20/russia-shadow-fleet-sanctions-baltic-sea/ ----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgkharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyslhttps://kharpp.com-----------

    760. Is the Russian Economy Collapsing? If so, Putin is Toast.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 60:06


    Welcome to our monthly conversation with Konstantin, who is one of the most respected voices on YouTube about what is happening Inside Russia. Konstantin Samoilov is a well-known YouTuber whose channel ‘Inside Russia' comments insightfully on Russia's decent into authoritarianism over the last few years. But now, like many others, he's outside Russia, with no idea of when he can return there. ----------DESCRIPTION:The Economic Collapse and Political Uncertainty in Russia: In-Depth Analysis with ConstantinJoin us as we welcome Constantin back to the channel for an in-depth discussion about the accelerating economic chaos in Russia. The conversation covers the surprising openness at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, contrasts between Putin's statements and his officials' harsh economic realities, and the broader geopolitical fallout affecting Russia's influence globally. We delve into the critical state of Russia's economy, soaring consumer credit defaults, and significant industries facing collapse. Additionally, we examine the potential political scenarios post-Putin, the possible reactions of Russian society, and the cues from historical precedents of regime changes. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the current and future state of Russia's economy and political landscape.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:30 Economic Chaos in Russia01:09 St. Petersburg Economic Forum Insights02:09 Contradictions in Putin's Regime04:06 Signs of Economic Collapse04:34 Impact on Various Industries10:13 Russia's Geopolitical Struggles20:10 Putin's Delusional Statements25:15 Potential Scenarios for Russia's Future28:57 Revelations from Secret Documents29:13 Putin's Long Reign and Public Perception29:47 Historical Context: Boris Yeltsin's Transformation32:45 Economic Realities and Criticisms35:33 The Blame Game and Putin's Isolation37:45 Speculations on Russia's Future Leadership41:31 The Precarious State of Putin's Inner Circle45:45 The Anticipated Shift in Power52:06 Concluding Thoughts and Future Predictions----------LINKS: @INSIDERUSSIA  https://www.patreon.com/insiderussiaINSIDE RUSSIA is a source of current news on Russia - Konstantin carefully selects 9 news stories that are important and really matter, with commentaries and analyses by Konstantin delivered daily to channel patrons at Patreon.comGet your access to daily news updates at patreon.com/INSIDERUSSIA----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

    How did Tucker Carlson Become a Mouthpiece of Kremlin Propaganda?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 16:15


    Edition No178 | 04-07-2025 - Earlier this year, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson conducted an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin—a move that drew swift condemnation, not just from pro-democracy advocates, but also from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "He works for Putin," Zelenskyy declared in a direct rebuke, calling Carlson's rhetoric nothing less than propaganda laundering for Moscow. He has a point. Carlson has become the most vociferous, unfiltered and effective megaphone for Russian disinformation in the Western world. But outside of the US he has little impact. But how toxic is his impact within the US? And might his views have helped to inform the decision to withdraw US military support to Ukraine? .----------DESCRIPTIONThe Role of Tucker Carlson in Spreading Kremlin Propaganda | Silicon BitesIn this episode of Silicon Bites, we're examining Tucker Carlson's role in propagating Russian disinformation. Through interviews with Vladimir Putin and framing controversial narratives, Carlson has become a significant voice for Kremlin-aligned messages in the West. This deep dive explores how his rhetoric may have influenced the US's recent withdrawal of military support to Ukraine and what this means for international relations. We also discuss the broader implications of such disinformation campaigns and their impact on the global stage, particularly in the context of the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.----------CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:51 Tucker Carlson's Controversial Interview with Putin02:08 Debunking Carlson's Claims on Ukraine03:21 Carlson's Interview with Ukrainian Oligarch06:37 Carlson's Propaganda and Influence11:34 Trump's Involvement and Secret Talks14:47 Conclusion: The Stakes for Ukraine----------LINKS: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/zelensky-tucker-carlson-putin-russia-b2692257.htmlhttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/tucker-carlson-putin-zelensky-b2711134.htmlhttps://unn.ua/en/news/tucker-carlson-again-spreads-a-refuted-fake-about-the-sale-of-ukrainian-weapons-to-mexican-cartelshttps://www.foxnews.com/video/6368078173112https://www.foxnews.com/world/zelenskyy-warns-peace-talks-without-ukraine-dangerous-after-trump-claims-meetings-russia-going-wellhttps://www.foxnews.com/world/trump-no-one-else-can-end-ukraine-russia-war-us-ally-sayshttps://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-plans-meet-zelenskyy-he-looks-end-ukraine-warhttps://nypost.com/2025/02/10/us-news/trump-says-ukraine-has-essentially-agreed-to-allow-the-us-access-to-500b-in-rare-earth-minerals/https://kyivindependent.com/he-works-for-putin-zelensky-slams-tucker-carlsons-pro-russian-commentary/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/business/media/fox-red-seat-ventures.htmlhttps://lansinginstitute.org/2025/05/29/orthodoxy-and-propaganda-analyzing-tucker-carlsons-interview-with-vadim-novinsky/----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    BREAKING NEWS: What Happened in the Trump Putin Phone Call?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 9:48


    Edition No177 | 03-07-2025 - Today we examine what is known so far about the back to back phone calls involving Trump and Putin, Putin and Macron, and the forthcoming call with Zelenskyy, and as well and the backdrop of topics happening in the last days and week. The halting of weapons shipments to Ukraine, and the restatement of Putin's maximalist war aims. Does the future of Ukraine hang by a thread, or did they foresee these complications and the abandonment of their cause by the Trump administration. I suspect that what's happening is not a huge surprise, or such a strategic shock.----------LINKS: [ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/edac806d-5ece-439f-91a8-9769db5828b6?utm_source=chatgpt.com)[theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jul/03/europe-heatwave-live-news-latest-updates-crete-wildfire?utm_source=chatgpt.com)[reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-halts-some-missile-shipments-ukraine-over-low-stockpiles-politico-reports-2025-07-01/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    759. Has Putin's War Machine Run out of Gas as the Russian Economy Stagnates?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 46:36


    GUEST: Anders Puck Nielsen - YouTuber and military analyst. Today I'm speaking with Anders Puck Nielsen, military analyst and influential YouTuber based in Denmark. He specialises in naval warfare and strategy; in today's video we are going to be talking about the Ukrainian withdrawal from Kursk, the state of NATO and repetition of Kremlin narratives coming from the White House and Trump's inner circle. ----------LINKS:https://www.youtube.com/@anderspuck https://twitter.com/anderspuckhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anderspucknielsen/https://apnielsen.info/en/frontpage/----------DESCRIPTION: NATO's Defense Strategy, US Munition Withdrawal, and Europe's Path Forward with Anders Puck NielsenIn this episode, military analyst and YouTuber Anders Puck Nielsen delves into pressing topics concerning global military strategy. The conversation opens with an analysis of NATO's 5% defense budget increase for member states and segues into the implications of the US halting munitions supplies to Ukraine. The episode covers the strategic fallout of these actions, the impact on European security, and the historical and geopolitical underpinnings of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Nielsen emphasizes the need for Europe to adopt a leadership role in defense strategies, touching upon the complexities of nuclear deterrence and the resilience required to counteract Russian aggression. Finally, the discussion reflects on the transformative resilience within Ukraine, underscoring the nation's strong civic society and innovative defense measures.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:07 NATO's Defense Increase and US Munitions Withdrawal01:47 Implications of US Policy on European Security04:34 European Defense Spending and Strategic Independence09:42 Nuclear Deterrence and European Security20:20 Putin's Perspective and Russian Economy34:27 Potential Escalation and European Leadership42:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    BREAKING NEWS: Has the US Turned its Back on Ukraine?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 12:36


    Edition No176 | 02-07-2025 - The arsenal of democracy is going dark, as the US withdraws promised military support for Ukraine, a young and vibrant democracy as risk of erasure by one of the world's most vicious empires, and a historically authoritarian society. Today we have seen a chilling shift in the geopolitical order: The United States has halted key weapons shipments to Ukraine. This is not new aid, but military aid that had already been promised and mandated by the Biden administration. Elbridge Colby, head of the Pentagon's policy department — is a long-time advocate of a narrow America First doctrine—has been installed in a top Pentagon policy role. Under is guidance, the U.S. has suspended sending some anti-aircraft missiles and ammunition to Ukraine due to concerns about depleting its own stockpiles. The decision was made by Colby after reviewing the Pentagon's ammunition reserves.----------DESCRIPTION:Betrayal of Ukraine: US Withdraws Military Support Amid Escalating CrisisIn this episode of Silicon Bytes, we delve into the troubling latest developments surrounding Ukraine. The United States has halted crucial military aid, including anti-aircraft missiles and ammunition, previously promised to Ukraine. This decision, led by Elbridge Colby of the Pentagon, is rooted in a controversial strategic shift focusing on China over Europe. Meanwhile, North Korea has begun to support Russia with troops and munitions, escalating the conflict. This episode explores the implications of these actions on the geopolitical order, the future of Western alliances, and the moral and strategic failures of current US policy towards Ukraine.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Channel Support00:50 US Withdraws Military Support for Ukraine01:22 Elbridge Colby's Influence on US Policy01:56 North Korean Involvement in the Ukraine Conflict02:18 Global Reactions and Strategic Implications02:42 The Halt of US Military Aid03:56 Strategic Realignment and Its Consequences06:53 North Korea's Alliance with Russia08:36 The Emerging Axis of Authoritarian Powers10:36 Conclusion: A Call to Action----------LINKS: https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-says-it-was-not-officially-notified-of-a-halt-in-us-weapons-shipments/ https://kyivindependent.com/nato-chief-urges-continued-us-support-for-ukraine-as-pentagon-halts-arms-shipments/ https://kyivindependent.com/us-halts-promised-air-defense-shipments-to-ukraine-politico-reports/ https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/02/europe/north-korea-troops-russia-ukraine-intl-cmd https://kyivindependent.com/kim-jong-un-meets-russian-culture-minister-amid-deepening-north-korea-russia-ties/ https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4010457-russia-hands-dprk-air-defense-systems-drone-tech-ukraines-defense-intel-chief.html https://www.lbc.co.uk/world-news/north-korea-troops-putin-ukraine-offensive/ https://www.npr.org/2025/06/16/g-s1-71531/north-korea-soldiers-russia-ukraine-war-drones https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14804157/AUKUS-review-Elbridge-Colby-submarines.html https://www.ft.com/content/53f646e7-b4e7-4bf4-8d5d-7142b4460080 https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/01/pentagon-munitions-ukraine-halt-00436048?nid=0000014f-1646-d88f-a1cf-5f46b7bd0000&nname=playbook&nrid=00000159-cc8a-dde5-a35b-eccf12480001 https://unn.ua/en/news/pentagon-suspends-supply-of-some-air-defense-missiles-and-precision-weapons-to-ukraine https://kyivindependent.com/pentagon-may-downgrade-ukraine-focused-office-amid-policy-restructure-media-reports/ https://responsiblestatecraft.org/elbridge-colby-pentagon-trump/ https://breakingdefense.com/2025/03/nominee-for-top-dod-policy-job-sidesteps-questions-on-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/ ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    575. What Surprising Tech Is Helping Ukraine Right Now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 55:47


    758. US Aligns with Russia to Enable the Erasure of Ukraine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 95:21


    Livestream with Jonathan MS Pearce - Covering US alignment with Russia to force Ukraine to capitulate or to enable the erasure of Ukraine by Russia. ----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyslhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/-----------

    754. Is Trump Really a Russian Asset? Glenn Carle

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 84:32


    Glenn Carle is an American writer and former intelligence officer. He is the author of The Interrogator: An Education (2011), which describes his involvement in the interrogation of a man at the time believed to be one of the top members of al-Qa'ida. Johns Hopkins Magazine has found The Interrogator to be "unusually candid in its portrayal of the CIA's internal workings—and the toll the agency's moral grey zones take on its operatives".Glenn spent 20 years in clandestine field operations with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Carle retired as Deputy National Intelligence Officer for Transnational Threats from the National Intelligence Council. Carle has been critical of President Donald Trump, particularly after Trump began to disparage American intelligence agencies' assessment of Russian influence over the 2016 presidential election. He told Newsweek, in an article dated December 21, 2017, that he believed that President Donald Trump was "actually working directly for the Russians."Among other roles, Glenn is a Columnist for Newsweek Japan, providing commentary and analysis of international relations, Geo-strategic, and US political issues, and foreign policy and intelligence issues.----------DESCRIPTION:The Shadow Wars: Glenn Carl on Russian Influence, U.S. Intelligence, and Global AuthoritarianismIn this episode, former CIA officer and author Glenn Carl discusses his career in intelligence, focusing on themes such as the internal workings of the CIA, the impact of moral gray zones on operatives, and the nuances of Russian active measures. Carl critiques President Trump's stance on U.S. intelligence agencies and comments on Russian tampering in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The conversation delves into the strategic shift from focusing on Russia to China, Putin's KGB background, and how Russian tactics destabilize Western democracies. The episode also explores the erosion of U.S. democratic norms through internal and external influences, the complexity of intelligence operations, and the enduring legacy of Carl Schmitt's authoritarian ideas in contemporary U.S. politics.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Glenn Carl00:36 Glenn Carl's Career and Criticism of Trump01:24 Thanking the Supporters01:54 Discussing Russia and the Cold War04:40 Shift in US Strategic Focus06:00 The Role of Russian Intelligence06:49 Putin's Influence and Russian Nationalism18:09 The Struggle in Ukraine24:05 Putin's Background and Russian State Dynamics41:25 The Influence of Vladislav Surkov44:54 Russian Strategy to Undermine the US46:53 Recommended Reading on Russian Influence48:09 Authoritarian Toolkits and Their Impact49:02 US Vulnerabilities and Russian Exploitation49:48 Russian Influence in Europe01:00:24 Traditionalism vs. Modernism01:08:21 Trump's Motivations and Russian Influence01:12:10 Historical Intelligence Operations01:20:01 The Current State of US Democracy01:24:07 Conclusion andhttps://glenncarle.com/ Final Thoughts----------LINKS:https://glenncarle.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Carlehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-carle-2031706/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0134b2dhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Interrogator-An-Education/dp/B005UVQIAU----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    BREAKING NEWS: Has Vladimir Putin Finally Lost the Plot?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 84:32


    Edition No175 | 01-07-2025 - This is an episode based on Putin's recent speech -perhaps the most perverse and rambling one he has ever made. After listening to it, we must ask – has Vladimir Putin lost the plot? Following the EAEU summit in Minsk, Vladimir Putin answered questions from Russian journalists on June 27, 2025. This was perhaps the least consequential set of ramblings he's made to date, yet the speech is of great consequence. Because it seems that his brain is now totally dominated by a mixture of resentment, lies and delusions. As Vlad Vexler has insight-fully pointed out in a recent video, Putin seemed not to be addressing the world in his responses, nor an internal audience, nor the so-called Russian elite. Rather, this sounded like an internal monologue, unfiltered and unvarnished. It was also deeply unhinged. ----------"They'll Die Themselves Soon” Putin said of Europe. Is this because he is trying hard to bring this about, or he fervently believes it will happen? A kind of ‘inevitable' historical mythology, something like Marxism? Putin's speech was part war cry, part peace overture, and entirely delusional. Putin once again took to the stage — not to chart a path to peace, but to perform a geopolitical pantomime: a speech to no one in particular, the world, his own people? It contained within it two rhetorical tricks. Yes, Putin is more than a one trick donkey. The first, menace, the other, misdirection.----------DESCRIPTIONPutin's Delusional Speech and Global Reactions: Analysis and ImplicationsIn this episode, we delve into Vladimir Putin's recent speech at the EAEU summit in Minsk on June 27th, 2025. The speech, marked by delusional claims and unfiltered rhetoric, raises questions about Putin's state of mind and strategic intentions. We analyze his assertions about Russia's position in the Ukraine war, his dismissive remarks about the West, and his unexpected admiration for Donald Trump. The episode also covers the global reactions, including responses from European leaders and NATO, who see through Putin's manipulative strategies. Key themes such as Putin's distorted portrayal of Russia as a victim, his misleading economic claims, and his call for peace under Russian terms are critically examined. This episode underscores the urgent need for unity and decisive action in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.----------CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Support Acknowledgment00:36 Putin's Delusional Speech Overview02:01 Key Points from Putin's Speech03:48 Putin's Manipulative Tactics06:16 International Reactions to Putin's Speech07:37 Economic and Military Realities09:52 Putin's Continued Aggression and Delusions11:33 Summary and Analysis of Putin's Speech22:02 Final Thoughts and Implications----------LINKS: http://www.en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/77316 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-says-russia-plans-cut-military-spending-next-year-2025-06-27/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/06/28/7519200/https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/06/27/west-keeps-trying-to-bury-russia-but-they-will-die-themselves-soon-says-putin-in-new-speech/----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

    Why Are Russia's Wildfires Getting Worse?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 6:58


    Edition No174 | 30-06-2025 - Today we go into a catastrophe unfolding right now, and in fact for a few months, that is largely unnoticed —far from cameras, beyond headlines, in the Siberian wilderness. “Let it burn” has become Russia's unofficial policy towards vast wildfires that started early this year, from February onwards, in Siberia. Putin has focused the country's resources on stealing territory from its neighbour Ukraine, and setting its cities on fire, rather than tackle the flames in its own backyard. The resulting destruction and pollution are a threat on a planetary scale. Russia is truly the arsonist of countries. Massive wildfires are tearing across Russia's Far East, igniting forests, choking cities, and once again exposing the brittle infrastructure of a government prioritizing war over life. And yes, we've seen this before. Last year, and the year before. But this year is different, because of the scale, and because of the amount of people and resources diverted into the war.----------DESCRIPTIONRussia's Burning Lands: Unseen Environmental CatastropheIn this episode of Silicon Bites, we delve into Russia's uncontrollable wildfires raging across Siberia. These fires, which began in February, are causing massive destruction and pollution due to the Russian government's negligence, as military spending takes precedence. With over 1.4 million hectares burned, entire regions are under toxic haze, exposing the brittle infrastructure and mismanagement of fire control efforts. The situation exacerbates global climate challenges, turning carbon sinks into sources. As the crisis worsens, the episode highlights the urgent need to address Russia's internal issues and the broader environmental impact.----------CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Overview00:17 Support for Ukraine and Fundraising Efforts00:48 The Unfolding Catastrophe in Siberia01:53 The Scale and Impact of the Wildfires03:35 Government Response and Budget Issues04:31 The Human and Environmental Toll05:45 Global Implications and Future Outlook06:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------LINKS: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/13/in-photos-wildfires-tear-across-russias-far-east-a89061https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/04/11/major-fires-in-siberia-far-east-mark-ominous-start-to-russias-2025-wildfire-season-a88683 https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/14/europe/russia-wildfires-rage-siberia-region-intl-latam https://kyivindependent.com/massive-forest-fires-break-out-in-russias-far-east-buryatia-declares-regional-emergency/ https://theins.ru/en/society/279838 https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2054586/russia-state-emergency-buryatia-wildfires ----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    756. Putin's Time is Up, But Why Haven't We Stopped Russia Yet?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 33:58


    Analyzing Putin's Miscalculations and the Western Response – A Discussion with Lt. Gen. (retired) Ben HodgesIn this episode, former Lieutenant General Ben Hodges joins the host to discuss Vladimir Putin's belief in the inevitability of Russia's triumph over Europe and the flaws in that thinking. They dive deep into the current state of the Russian military, its geopolitical strategies, and the significance of the West's response. Hodges outlines the importance of economic measures and political will to help Ukraine defend itself. The discussion also covers the influence of Trump's policies, the misjudgment of Russia's mass by historical tyrants, and potential strategic moves by Ukraine. The talk wraps up with insights into the weakening of U.S. military institutions and the need for retired military leadership to speak out.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Current State of Western Resolve00:27 Putin's Misconceptions and European Defense01:06 Guest Introduction: Lt. General Ben Hodges02:13 Strategic Implications of Putin's Beliefs05:21 Economic and Military Strategies Against Russia10:10 Ukraine's Resilience and Future Strategies16:02 The Role of Western Support and Sanctions19:14 Potential Outcomes and Historical Comparisons22:51 Putin's Escalation Tactics and Western Response26:25 Challenges in Western Unity and Action30:46 Concerns About US Military and Political Integrity33:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------Putin in a recent rambling speech seems surprised the West has not collapsed yet. According to his mythologised version of history, the West is decadent and ripe for implosion, it is an inevitability in his mind. So why is Europe raising defence spending to 5% of GDP and why are Russian armies failing to deliver victories in Ukraine. His finances are catastrophic, his resources are stretched, his military capability weakening, and his regime getting more brittle. But he clings to the inevitability of triumph. ----------Ben Hodges is a retired United States Army officer, who became commander of United States Army Europe in November 2014, and held that position for three years until retiring from the United States Army in January 2018. Until recently he was the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies, at the Center for European Policy Analysis, specializing in NATO, Transatlantic relationship and international security. ----------LINKS:https://twitter.com/general_benhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Hodges https://cepa.org/author/ben-hodges/ https://warsawsecurityforum.org/speaker/hodges-ben-lt-gen/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hodges-1674b1172/ ----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    747. How Does it Feel to be Under fire in Odesa?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 38:44


    First-Hand Insight into Ukraine War: Interview with Stephen HumphreysIn this episode, Stephen Humphreys, a US attorney who has spent significant time in Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion, shares his experiences and observations. He discusses the escalating situation, the impact of Russian attacks on cities like Odesa and Kyiv, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Humphreys also highlights his efforts in communicating these realities to an American audience and his ongoing work on legal actions related to war crimes. Additionally, the episode explores the challenges faced by local Ukrainian media professionals and the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict.----------Birmingham attorney Stephen Humphreys has spent considerable periods of time during the full-scale war in Ukraine mainly working on war crimes investigations, volunteering to help train Ukrainian armed forces, and teaching law and history at the Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Meeting Stephen Humphreys00:32 Crowdfunding for Ukrainian Aid01:03 Stephen's Experience in Ukraine02:09 Escalation of Russian Attacks04:03 American Volunteers and Media Coverage05:17 Disinformation and Political Narratives09:10 Communicating the Ukrainian Crisis16:08 Legal Actions and Media Accountability30:57 War Crimes and Future Plans33:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS:https://www.al.com/news/2023/07/guest-opinion-in-ukraine-to-help-alabama-man-finds-hope-for-home.html----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    Why Did Russia's Big Attack Fail So Fast?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 10:31


    Edition No173 | 29-06-2025 - Today we're focusing on Ukraine's northeastern front, where the Kremlin's started this summer's offensive, which is already burning out in the fields and woods of Sumy. ‘50,000 Russian troops pinned down' it's claimed — as Ukraine halts the enemy's advance in Sumy Oblast, as Russia's summer campaign gets underway. "Based on the results of May and June, we can say that this year's wave of the enemy's summer offensive from Russian territory is faltering," Syrskyi said, reporting that Russian troops in the northeastern border region had been stopped.----------After weeks of more intense Russian operations, Ukraine's military says it has stalled Moscow's advance in Sumy Oblast. According to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, "the enemy's offensive actions have been halted," with Russian forces “trying to gain a foothold on the lines they have reached,” but finding themselves checked by coordinated Ukrainian resistance. This is a serious failure, and a moment of reckoning for Putin's senseless invasion of Ukraine. The money is running out to fund his war machine, and if that same rabble army fails to make significant gains on the ground, then to all intents and purposes, it's over for Putin. This is a moment to savour, but we must not make light of it. Because this victory is hard won by Ukraine and comes at the price of viscous fighting and terrible loss and trauma.----------DESCRIPTIONUkraine Halts Russian Offensive in Sumy: A Detailed AnalysisIn this episode of 'Silicon Bites,' we delve into the failure of Russia's latest offensive in Sumy Oblast, part of their broader summer campaign. Despite mounting pressure, Ukrainian forces have successfully halted and even begun reversing Russian advances. We discuss key moments, including significant battles near Velyka Pysarivka and Ukrainian counterstrikes that have strategically weakened Russian forces. The episode highlights the resilience and strategic prowess of the Ukrainian military, the importance of drone technology, and the broader implications for the ongoing conflict. Tune in for an in-depth look at the situation on Ukraine's Northeastern Front and what it means for both Ukraine and Russia moving forward.----------CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Support Acknowledgment00:38 Ukraine's Northeastern Front: The Stalled Russian Offensive02:36 Key Battles and Strategic Wins for Ukraine04:15 Russian Tactical Failures and Ukrainian Counteroffensive05:18 The Role of Drones and Technological Edge07:31 Ukrainian Resilience and Strategic Maneuvers09:59 Conclusion: Ukraine's National Ethos and Future Outlook----------LINKS: https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-halts-russian-advance-in-sumy-syrskyi-says-summer-offensive-faltering-06-2025/ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-sumy-russia-commander-advance-b2777545.html https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/06/27/ukraine-sumy-ambush-commander-killed-hq-seized/ https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/06/26/ukraine-s-top-commander-says-russian-offensive-in-sumy-region-has-stalled https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4008469-ukrainian-paratroopers-capture-15-russian-soldiers-in-sumy-region.html----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    752. Putin's War is Burning Up the Russian Economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 26:58


    Ukraine Matters: Analyzing NATO Summit & Defense Strategies with Georgijs Ivanovs Georgijs, the founder of the Ukraine Matters channel, discusses the latest developments in NATO's support for Ukraine, defense spending, and Ukraine's innovative wartime strategies. Topics include the impact of European funding, the production of military supplies within Ukraine, and the evolving dynamics of drone and missile warfare. The conversation also addresses the potential for Russian economic collapse, the inefficiencies within Russian military tactics, and the broader geopolitical implications of the ongoing war. Georgijs emphasizes the importance of supporting Ukrainian production and the strategic use of resources to counter Russian advancements. Additionally, the discussion touches on the role of AI in modern warfare and the significance of adapting to rapidly changing battlefield technologies.----------Georgijs Ivanovs started the Ukraine Matters channel in 2007, and it has garners 11.5 m views. He started the channel to explain the situation surrounding the war in Ukraine in simple terms. Like myself, he is not Ukrainian, nor is he a military expert. But he has been to Ukraine many times and seen it almost fully (except for Odesa region). He has a lot of good friends in Ukraine, and in fact his wife is Ukrainian, and so feels extremely connected to the invasion that scaled up in February 2022. ----------LINKS: @UkraineMatters  ----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Ukraine Matters01:32 NATO Summit Highlights03:04 European Support and Danish Model 2.007:39 Drone Warfare and Innovations10:33 Ukraine's Missile Capabilities16:15 Economic and Military Outlook21:53 Potential Endgame Scenarios26:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    Ukraine Strikes Airbase Deep Inside Russia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 5:46


    Edition No172 | 28-06-2025 - In the early hours of June 27, Ukraine struck deep inside Russian territory — again. According to Ukrainian defence officials and corroborated by open-source intelligence, long-range drones hit four Russian Su-34 tactical bombers parked at the Marinovka air base in Russia's Volgograd region. Ukraine once again shows its capability to pull of daring and ambitious raids, deep inside Russian territory. Dramatic, and embarrassing for the Russians.The Marinovka air base airbase in central Russia's Volgograd Region is some 900 km (550 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Hitting it is an extraordinary achievement. These aren't symbolic strikes. The Su-34s have been the backbone of Moscow's aerial bombardment campaign — launching deadly glide bombs into Ukrainian towns and front-line positions. Destroying them isn't just a tactical win — it's strategic payback. It's destroying the assets which are vital to Moscow's terror campaign against Ukrainian cities and civilians.----------LINKS: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraine-says-it-hits-four-warplanes-russias-volgograd-region-2025-06-27/ https://meduza.io/en/news/2025/06/27/ukraine-launches-new-long-range-drone-strikes-at-russian-military-airfield-targeting-tactical-warplanes https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4009145-ukraine-hits-four-russian-su34-warplanes-at-marinovka-airbase.html https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/06/27/7519134/ ----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyslhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/-----------

    755. Putin is Playing President Trump Like a Fiddle

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 30:15


    Donald Bacon is an American politician and retired military officer who has served as the U.S. representative for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district since 2017. During his 29 years in the United States Air Force, he commanded wings at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Offutt Air Force Base south of Omaha, Nebraska, before retiring as a brigadier general in 2014. Bacon has been described as a maverick for his opposition to the isolationist and protectionist policies proposed by Donald Trump, who has derided him as a "rebel." Bacon is one of the strongest pro-Ukraine voices in US politics, with a clear and moral stance on the war. In April 2022, the Russian Federation sanctioned and banned Bacon in retaliation for U.S. participation in sanctions against pro-war members of the Russian Duma. In 2023, Bacon signed a letter advocating for President Joe Biden to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.Following the highly contentious White House meeting between President Trump and Volodymir Zelenskyy in February 2025, Bacon described the summit as "a bad day for America's foreign policy." In an interview with CNN, he described Trump's stance on Russia as "too conciliatory" and amounting to "walking away" from America's legacy as the leader of the free world. Bacon did not join congressional Republicans who sided with the Trump campaign's attempts to overturn the 2020 US presidential election. He voted to certify both Arizona's and Pennsylvania's votes in the 2021 Electoral College vote count. Bacon was one of 35 Republicans who joined Democrats in voting to approve legislation to establish the January 6 commission to investigate the Capitol attack.----------Links: https://x.com/repdonbacon?lang=en https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Baconhttps://bacon.house.gov/https://www.congress.gov/member/don-bacon/B001298https://www.facebook.com/RepDonBacon/https://www.instagram.com/repdonbacon/ ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    Is Russia's Economy Finally Breaking Down?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 14:54


    Edition No170 | 27-06-2025 - Today we're diving deep into growing trouble inside Russia's war economy. Kremlin officials still speak of resilience and momentum. The war machine continues to crank out lethal munitions to add to the pile of trauma and scrap metal in Ukraine. But scratch the surface, and the cracks are hard to ignore. Let's dive in.Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it's become the most sanctioned nation on Earth. Yet, against all odds, its economy has shown a defiant resilience, based on certain metrics. According to official Russian figures, growth in 2024 outpaced all G7 nations. The economy expanded 4.3%, compared with just 1.1% in the UK and 2.8% in the US. But firstly. Official Russian bank figures have become increasingly questionable through the course of the war, and that growth is driven almost entirely by record-breaking military spending. There is the potential that this spending has also built up a huge off-books financial risk, or debt bubble. Just as the war is not politically or militarily rational, in a classical Western analysis, it turns out to neither be economically rational. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the state of the economy has been secondary to the goal of winning the war against Ukraine. That is the Kremlin's overarching priority.----------LINKS: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/19/russia-ramps-up-borrowing-as-oil-revenues-falter-and-war-spending-soars-a89502 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/19/russias-economy-minister-warns-of-looming-recession-a89510 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/20/sberbank-ceo-warns-high-rates-and-strong-ruble-creating-perfect-storm-for-russian-economy-a89516 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/19/foreign-investment-in-russia-falls-to-lowest-level-since-2001-un-report-says-a89512 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdr30jx6x0vo https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpqnj17vryjo https://kyivindependent.com/as-russian-losses-in-ukraine-hit-1-million-putin-faces-an-economic-time-bomb/----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyslhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/-----------

    How Did NATO Become the Trump Show?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 15:36


    Edition No169 | 26-06-2025 - Appeasing Trump seems to have been the tone and substance of the NATO Summit that has just ended. Maybe it's worked. Maybe the perceived victory is illusory and temporary. America's traditional allies pledged to spend a lot more on defence, but the details are sketchy to put it mildly. At least, the Western democracies may conclude, that a Trump toddler meltdown, like that which took place in the Oval Office was averted.“Donald, you have driven us to a really, really important moment for America and Europe and the world,” wrote Mark Rutte, in a statement that managed to be both obsequious and condescending at the same time. “Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win.” A day later Mr Rutte went further, referring to the president as “Daddy”, in a moment of pure cringe. Was Mr Rutte's strategy was degrading or inspired, no one could decide. But it is an indication of how far Trump has dragged the tone down to his level. Rutte, Nato secretary-general, praised the US president for his galvanising effect. “Dear Donald, you made this change possible,” referring to the increase in defence spending to 5% of GDP.NATO's Potemkin Summit: Words Over Actions?In this episode of Silicon Bites, we delve into the recent NATO Potemkin Summit, dominated by attempts to appease Donald Trump. Despite soaring promises and new defense spending targets, the tangible actions and details remain vague. The summit reveals the increasing pressure European allies feel to cater to Trump, often at the expense of addressing critical issues like Russia's ongoing aggression toward Ukraine and other NATO members. Key moments include discussions about defense spending, with some nations resisting the 5% GDP target, and Trump's ambiguous commitment to NATO's Article 5. The episode underscores the complexities and contradictions in transatlantic relations under Trump's influence.----------CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Introduction and Channel Support00:00:30 NATO Summit Overview00:00:32 Trump's Influence and Reactions00:01:48 Defense Spending Commitments00:02:26 Russia's Threat and NATO's Response00:02:56 Spain's Resistance and Internal Issues00:04:21 Concerns Over NATO's Preparedness00:07:23 Trump's Ambiguous Stance on Article Five00:09:20 European Allies' Perspective00:12:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------LINKS: https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/06/25/at-a-tricky-nato-summit-a-trumpian-meltdown-is-avertedhttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/25/the-guardian-view-on-the-nato-summit-europe-must-take-the-path-of-strategic-self-reliancehttps://news.sky.com/story/there-were-toe-curling-displays-of-affection-towards-daddy-trump-at-the-nato-summit-but-like-it-or-not-it-worked-13388735https://theconversation.com/how-nato-summit-shows-europe-and-us-no-longer-have-a-common-enemy-259842https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/25/nato-summit-trump-ukraine-war-zelensky-starmer/----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

    753. Why we Need a New Iron Curtain Across Europe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 46:31


    In-Depth Analysis of Western Policy Towards Ukraine and Russia | John ForemanJohn Foreman, former UK defense attache to the Russian Federation and now an independent consultant specializing in Russia, Ukraine, and international security, joins the channel to discuss Western policies towards the Ukraine crisis and the broader implications for international security. The episode delves into the strategic goals and limitations of both the US and European approaches, the role of NATO, and the importance of military innovation and industrial collaboration. The conversation also explores the impact of Trump's and Biden's policies on the conflict, the necessity of increased European defense spending, and the challenges and potential strategies for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. Thank you to all our supporters for making these discussions possible. Stay tuned for upcoming events in Lviv, Kyiv, and Odesa.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to John Foreman and His Expertise00:50 Acknowledging Support and Upcoming Events01:55 Current Western Policy on Ukraine03:53 Trump vs. Biden: Differences in Approach06:59 Challenges in American and European Policies11:51 NATO's Role and European Defense18:32 UK Defense Review and Strategic Shifts38:21 Concluding Thoughts on Defense and Innovation----------As the UK Defence Attache to the Russian Federation from 2019 to 2022, John Foreman advised senior UK officials and ministers on Russian military and security affairs and represented the UK Chief of Defence Staff to the Russian General Staff. He had a front-row seat for the tense meetings and negotiations that immediately preceded Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. John Foreman is an independent consultant specialising in Russia, Ukraine, and international security, with over 20 years of diplomatic, operational, and corporate experience in the defence and security sector. He facilitated the largest UK ministerial/defence visit to Moscow since 1944, negotiated a bilateral treaty to reduce operational risk, and informed UK Russia policy and strategy. Currently, he is a visiting lecturer to King's College London, a mentor to future UK defence attaches and advisors. ----------LINKS: https://twitter.com/exexpat19https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-foreman/https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/john-foreman/https://www.ambassadorllp.com/who-we-are/john-foreman----------ARTICLES:https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2023/03/05/britains-most-recent-defence-attache-in-moscow-on-the-failings-of-valery-gerasimov----------LINKS: https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/06/24/could-trump-get-a-nobel-peace-prize-heres-what-we-know-as-allies-champion-israel-iran-efforts/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/trump-nobel-peace-prize-withdrawal-ukraine-ceasfire-b2776295.htmlhttps://www.news.com.au/world/middle-east/blood-on-his-hands-pakistan-turn-on-donald-trump-over-nobel-peace-prize-furore/news-story/d5ce83dddb5c45c732e766f733903fbd----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    This is Why Trump May Never Get A Nobel Peace Prize

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 10:37


    Edition No168 | 25-06-2025 - Nobel no more? It's no secret that Trump has hankered after a Noble prize for many years, because he truly appreciates what it stands for, or because this is an exclusive bauble that few people in history have attained. The ultimate in bragging rights – something gold and rare. There is some intended irony in putting this episode out just after my interview with an actual recipient of the Nobel peace prize, a worthy winner, together with the amazing organisation she leads, The Centre for Civil Liberties. The contrast between Oleksandra Matviichuk and Oleksandra Romantsova with Trump could not be starker. These ladies are serious, passionate about justice and rule of law. Highly empathetic and driven to achieve fairness in the world. There are no materials concerns behind their motivations, and an absolute lack of any ego. Compare and contrast to the bling king – the monarch of New York real estate, who bombed Iran intensely, and turned around and declared peace two days later and expects a peace prize for that. All amidst his implied threats to resume strikes if Iran does not comply. I'm not sure, but the traditional image of a peacemaker is a little different from this – from someone who enforces peace down the barrel of a gun. A peacemaker that uses bullying to get his way, along with overt threats of violence. It's an original approach; I'll give him that.----------LINKS: https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/06/24/could-trump-get-a-nobel-peace-prize-heres-what-we-know-as-allies-champion-israel-iran-efforts/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/trump-nobel-peace-prize-withdrawal-ukraine-ceasfire-b2776295.htmlhttps://www.news.com.au/world/middle-east/blood-on-his-hands-pakistan-turn-on-donald-trump-over-nobel-peace-prize-furore/news-story/d5ce83dddb5c45c732e766f733903fbd----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyslhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/-----------

    751. Ukrainians Can't be Stereotyped as Victims - Oleksandra Matviichuk (Nobel Laureate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 54:43


    Oleksandra Matviichuk: The Fight for Ukrainian Freedom and Human DignityOleksandra Matviichuk is a prominent Ukrainian human rights lawyer and leader of the Center for Civil Liberties, shares her inspirational journey and relentless dedication to democratic reforms and human rights amid Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. She delves into the historical and personal motivations behind her work, the powerful example set by Soviet dissidents, and Ukraine's fight for freedom and justice. Oleksandra reflects on the significant impact of the Nobel Peace Prize, the dynamics of the Revolution of Dignity, and the importance of international attention and support. She also discusses the ethical collapse in global geopolitics, the importance of persevering democratic values, and the ongoing battle against Russia's authoritarian regime. Oleksandra Matviichuk's conversation provides deep insights into the human cost of war, the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit, and the universal struggle for dignity and justice.----------Oleksandra Matviichuk is a Ukrainian human rights lawyer and civil society leader based in Kyiv and is a campaigner for democratic reforms in Ukraine and the OSCE region. She heads the non-profit organization Centre for Civil Liberties, which was recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022). In 2012 Matviichuk became a member of the Advisory Council under the Commissioner for Human Rights of Ukraine's parliament (the Verkhovna Rada). After the violent crackdown of peaceful demonstrations on Independence Square in Kyiv in 2013, she coordinated the Euromaidan civic initiative to provide legal assistance and protection to protesters in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Between the Revolution of Dignity and 2022, she focused on documenting war crimes in Donbas, which to an extent helped prepare her and the team at the Centre for Civil Liberties for the heinous war crimes committed by Russia during the full-scale invasion, which continue to this day. ----------CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Introduction to Oleksandra Matviichuk and Her Work00:01:29 Founding the Center for Civil Liberties00:03:13 The Impact of the Revolution of Dignity00:05:00 The Nobel Peace Prize and Its Implications00:06:29 Ukraine's Resilience Against Russian Aggression00:07:48 The Role of Ordinary People in the War00:13:20 The Importance of Justice and Accountability00:16:14 The Global Implications of Russia's Actions00:22:16 The Collapse of International Order and Ethics00:30:03 The Cultural and Historical Context of the Conflict00:35:37 The Human Dimension of the War00:39:20 The Fight for Universal Values and Freedom00:54:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------LINKS: https://ccl.org.ua/en/about-the-ccl/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleksandra_Matviichuk https://x.com/avalaina?lang=en https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/oleksandra-matviichuk/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleksandra_Matviichuk https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_Civil_Liberties_(human_rights_organization) https://www.nobelprize.org/events/nobel-prize-dialogue/brussels2024/panellists/oleksandra-matviichuk/ ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

    BREAKING NEWS: Russia's Losses in Ukraine are Staggering.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 20:28


    Edition No167 | 24-06-2025 - Russia has sustained staggering troop losses in Ukraine. Can the regime admit to itself, let alone its people that this has been a tremendous waste for a senseless purpose, and in exchange for trivial gains? Has Russia inadvertently just admitted to the scale of its losses? The staggering troop losses incurred by Moscow's armed forced during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine may just have been blurted out by a senior Russian official on June 19. Mostly likely by accident. He now needs to beware of windows in tall buildings, and a growing list of other hazards that Russia officials, businessmen and military officers are falling prey to. But the war goes on, and Russia's demands remain maximalist. They continue to demand Ukraine withdraws from the four partially occupied regions — Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, and now are making incursions into a new oblast – Sumy. According to figures from Kyiv, Russia has suffered more than 1 million dead, wounded, and missing soldiers since the start of its full-scale invasion, and burned through a large chunk of the Soviet era military equipment that was bequeathed to Russia upon the dissolution of the USSR. And then fell into the hands of pathological kleptocrat, Vladimir Putin.In return for their losses, Russia has received just a few hundred square kilometres of blasted and wrecked earth and the piles of rubble that were formerly towns and villages on those territories. In an interview with CNN, Russian Ambassador to the U.K. Andrey Kelin dismissed the 1m figure of killed and wounded but did confirm that "about 600,000" Russian soldiers were fighting in Ukraine, a number which tallies with some Ukrainian estimates.----------LINKS: https://kyivindependent.com/russia-just-accidentally-admitted-to-its-staggering-troop-losses-in-ukraine/https://kyivindependent.com/by-dumping-bodies-during-exchanges-russia-afraid-to-admit-scale-of-casualties-zelensky-says/https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/jun/22/one-million-and-counting-russian-casualties-hit-milestone-in-ukraine-war?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-gb----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------CHAPTERS:00:00 — Introduction and thanks to supporters.00:24 — Channel support helps ongoing Ukraine coverage.02:32 — Recruitment rates and implications for Russian losses.05:05 — Russian economy at risk; government spending out of control.08:13 — Official casualty numbers; independent verification by Mediazona and BBC.10:40 — Funeral industry profits; bureaucracy's role in reporting.14:18 — Workforce impact; pandemic deaths; falling life expectancy.16:40 — Example of a bereaved parent urging escalation.18:00 — Massive government compensation for families; online support groups.19:45 — Recent recruitment figures; wasteful tactics.19:58 — War continues until public or families refuse to participate.20:19 — Closing remarks; senseless death continues at Kremlin's behest.----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    BREAKING NEWS: The Horrific Truth About Russia's Rabble Army

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 8:55


    Edition No166 | 23-06-2025 - This is a horrific story, which stands out eve amongst the slew of horrific stories we churn through each day. Apparently, a Russia soldier, now killed, has been accused of eating a comrade. It is emblematic of the brutality of Russia's war, but perhaps also symbolic of how the country is both destroying its neighbour, and consuming itself, through rage, aggression, greed and hate-fuelled envy. Leaked audio from Ukraine's HUR claims that a Russian soldier consumed one of his fellow infantrymen. We can't use the c~ word, as it's taboo in this platform's algorithm and may cause the video to be blocked. A Russian soldier deployed in Ukraine may have been involved in fratricidal culinary crime, audio intercepted by Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) and released on June 20 suggests. In the recording a Russian commander is heard telling a subordinate that ‘Brelok' eliminated and consumed ‘Foma'. This grotesque act took place over two weeks it is alleged.----------Links: https://tvpworld.com/87394331/he-ate-his-comrade-intercepted-call-reveals-shocking-cannibalism-among-russian-troopshttps://militarnyi.com/en/news/za-nashikh-a-murderer-of-two-women-and-a-cannibal-serve-in-the-russian-army/https://www.kyivpost.com/post/54861https://metro.co.uk/2025/06/21/one-putins-cannibal-soldiers-killed-comrade-eat-two-weeks-23470693/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4006257-intelligence-intercept-exposes-cannibalism-cases-in-russian-army.htmlhttps://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/chilling-explanation-freeing-cannibal-killer-35213313https://kyivindependent.com/leaked-audio-suggests-cannibalism-among-russian-troops-ukrainian-intel-claims/ ----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Support Acknowledgment00:26 A Horrific Story Unfolds01:14 Details of the Atrocity02:46 Implications and Reactions03:02 Recruitment from Prisons04:27 Systemic Abuse in the Russian Army05:44 Notorious Criminals in the Ranks06:43 Russian World Values07:47 Intercepted Calls and Psychological Stress08:32 Conclusion and Reflection----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyslhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/-----------

    750. What Is Really Happening In Ukraine Right Now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 40:48


    Anna Danylchuk has been creating a war diary since the early days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022. Anna Danylchuk aims to tell the truth about Ukraine and Russia's war and cut through the noise and propaganda. Anna is passionate about the beauty and independence of her country, and communicates this powerfully in her videos, in a clear and honest way.----------LINKS: @AnnafromUkraine https://www.buymeacoffee.com/annafromukraineMy interview with Anna in Lviv - hosted on her excellent channel- https://youtu.be/daHcnsNQ1S0?si=yHbZ2kJZ3CTVRd8Z----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISER - A project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------OTHER VIDEOS WITH ANNA ON SILICON CURTAIN:18. https://youtu.be/WirkjeSdS18 (27-May-25)17. https://youtu.be/wBD-VMNmWmM (01-May-25)16. https://youtu.be/z9nHjNDzb84 (07-Feb-25)15. https://youtu.be/o_gWfR5XPrE (20-Dec-24)14. https://youtu.be/EZRULDT06_k (13-Nov-24)13. https://youtu.be/GU4R5mcubIE (19-Sep-27)12. https://youtu.be/APTdfyqnyAI (15-Aug-24)11. https://youtu.be/xUsxXcc97m8 (03-Jun-24)10. https://youtu.be/eQ5fJCFATM0 (18-Apr-24)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    Iran Threatens Global Oil Transit - How Bad will it Get?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 16:53


    Edition No165 | 22-06-2025 - TACO no more? Trump has taken decisive action. Was it from a strategic assessment of the risk posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions, or was he manipulated into it by a forceful Netanyahu, exuding macho aggression and decisiveness? Was Trump perhaps driven to action by a sense of inevitability, once the bombers and refuelling aircraft were in position, it would have seemed weak to bring them all back without any action being taken. Or was he finally forced into action by domestic political pressure. Or were the feared divisions within MAGA that an attack on Iran would provoke overridden by the damaging slogan being adopted by Trump's detractors – TACO two weeks… The US may have changed the course of the conflict. Will Iran respond with measured and symbolic aggression, or all out aggression with a response that hits Western targets in the region. I would guess the former, but it may depend on how fragile the regime feels. Trump has made further threats, saying Iran must make peace or face future attacks after US strikes. Benjamin Netanyahu stood at the podium in the Israeli prime minister's office and started by speaking English, lavishing praise upon, US President Donald Trump after the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Netanyahu's tone was triumphant. His glee beamed through, having seen a lifetime of paranoia in relation to Iran, (justified or not, that is a question to be debated), finally come to fruition with a consummate act of aggressive pre-emptive deterrence. Iran's nuclear ambitions may have been set back by decades, possibly forever. Thousands of Russian scientists and engineers who were assisting Iran develop these nuclear capabilities are being shipped out – rats leaving the sinking ship kind of implications.----------Links: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jun/22/israel-iran-war-live-trump-says-us-has-attacked-nuclear-sites-in-iran-including-fordow?page=with%3Ablock-685751648f0808294ac4b2cb&filterKeyEvents=false#liveblog-navigationhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dgpjqg12lohttps://news.sky.com/story/stability-in-middle-east-is-priority-says-starmer-as-he-calls-on-iran-to-return-to-negotiating-table-13386950https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iran-us-trump-bomb-israel-strikes-nuclear-dangerous-latest-b2774597.html----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    Will Assassination Become the New Tool of Geopolitics?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 18:25


    Edition No164 | 21-06-2025 - Next up, is the world about to open the Pandora's Box of Assassination Escalation? There has been extensive discussion this week of whether it's going too far to remove a leader from the stage to end a war. In this case, the focus is on Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the second supreme leader of Iran since 1989. Before we dive into this topic, we should indulge in some philosophical and legal contemplation. Assassination is a word that has been extensively used in association with Ukraine's campaign to take out Russian military personal, allegedly responsible for horrific crimes. In the context of war, it's not prohibited to target servicing Russian military personnel, and Ukraine shows some restraint in that they are only going after those who are implicated in specific crimes, and not for all associates of the murderous Putin regime. So straight way, let's distinguish taking out servicing military personal, whatever the context. I do not see these as assassinations, and they will not be addressed here. This episode will exclusively look at the intentional targeting of politicians, technocrats and journalists, which we'll be referring to as assassination. Based on that definition, we may be entering an uncertain and highly risky era, where the taboo against eliminating leaders is lifted and these acts become normalised.----------Links: https://cepa.org/article/ukraine-cites-mossad-as-assassinations-multiply/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/assassination-attempt-on-vladimir-putin-russian-official-claims-helicopter-at-epicenter-of-ukraine-drone-attack-101748197603758.htmlhttps://kyivindependent.com/regime-change-in-iran-unacceptable-kremlin-says/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hezbollah-warns-assassination-of-irans-supreme-leader-would-have-disastrous-consequences/https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/06/19/israel-iran-despite-the-assassination-of-top-brass-tehran-s-military-is-still-operational_6742515_4.htmlhttps://kyivindependent.com/people-were-killed-inside-presidential-office-zelensky-reveals-details-of-russias-assassination-attempts-in-2022/https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/russian-agent-charged-in-poland-over-plot-1747762693.htmlhttps://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/04/30/7509972/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-chechnya-ramzan-kadyrov-blood-feud-assassination-lawmakers-rcna174820https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-11-22/putin-s-assassination-targets-revealed-in-declassified-memo----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

    749. Why Are Drones Hitting Civilians in Odessa?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 34:17


    Caolan Robertson is a journalist, film maker, political writer and social commentator. He is a director at Byline TV and now lives in "beautiful Ukraine".https://www.youtube.com/@CaolanReports ----------Directed by Caolan Robertson, The Eastern Front is the first major Western documentary to focus on the harrowing reality of the war in Ukraine.https://byline.tv/putindocumentary/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXU8QU0k3Mk----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    748. Putin - 'We Want all of Ukraine, as we Are the Same.'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 67:25


    Livestream with Greg Terry - Covering Middle East and Ukraine.----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyslhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/-----------

    746. Is Europe on the Brink of War? Ostap Kryvdyk

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 36:18


    Ostap Kryvdyk is Royal College of Defence Studies member, MA (King's College London) and Chair, Ukrainian Strategic Initiative think tank, Kyiv Mohyla Academy, Ukraine. ----------LINKS:https://x.com/ostapkryvdykhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kryvdyk/https://cepa.org/author/ostap-kryvdyk/https://fpc.org.uk/three-years-on-what-peace-should-be/https://cepa.org/article/the-dangers-of-chicken-kyiv-thinking/----------SUMMER FUNDRAISERSNAFO & Silicon Curtain community - Let's help help 5th SAB together https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWe are teaming up with NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade to provide 2nd Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you're standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter:Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.In total we are looking to raise an initial 19 500 EUR in order to buy 1 x NAFO truck 2.0 Who is getting the aid? 5 SAB, 2 Battalion, UAV operators‍.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.le Podcasts.

    744. Why Helping Ukraine Is So Important Now? Theo Allthorpe-Mullis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 61:59


    Theo Allthorpe-Mullis an NCTJ qualified journalist and author of the the Dictators v. Democrats SubStack. Prior to becoming a journalist he was a police officer in London. He is interested in conflict, human rights and the preservation of democracy. Prior to his service with the Police, he undertook a Masters Degree in International Security.----------LINKS:https://tamullis.substack.com/https://www.youtube.com/@TAMullis ⁨@TAMullis⁩  https://x.com/TheoAMullispatreon.com/DictatorsvDemocratscoff.ee/tamullis----------SUMMER FUNDRAISERSNAFO & Silicon Curtain community - Let's help help 5th SAB together https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWe are teaming up with NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade to provide 2nd Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you're standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter:Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.In total we are looking to raise an initial 19 500 EUR in order to buy 1 x NAFO truck 2.0 Who is getting the aid? 5 SAB, 2 Battalion, UAV operators‍.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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