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
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.
Edition No252 | 10-10-2025 - For those not following British politics, and in fact for those that only get their news via the mainstream media the following story may com as a shock. We have our own problem with Kremlin assets, propaganda mouthpieces and useful idiots. Yes, support for Ukraine is higher than in most other countries of the world. But we also have unprincipled scumbags that are prepared to take the Kremlin's tainted pieces of silver in return for their souls. A shadow has been cast over Nigel Farage's Reform party, as Nathan Gill pleads guilty to essentially being a – Russian asset, and traitor to his country. On 26 September, former Welsh Brexit Party MEP and Reform UK official Nathan Gill pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to accepting payments for making pro-Russian statements in the European Parliament. The eight counts of bribery relate to both television and appearances in public forums. He faces sentencing in November. These charges quite likely come with a custodial sentence. This is not a fringe political scandal, but the silence of the mainstream, mostly right-wing tabloid, media, owned by a handful of billionaires is deafening. Plus, BBC coverage is minimal, in a shocking display of institutional sycophancy to the most extreme forces in British politics. ----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: https://bylinetimes.com/2025/10/04/thick-as-thieves-nathan-gill-and-nigel-farages-putin-problem/----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2025-10-09 | Silicon Wafers 024 | Russia is starting to experience the dramatic economic shock, that we've long been predicting: In October 2025, the Russian stock market crashes — we ask: What does a falling Moscow Exchange tell us about the war, the war economy, Putin's regime, and war in Europe. Here's the roadmap:1. What just happened — the crash and immediate reactions2. Longer-term economic context: how Russia's wartime economy has held up, and where the cracks were emerging3. Voices from analysts, critics, and regime watchers on what this crash signals4. Regime risk, war funding, elite recalibration — what's at stake internally5. Broader implications for the war in Ukraine, and updates from the war front and economyThe October 2025 Crash — What Broke. On October 8, 2025, Russian equities lurched downward in their sharpest one-day drop in three years. (The Moscow Times) The MOEX (Moscow Exchange) index plunged 4.05 percent to 2,563.3 points, the lowest since December 2024. (The Moscow Times) Key state-linked giants were hammered: Gazprom off 4.1 percent, Sberbank nearly 4.9 percent, VTB 4.7 percent, Rosneft 2.5 percent. (The Moscow Times) Mechel and other heavy industrials fell even harder. (The Moscow Times)----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKOThe Power Vertical with Brian Whitmore https://www.powervertical.org/ ----------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----------
David DeBatto is host of the ‘No Delusion Zone' podcast @NoDelusionZone is a retired U.S. Army Counterintelligence Special Agent, a geopolitical analyst, writer, and podcaster. David is an Iraq war veteran who served as Team Leader of a Tactical Human Intelligence Team (THT) in operations within Iraq and is also a former police officer. David is considered too conservative for the progressive left and too independent minded for the radical right and seeks to challenge political dogma and the naked self-interest of politicians. ----------LINKS: @NoDelusionZone https://www.protectingtherepublic.com/podcasthttps://x.com/ddebattohttps://www.kyivpost.com/authors/743----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. 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/----------
Vatnik soup is a Twitter thread series where Pekka Kallioniemi introduces pro-Russian actors and propagandists from around the world. This includes so-called “independent journalists”, politicians, military personnel and of course just regular grifters looking to make money. The series has introductions and deeper insights on how online propaganda and disinformation works and is spread. There are now 200 Vatnik soups, which introduce bad actors along with the strategies they employ to pollute the information space. As Pekka states: the first victim of war is the truth, and Russia considered itself at war with the US, and its perceived vassals, the collective West, EU, and NATO. ----------Pekka Kallioniemi has a PhD in interactive technology and is an expert on social media platforms, algorithms, and disinformation. He is a #NAFO activist, and runs a series on Kremlin assets, agents, and oligarchs, called Vatnik soup.----------BOOK:Vatnik Soup. The Ultimate Guide to Russian Disinformation (Hardcover - 2024)----------LINKS:https://vatniksoup.com/https://www.youtube.com/@UCs6xzdLy3c0Hcf7N89U_qgQ https://twitter.com/P_Kallioniemihttps://bsky.app/profile/vatniksoup.bsky.socialhttps://byline.tv/video-tags/vatnik-soup/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vatnik-Soup-Ultimate-Russian-Disinformation/dp/8792750400https://www.tiktok.com/@vatniksouphttps://www.instagram.com/vatniksoup/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatnik_Soup----------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/----------
2025-10-08 | Silicon Wafers 023 | DAILY UPDATES | Russia is running short of fuel — both at the pumps for civilians and in supply lines for its war machine. Ukraine's escalating long-range strikes, many using its own domestically made weapons, are intensifying pressure. How serious is the crisis? Why Tomahawks are politically powerful but not the only threat, and how Ukraine's Flamingo missiles, drones, and refinery raids are already inflicting real damage. With winter approaching, how vulnerable is Moscow's energy grid and economy that has been retooled for war?Fuel running out — on the ground in Russia. The cracks are showing across Russia, Putin's fake empire. In multiple regions, gas stations are limiting volume per vehicle; fuel is scarce, queues are long, and prices are climbing. (Kyiv Post: “Putin's Gasoline Crisis Spreads: Sales Now Restricted in 4 Regions”) (Kyiv Post)Meduza, a Russian dissident publication, offers stark visuals: stations closed, pumps dry, drivers holding empty jerrycans. (Meduza) In fact, filling jerry cans is now banned in many of the worst affected areas. One station in Tyumen limits sales to 30 litres per car. (Kyiv Post)In Crimea, occupation authorities cut gasoline sales to 20 litres per customer, enforce price caps, and stations simply turn off pumps when they can't fulfil orders. (Meduza)----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO The Power Vertical with Brian Whitmore https://www.powervertical.org/ ----------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----------
Edition No251 | 07-10-2025 - “Happy Birthday, Mr. Putin — Ukraine's Gift to the Dictator, Long-Range Strikes.” A birthday present for Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian style — deep-strike drone operations timed to his birthday. We'll unpack the symbolism of this move, the military mechanics behind it, and what it suggests about escalation, deterrence, Kremlin overreach and Ukrainian strength.The Kyiv Post headline is vivid: “On Putin's birthday, Ukraine launched a 209-drone strike deep into Russia” (Kyiv Post). This birthday present had teeth and quite a bite. * Overnight, Ukraine launched 209 drones targeting deep Russian territory. (Kyiv Post)* The strike allegedly reached Tyumen, over 2,000 km from the border. The target: an oil refinery (the Antipinsky facility) in Tyumen.* Moscow claimed it intercepted 184 drones overnight; others say those numbers may be inflated. (Russian MoD claims)* Local Telegram channels in Tyumen reported explosions, fire trucks, emergency response. ----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Kyiv Post, “Drones Hit 2,000 km Inside Russia as Ukraine Unleashes 209-Drone Barrage on Putin's Birthday”Kyiv Independent, “Ukrainian drones reportedly target Russian oil facility over 2000 km away”Military.com, “Ukraine Claims Drone Strikes on Russian Ammo Plant, Oil Terminal and Weapons Depot”SpotMedia, translation of Kyiv Post / social media commentaryOperation Spiderweb (Wikipedia) — the June 2025 deep drone strike campaignThe Moscow Times, “Russia's Sochi Resort Grapples With Ukrainian Drones”Reuters, “Russia says it awaits clarity on possible US supply of Tomahawks to Ukraine”----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Jukes came to prominence for journalism because of his involvement in and commentary on the News International phone-hacking scandal and the Leveson Inquiry. He live-tweeted the long hacking trial (half a million words over 130+ days) from the Old Bailey. He writes regularly for outlets such as The Independent, New Statesman, Prospect, Newsweek, The Daily Beast, and more, on media, politics, corruption and transparency. He is also the co-founder and Executive Editor of Byline Times. Through that and related projects, he emphasizes investigative journalism, exposing power, corruption, and media malpractice.----------LINKS:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Jukeshttps://x.com/peterjukes?lang=enhttp://www.peterjukes.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-jukes-525b0013/https://bylinetimes.com/author/peterjukes/----------BOOKS: A Shout in the Street (1990) — a literary/essay work on modern cities. (Wikipedia)The Fall of the House of Murdoch (2012) — a crowd-funded critique of media power. (Simon & Schuster UK)Beyond Contempt: The Inside Story of the Phone Hacking Trial — reporting on the hacking trial.(Audible.com)----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------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/----------
2025-10-07 | Silicon Wafers 022 | DAILY UPDATES | Today we dig into Vladimir Putin's latest Valdai address in Sochi, the ominous threats he's issuing toward Europe, and what it all says about a Kremlin that may be overreaching — doubling down in delusion, preparing for more direct confrontation. We'll tie together his rhetoric, Medvedev's inflammatory commentary, the creeping hybrid assaults across NATO space, and the question: when might threatening words give way to kinetic action?The Valdai Discussion Club is the Kremlin's preferred stage for strategic and PR theatre — a hybrid of salon, power speech, foreign policy signaling – one of the few fixtures that has lasted near annually throughout Putin's reign. It's as much internal as external. (The Valdai forum has been described as “a swanky high-level conference put on by the Russian elite” and often dubbed the Kremlin's answer to Davos) (Wikipedia)At his latest Valdai plenary in Sochi, Putin walked a balancing line: denying any intent to attack NATO, while condemning Europe for “escalating militarization.” (The Guardian)“We are closely monitoring the escalating militarization of Europe … We simply cannot ignore what is happening. We have no right to do so for reasons of our own security.” (The Guardian)“I think no one doubts that Russia's countermeasures will not be long in coming.” (The Guardian)----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO The Power Vertical with Brian Whitmore https://www.powervertical.org/ ----------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----------
John is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and Co-founder of Spycraft Entertainment a production firm providing content to the entertainment industry. Spycraft Entertainment connects the worlds of Hollywood and intelligence. John is also a foreign policy and intelligence expert and social media influencer. His articles have been published in the New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Politico, Foreign Affairs, Newsweek, Slate, Lawfare, and Just Security, among others. He regularly appears on the PBS NewsHour, CNN, NPR, MSNBC, BBC and speaks to corporate, academic and governmental groups.John retired in 2014 after a 28-year career in the Central Intelligence Agency's National Clandestine Service. At the time of his retirement, he was a member of the CIA's Senior Intelligence Service, the leadership team that guides CIA activities globally. John served multiple overseas tours as Chief of Station and Deputy Chief of Station in Europe, Russia, Asia, and in high-threat environments. He has significant experience working with foreign and domestic partners to solve national security challenges. John also served as a lead instructor in the CIA's clandestine training school and was a regular lecturer at the CIA's leadership development program. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal.----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------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/----------
2025-10-05 | Silicon Wafers 020 | DAILY UPDATES | The last 48 hours has seen savage strikes by Russia against Ukraine. They coincide with the annual Valdai press event, which can hardly be a coincidence, but they also smack of desperation. It seems that Russia is taking its vengeance on civilians for its failure to breakthrough on the battlefield. Russian strikes have impacted across Kyiv, Lviv, Sumy, and more. The civilian suffering is horrific, the infrastructure wreckage widespread. How should Ukraine respond, especially when winter looms and its energy grid is under renewed assault?The Night of Fire: Russia's Massive Strikes Across Ukraine. Let's begin with what just happened. Over the night of October 4–5, 2025, Russia launched what Ukrainian officials say was one of the largest combined drone-missile barrages yet — roughly 50 missiles and about 500 attack drones. (AP News) The targets: 9 regions across Ukraine, including Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernihiv, Kherson, Kharkiv, Odesa, plus Sumy and Kyiv's periphery. (The Washington Post)----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO The Power Vertical with Brian Whitmore https://www.powervertical.org/ ----------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----------
Yevhen Filyak is Co-founder and CEO at Charity Fund «Group 35» and InSpirito. He has been a Manager of technological projects since 2003 and CEO of companies since 2009. Projects he has been involved with have received 53 grants, including awards from the President of Ukraine, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and the Lviv IT Cluster. He is a Mentor at the Lviv Tech Startup School.----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------
2025-10-03 | Silicon Wafers 018 | DAILY UPDATES | Russia's looming budget crisis. How fuel shortages, collapsing revenues, and war spending are squeezing the Kremlin. Can Putin keep paying his army next year? What happens if he can't? And what do these pressures mean for the broader alliance between China, Russia and Iran. To understand the immediate danger, we need to map how Russia's fiscal model has cracked under war conditions. For years, Moscow has run a heavily militarized economy: energy exports, sanctions arbitrage, deep state control, subsidies, extraction of wealth from occupied territories. That model is fraying.----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO The Power Vertical with Brian Whitmore https://www.powervertical.org/ ----------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----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------
David DeBatto is host of the ‘No Delusion Zone' podcast is a retired U.S. Army Counterintelligence Special Agent, a geopolitical analyst, writer, and podcaster. David is an Iraq war veteran who served as Team Leader of a Tactical Human Intelligence Team (THT) in operations within Iraq and is also a former police officer. David is considered too conservative for the progressive left and too independent minded for the radical right and seeks to challenge political dogma and the naked self-interest of politicians. ----------LINKS:https://www.protectingtherepublic.com/podcasthttps://x.com/ddebattohttps://www.kyivpost.com/authors/743----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. 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/----------
Livestream with Yuri Rashkin----------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----------https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainDonate and Receive - Collectable PatchAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.For our Autumn patch, we present the Galician Lion. The rampant lion represents power and intelligence. It has represented Western Ukrainian people since the 1100s. The Ruthenian lion, also known as the Ukrainian lion or Galician lion, was featured on the historic coat of arms of: The Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia (Ruthenia)1199-1349, The battle flag of the Lviv land in the Battle of Tannenberg, 1410 The Ruthenian Voivodeship (Administration) 1434-1772 and The Western Ukrainian People's Republic 1918-1919. The Ukrainian national liberation movement, 1948----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.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/-----------
2025-10-02 | Silicon Wafers 017 | Today's episode focuses on a blistering new front of the war in Ukraine — energy warfare inside Russia — and what this means for Putin's war machine and his regime. We'll walk through four interlinked stories:1. Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries and the fuel shock inside Russia2. Russia's pivot to Asian gasoline imports as its refining base crumbles3. Trump's green-light for U.S. intelligence sharing aimed at Russian energy targets4. What all this reveals about Putin's war, domestic repression, and regime brittleness. Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries: fuel lines, export bans, price shockFor four years, Ukraine's military campaign has largely focused on military sites — barracks, command posts, supply lines. But in recent weeks, a new vector has burst into view: the decapitation of Russia's refining and fuel infrastructure.According to the Kyiv Independent, “Ukraine's sustained campaign of strikes on refineries is now causing havoc at gas stations in Russia and occupied Crimea, with prices skyrocketing and short-term shortages widely reported.” (Karol Luczka, Oct. 1, 2025) (The Kyiv Independent)----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO The Power Vertical with Brian Whitmore https://www.powervertical.org/ ----------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----------
Lucy Ash is a British documentary-maker, journalist, broadcaster and author, and has done extensive work for the BBC. Much of it focuses on former Soviet countries, indeed her work in radio started in Russia, as producer in the BBC's bureau in Moscow from 1990. From March 2023 until May 2025, Ash held a fellowship at Institut für die Wissenschaften vom Menschen (Institute for Human Sciences), during which she examined the Russian Orthodox Church under President Vladimir Putin. And these topics are explored in her book from 2024, The Baton and the Cross: Russia's Church from Pagans to Putin. ----------LINKS: https://www.lucyashjournalism.com/abouthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Ashhttps://x.com/LucyAAshhttps://www.themoscowtimes.com/author/lucy-ashhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-ash-491b825/----------BOOKS: The Baton and the Cross (2024)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------
Edition No250 | 01-10-2025 - There has been a dramatic maritime showdown involving a grey fleet oil tanker, with shocking implications for Russia's hybrid warfare in Western Europe's backyard. French forces have just boarded a tanker tied to Russia's “shadow fleet,” suspected of launching drones over Denmark. Moscow fired back, calling the move “provocative.” We'll trace how these fits into a larger pattern: drone incursions, hybrid escalation, and Russia's threats towards Europe.Let's start with the facts as they're known. In late September 2025, multiple drone incursions over Danish airspace triggered disruptions at airports in Copenhagen and Aalborg. The flights were mysterious, unauthorized, and widely suspected to be part of a hybrid operation by Russia, though Moscow denied direct involvement. (Le Monde.fr)Around October 1, French authorities moved in. The oil tanker known as Boracay (formerly Pushpa among other aliases) — flagged under Benin but with opaque ownership ties — was boarded by French military personnel off the coast near Saint-Nazaire. (The Guardian)Two senior crew members — the captain and first mate — were arrested. The Brest prosecutor's office confirmed the investigation is ongoing, citing “very serious wrongdoings,” including refusal to cooperate and failure to justify the ship's nationality. (Le Monde.fr)----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: “French troops board Russia-linked oil tanker suspected of being involved in drone flights,” The Guardian, Oct 1, 2025“Macron says a tanker off France is linked to Russia's shadow oil fleet,” AP News, Oct 1, 2025 “Kremlin, asked about French investigation into oil tanker, talks of ‘provocative actions' by some states,” Reuters, Oct 1, 2025 “France detains two crew members of Russia-linked tanker …,” *France24*, Oct 1, 2025 “EU leaders discuss ‘drone wall' … after airspace violations,” Reuters “Escalation in Europe: How the Kremlin is testing NATO's limits,” Nest Centre (analysis)Wikipedia, “Russian shadow fleet” Wikipedia, “2025 Russian drone incursion into Poland” Additional reporting from The Washington Post, Le Monde, and others.----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2025-10-01 | Silicon Wafers 016 | DAILY UPDATES | Lately, there's been a flood of voices in Russian circles admitting that things on the front are nowhere near as rosy as state television makes them out to be. Complaints about high casualties, poor equipment, and a shortage of manpower are everywhere. And crucially, aside from the most die-hard propagandists, almost everyone admits that victory in this war is now out of reach.Dmitry Rogozin—former head of Roscosmos, now commander of the “Bars Sarmat” drone unit and still carrying shrapnel in his backside—recently gave a strikingly gloomy interview. He declared bluntly that the front is at a dead end. He admitted Russia has no chance of winning with its current methods, and that Ukraine's armed forces are ahead in many critical areas. His words are worth looking at carefully. ----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO The Power Vertical with Brian Whitmore https://www.powervertical.org/ ----------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----------curtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2025-10-30 | Silicon Wafers 015 | DAILY UPDATES | Tonight, the voices from Moscow we prefer not hear from, unless they are prophesying the fall of the Putin regime and doom for the Russian military operation in Ukraine. It's not Western politicians or Ukrainian commanders — but the Kremlin's chorus of hawks, genocidal sycophants, propagandist talk-show stars and death-cult nationalist influencers. Over the past weeks some of those voices have drifted from mumbling out the official script and started to admit what everyone else can see: the war is failing: grindingly slow, costs are stacking up, and successes are thin on the ground.We'll walk through what those propagandists are saying, what some Russian economists quietly admit about the state of the war-economy, and why the rage of nationalist ideologues — Tatyana Montyan, Dmitry Rogozin, Pavel Gubarev, Igor “Strelkov” Girkin and others — matters for the strength of Putin regime. The chorus of discontent and whining is signaling that his grip on power may be brittle and tenuous. What happens when a fascistic regime's loudest cheerleaders turn into resentful critics?----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO The Power Vertical with Brian Whitmore https://www.powervertical.org/ ----------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----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
The Third World War we warned about feels closer at hand than the last time we spoke, and deterrent actions that could have been taken were largely ignored. We're now in a rerun of the cold war, but this time it's much hotter, there are no rules to bound and limit the offensive actions of Russia, and it no longer seems to care whether we think of it as a barbarous nation or not. We've left it to five to midnight to act – is it too late to turn the tide, and are we even prepared to act now? ----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------Sir Richard Shirreff is Co-founder and Managing Partner at Strategia Worldwide. After graduating from Oxford, he served in the British Army for 37 years commanding soldiers on operations or in combat at every level from platoon to division and rising to the highest rank before retiring from the Army as NATO's Deputy Supreme Commander Europe. Richard is co-Founder and Managing Partner of Strategia Worldwide. In 2016 his novel ‘2017: War with Russia' was published in the UK, USA, and Poland. He is an honorary Fellow of Exeter College, Oxford.----------LINKS:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Shirreff https://twitter.com/RichardShirreff https://www.strategiaworldwide.com/our-people/sir-richard-shirreffhttps://www.globsec.org/who-we-are/our-people/gen-ret-sir-richard-shirreff https://www.brookings.edu/events/is-armed-conflict-with-russia-a-real-possibility/ ----------DESCRIPTION:The Fragile State of Global Peace: An Urgent Call to Action with Sir Richard Shirreff In this episode, Jonathan welcomes back Sir Richard Shirreff , co-founder and managing partner at Strategia Worldwide and former Deputy Supreme Commander at NATO. Together, they delve into the precarious state of global peace, drawing parallels to a renewed Cold War scenario. The discussion highlights escalating tensions with Russia, the challenges facing NATO, and the significant threat to European security. Sir Richard underscores the urgent need for Europe to bolster its own defenses in the face of dwindling US support. They discuss the critical importance of supporting Ukraine's war efforts, as well as the potential long-term involvement of China. This episode is a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the vital importance of military readiness in an increasingly unstable world.----------
Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------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 Centre for European Policy Analysis, specialising 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/ ----------DESCRIPTION:Analyzing U.S. and Russian Dynamics on Ukraine: Military Strategies and Political StakesThis episode delves into the intricate dynamics between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine, focusing on the U.S. administration's unconventional approach and its strategic implications for military aid and diplomacy. Discussing President Trump's transactional leadership style and the potential leverage over Russia, the dialogue critiques the inadequacies of prior administrations and offers insight into the recent moves for economic and military deterrence against Russian advances. The narrative also highlights the influence and involvement of European countries, particularly Germany, in the evolving situation. The discussion covers broader geopolitical impacts, including NATO alliances, economic sanctions, and the strategic importance of Ukraine's resistance. The script concludes with a personal endorsement of a Ukrainian documentary series aimed at raising awareness about the nation's cultural and political landscape amid ongoing conflicts.----------
Go to https://ground.news/Silicon for a better way to stay informed. Subscribe for 40% off unlimited access to world-wide coverage through my link. ----------DESCRIPTION:Expert Insights on Drones in the Ukraine War: Technology and Strategy with Alex FergussonIn this episode, Alex Fergusson, a leading expert on drones, joins the discussion to delve deep into the technological advancements and strategic uses of drones in the Ukraine war. Alex provides insights into his background, detailing his shift from racing drones to combat drones and highlighting his recent work in Ukraine. The conversation touches on the importance of battle testing drones in real combat scenarios, the challenges of eliminating reliance on Chinese components, and the adaptability required for drone warfare. The episode also explores the potential future of AI in drone operations and the significant threat posed by naval drones. Engage with this detailed discussion to understand the evolving landscape of drone warfare and its implications for global security.----------CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:59 Alex Fergusson's Background and Expertise02:54 Drone Testing and Challenges in Ukraine06:12 Importance of Local Adaptation and Training08:28 Media Consumption and Bias19:41 Russian Drone Tactics and European Airspace24:47 Challenges in Identifying Drone Operatives25:35 Russian Drone Operations and Capabilities27:10 Potential Threats and Geopolitical Risks29:07 Assumptions and Perspectives on Russian Strategy35:39 Naval Drones and Maritime Security39:43 Excluding China from the Drone Supply Chain44:07 AI and Autonomous Drone Warfare51:44 Conclusion and Future Discussions----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------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/----------
2025-09-28 | Silicon Wafers 013 | DAILY UPDATES | Today's episode energy warfare: how Russia is threatening Ukraine's lights this winter, and for the fourth winter in a row, but this time, Kyiv is also threatening to darken Russia in turn, and with the scaled-up production of the Flamingo missile complex, may have that capability. The contested space over energy production, distribution and export is increasingly central to the war and is an indicator of why the momentum is shifting decisively in favor of Ukraine. We'll walk through:* Russia's stated intention to target Ukraine's energy utilities this winter* Zelenskyy's fiery warning that if Kyiv goes dark, Moscow might too* The rising strike capabilities of Ukraine (Flamingo, long-range drones)* The vulnerabilities of Russia's energy network — civilian, export, transit* Recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities* The growing seriousness among allies to disrupt Russia's “grey fleet” oil tankers----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO The Power Vertical with Brian Whitmore https://www.powervertical.org/ ----------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----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Edition No249 | 28-09-2025 - Today we turn the spotlight squarely on Russia's propaganda machinery — and how its most vicious threats now extend even to Britain's ancient universities. Solovyov has threatened to wipe out the town where I live in an atomic inferno, for no other reason that we refuse to allow Russia to erase Ukraine from the world map. Perhaps he's also upset he can't get to his Italian villas since 2022. So, Russia's foremost propagandist has threatened to wipe out one of the most ancient seats of learning and civilisation, and by extension threaten to kill me. Apart from the bluster and vicious hatred, it's such utterances that show Russia has fallen far from what could be considered civilisation, civilised language and behaviour, and that no regime hack or representative should be allowed in civilised company, at least for the lifetime of the current regime. That ban should also extend to all the minions and enablers of the regime. We'll explore how that fits into a broader pattern: Russia's imperial ambitions, its civilizational decline, and the accelerating slide in global norms under pressure from China, Russia, and their allies — but also how Ukraine and its global backers confront this – showing that resistance, and a reassertion of civilised values is possible – though it comes at a steep price.We begin — shockingly — with Vladimir Solovyov's threat to bomb Oxford and Cambridge.----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: “Russia should ‘bomb Oxford', key Putin ally says,” UK News / Yahoo, Sept 2025“Top Russian propagandist issues threat to drop nuclear bombs …” LADbible, Sept 2025 Nancy Ries, *Russia's Atrocity Rhetoric During Its War on Ukraine* (RCIN) An Independent Legal Analysis of the Russian Federation's Breaches of the Genocide Convention (New Lines Institute) “Holding Putin's propagandists accountable for crimes in Ukraine,” Atlantic Council UkraineAlert, June 2024 “Dmitry Medvedev says editors of The Times are ‘legitimate military targets',” The Guardian, Dec 2024 “Russia is at war with Britain …”, The Guardian / Fiona Hill commentary, June 2025 “International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Russian leaders,” Wikipedia / ICC context “Andrey Gurulyov,” Wikipedia (remarks on bombing Britain)----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2025-09-27 | Silicon Wafers 012 | Wafers daily is a round-up of news over the last 1-2 days, with a particular focus on the resurgence of authoritarian regimes in the 21st century, great power competition, democracy on the defensive, the Russian imperial project, and how Ukraine is leading the fightback for values and freedom. In this short video format, I hope to bring some light to dark times.Topics covered less than they deserve, and on topics that are more terrifying than most care to acknowledge. Nuclear coercion, torture, drones, and blackmail. We ask: how far will Russia push in weaponizing nuclear infrastructure? And what does that say about the terroristic logic of Putinism?We'll break the episode into four segments:1. Zaporizhzhia's external power outage — brinkmanship with reactors2. The imprisonment and torture of Ukrainian nuclear workers3. Drones striking the protective shell around Chernobyl4. Russia's use of nuclear blackmail — is it a modern ISIS with missile codes?----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph teamhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeottihttps://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovayahttps://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Michael Naki - https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel - https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel - https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov - https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Vladimir Milov - https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Hosted by Sternenko channel - https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO ----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-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----------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/----------
Live stream with Yuri Rashkin. ----------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----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.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/----------
Go to https://ground.news/Silicon for a better way to stay informed. Subscribe for 40% off unlimited access to world-wide coverage through my link. ----------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 Centre for European Policy Analysis, specialising in NATO, Transatlantic relationship and international security.----------DESCRIPTION: Geopolitical Tensions: Russia's Aggression and Strategic Implications - With Ben HodgesIn this episode, Jonathan interviews Ben Hodges, retired United States Army officer and former commander of United States Army Europe. The discussion covers a range of geopolitical issues, including Russia's recent attacks on EU, UK, and US assets in Ukraine, and the potential consequences of perceived US disengagement under the Trump administration. Hodges shares insights on the likelihood of Russia feeling emboldened to act against NATO countries and the strategic importance of Europe acting collectively as a superpower. The conversation also delves into the tactical behaviors of both Putin and Trump, the risks of inadvertent escalation into a larger conflict, and the necessity for Europe to defend itself and support Ukraine in the absence of consistent US backing.----------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/ ----------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----------DESCRIPTION:Western Response to Russian Aggression: Challenges and StrategiesIn this episode, the speaker discusses the current state of Western opposition to Russian aggression, focusing on various strategies and challenges. Key topics include Russian sabotage in the Baltic region, the use of shadow fleet vessels, and potential responses such as seizing these vessels and strengthening air defense systems. The conversation touches on the technological and strategic capabilities needed to counter Russia, including the integration of air defenses with Ukrainian forces. The discussion also covers the broader geopolitical landscape, including European unity, U.S. policy under Trump, and the global implications of Russian actions. The speaker stresses the necessity for decisive leadership and coherent strategic objectives to effectively counter Russia and avoid prolonged conflict.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction: Russia's Covert War Tactics00:50 Western Response and Consequences02:23 Air Defense Strategies and Challenges04:39 European Leaders' Stance on Trump and Ukraine10:07 Media Consumption and Bias14:04 Trump's Admiration for Authoritarian Leaders18:28 Russia's Strategic Objectives and Vulnerabilities24:12 Historical Parallels and Western Industrial Capacity----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2025-09-26 | Silicon Wafers 011 | Wafers daily is a round-up of news over the last 1-2 days, with a particular focus on the resurgence of authoritarian regimes in the 21st century, great power competition, democracy on the defensive, the Russian imperial project, and how Ukraine is leading the fightback for values and freedom. In this short video format, I hope to bring some light to dark times.“The Shadow War is Becoming more overt: Russia's Hybrid Attacks on Europe”— this episode dives deep into Moscow's covert operations across the continent. Operations that are becoming implausibly deniable as the scale and scope of them increases. We'll map the sabotage, the plots, the attempted assassinations, and the creeping provocations. We'll ask: Why do so many of these go unanswered? And how must the West change posture if it hopes to deter the hybrid war, and prevent it becoming a fully kinetic one?We'll structure the episode in five parts:1. A historical baseline: Russia's covert hits on foreign soil (pre-2022)2. The surge since February 2022: sabotage, subversion, assassination attempts3. What's new in September 2025: recent grey zone provocations4. Why the West is slow to respond—and what critics call weak deterrence5. The hawks' prescription: what we should do now----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph teamhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeottihttps://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovayahttps://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Michael Naki - https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel - https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel - https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov - https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Vladimir Milov - https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Hosted by Sternenko channel - https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO ----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-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----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Nataliya Bugayova is a non-resident Russia Fellow at ISW. Nataliya previously led ISW's Russia research team where she helped build the analytical framework that serves as the foundation for ISW's in-depth reporting on Russia. Her analytical work focuses on the Kremlin's decision-making, information operations, and global campaigns from Ukraine to Africa. She also serves as the Director of Strategic Intelligence at Babel Street – a US OSINT technology company and an ISW technology partner. At Babel Street, Nataliya optimizes data and technology for national security analysis of key capabilities of US adversaries. Before ISW, she worked on reform efforts in Ukraine in several roles. She was the Chief Executive Officer of the Kyiv Post, then Ukraine's only independent English-language publication. She also served as the adviser on international technical cooperation to a former Ukrainian Economy Minister, appointed after the pro-democracy Euromaidan Revolution in February 2014.Ms. Bugayova is the author of “How We Got Here with Russia: The Kremlin's Worldview” and “Putin's Offset: The Kremlin's Geopolitical Adaptations Since 2014.” She has been a trusted voice on Russia's war on Ukraine and Russia's operations globally. Her insights have been featured in Foreign Policy, Fox News, PBS NewsHour, CNN, NBC News, The Hill, BBC. She has testified in the US Congress and the European Parliament. She regularly briefs US military and civilian leaders. Ms. Bugayova holds a master's in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School, where she was a student fellow at the Belfer Centre for Science and International Affairs.----------LINKS: https://understandingwar.org/people/nataliya-bugayova/https://x.com/nataliabugayova?lang=enhttps://hertogfoundation.org/staff/nataliya-bugayovahttps://www.thecipherbrief.com/experts/nataliya-bugayovaBRAVE1Defense Tech Innovations - Defense and Space Manufacturing https://x.com/BRAVE1uahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/brave1ukraine/posts/?feedView=all----------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/----------
Go to https://ground.news/Silicon for a better way to stay informed. Subscribe for 40% off unlimited access to world-wide coverage through my link. ----------ABOUT: Edward Lucas was one of the first journalists to raise the alarm about Putin's actions and motivations. While most of the world still thought of Putin as ‘someone we could do business with', Edward published a prescient and insightful book in 2008 called “The New Cold War – Putin's threat to Russia and the West”. He is a columnist for The Times and has been a Senior Editor on the Economist. Edward is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis. ----------LINKS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Lucas_(journalist)https://cepa.org/author/edward-lucas/https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-lucas-65a0a21b/https://x.com/edwardlucas?lang=enhttps://edwardlucas.substack.com/https://foreignpolicy.com/author/edward-lucas/----------BOOKS:The New Cold War: Putin's Threat to Russia and the WestDeception: Spies, Lies and How Russia Dupes the WestThe Snowden Operation: Inside the West's Greatest Intelligence DisasterSpycraft Rebooted: How Technology is Changing EspionageCyberphobia: Identity, Trust, Security and the Internet----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------DESCRIPTION:Edward Lucas Discusses Russia's Sub-threshold Warfare and Western ResponseIn this insightful episode, veteran journalist Edward Lucas, an expert on Russian affairs, discusses the increasing intensity of Russian sub-threshold warfare, exemplified by drone incursions and other disruptive actions. Lucas argues that these actions are not new but represent a continuance of tactics used by the Kremlin to destabilize and challenge Western decision-making and social cohesion. Despite the clear evidence of Russia's aggressive maneuvers, he believes that the West is not adequately prepared, displaying a peacetime mentality even in the face of ongoing threats. The conversation also highlights the importance of accurately interpreting these threats without falling into paranoia and emphasizes the need for a strategic, calibrated response rather than reactive measures. Lucas calls for stronger support for Ukraine and argues for seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukrainian defense. He concludes with a powerful message about the necessity of shifting from a reactive to a proactive stance in dealing with Russia's multifaceted threats.----------CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Edward Lucas and His Insights on Putin00:36 Current Issues: Drone Flights and Kremlin Denials01:06 Historical Context: Kremlin's Pattern of Denial02:07 Analyzing the Scale and Intensity of Incursions02:53 Sweden's Experience with Sabotage and Disruption04:48 Psychological Warfare and Cognitive Resilience06:20 Media Consumption and Bias Detection09:15 NATO's Response and Strategic Considerations13:32 Escalation Dominance and Political Attacks19:08 Reflexive Control and US Politics20:44 Urgency in Re-Arming and Defense Strategies25:25 Conclusion: Supporting Ukraine and Final Thoughts----------
2025-09-25 | Silicon Wafers 010 | Ukrainian strikes are reaching deeper into Russian territory, a Russian fuel crisis is brewing on occupied territory, and the Kremlin expands censorship as the war's frontline shifts. We'll dig into what these events tell us about Russia's imperial logic, it's failures to exert control over Ukraine, vulnerabilities in the war economy, and the intensifying global contest between authoritarian states and forces of resistance.We'll break this episode into five parts:1. Strike on Novorossiysk and Tuapse2. Sea-drone paralysis of Black Sea oil hubs3. Destruction of An-26s and radar in Crimea4. Fuel crisis in occupied Crimea & export bans5. Moscow's censorship expansion & internal suppression----------SOURCES: “HUR naval drones strike oil facilities in Novorossiysk, Tuapse – source,” Ukrinform, Sept. 25, 2025‘Everyone Leave the Water!' – Ukraine's Sea Drones Hit Russian Hubs in Novorossiysk, Tuapse,” Kyiv Post, Sept. 25, 2025 “Ukraine's sea drones 'paralyze' Russian Black Sea oil hubs, HUR source says,” Kyiv Independent, Sept. 25, 2025 “Russia Considers Extending Gasoline Export Ban As Fuel Crisis Worsens,” OilPrice, Sept. 23, 2025 “Russia to partially ban diesel exports, extend gasoline export ban until end-2025,” Reuters, Sept. 25, 2025 “Refinery shutdowns hurt fuel supply in several Russian regions,” Reuters, Sept. 25, 2025 “Russian fuel exports drop as Ukraine intensifies its strikes on oil refineries,” Financial Times “Frustrated Russians grapple with fuel crisis as Ukraine attacks oil refineries,” The Guardian, Aug. 2025“Fuel crisis in occupied Crimea predicted for winter 2025/2026,” Me Zha.net (Bukvy), Sept. 2025“No octane 92 and 95 gasoline is on sale at a fuel station in the Russian-occupied region Crimea,” Kyiv Post, recent ----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-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----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------
Edition No248 | 25-09-2025 - Has Trump Flipped? After his high-profile meeting with President Zelenskyy and a bold post on Truth Social, the rhetoric around Ukraine has changed. But is this a real pivot — or another rhetorical flourish? We'll examine the substance behind the words, hear from analysts, activists, and journalists, and try to imagine the scenarios that could play out next.What Just Happened? Let's begin with the immediate facts. On September 23, 2025, President Trump met bilaterally with Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the U.N. General Assembly in New York. In the aftermath, Trump posted on Truth Social:“After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation … I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.” (The Guardian)----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Reuters, “Trump, in rhetorical shift, says Ukraine can retake all its land” (Sept 2025) Washington Post, “Trump says Ukraine poised to defeat Russia with NATO support” AP News, “In his words: Trump's rhetoric about Zelenskyy and Putin has evolved” AP/Twitter, “Ukrainians cautious after Trump shifts his stance” Reuters, “Kremlin rejects Trump claims on war in Ukraine” Russian Analytical Report* (RussiaMatters), “Russia significantly increased state spending … that boom is over” The Atlantic, “The Simple Explanation for Why Trump Turned Against…”ABC News, “On Ukraine, Trump turns to hardball tactics: Analysis” Brookings, “China and Russia's strategic relationship amid a shifting geopolitical landscape” USCC, “China's Position on Russia's Invasion of Ukraine” Academia, “Global Supply Chain Reallocation and Shift under Triple Crises” (arXiv)----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2025-09-24 | Silicon Wafers 009 | DAILY UPDATES | Wafers daily is a round-up of news over the last 1-2 days, with a particular focus on the resurgence of authoritarian regimes in the 21st century, great power competition, democracy on the defensive, the Russian imperial project, and how Ukraine is leading the fightback for values and freedom. In this short video format, I hope to bring some light to dark times.Today: we're tracking Trump's dramatic change of tone, Russia's strategic gambits, Ukraine's defiant countermoves, China's balancing act, and the cracks forming in Russia's war economy. We examine how these moves fit longer arcs — authoritarian slide, the undoing of norms, imperial ambition, and great power competition.Trump Shifts Tone — Says Ukraine Can Win Back All Territory President Trump publicly stated that he now believes Ukraine can reclaim all territory lost to Russia, with NATO and EU support. (AP News) This marks a departure from prior suggestions of negotiated land compromises – the morally vacuous and strategically unworkable ‘land swap' proposal.----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO The Power Vertical with Brian Whitmore https://www.powervertical.org/ ----------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----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------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:Unveiling Russian Propaganda and the Ukraine Crisis with ConstantineIn this episode, Jonathan hosts Constantine, a renowned YouTube commentator on Russian affairs, for an in-depth discussion on the ongoing situation inside Russia and its broader implications. They explore the powerful influence and historical context of Russian propaganda, particularly its portrayal of strength despite systemic weaknesses. The conversation delves into the recent escalation involving attacks on Poland and other European air spaces, highlighting the strategic goals behind these actions. The duo also examines Ukraine's effective strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, the dire state of the Russian economy, and the impact of Chinese support on Russia's war efforts. Insights are provided into the potential unrest within Russia due to economic hardships and the government's tightening control over information and dissent. Finally, a personal recommendation for the documentary series 'Kyiv of Mine,' which sheds light on Ukraine's resilience and challenges, is shared.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Support Requests01:06 The Role of Russian Propaganda03:38 Escalation and Strategic Moves06:59 Personal Recommendation: Kiev of Mine09:25 Impact of Ukrainian Strikes on Russia21:19 Gasoline Shortages in Russia25:36 Potential for Civil Unrest in Russia30:49 The Impact of Moscow's Decisions32:11 Economic Struggles and Political Dynamics33:31 The Role of Russian Officials40:11 The Carrot and Stick Approach42:52 Business Seizures and Economic Decline53:17 China's Support for Russia56:16 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook----------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----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Edition No247 | 23-09-2025 - The moment of truth has arrived for Europe. It's no longer just about defending values, but about its sovereign airspace, its territory and its people. Russia is a danger to the free world. When the Skies Break: Poland, Estonia & Europe's Air Defense Reckoning. When Russian drones penetrate Poland, Romania and Moldova. When MiG-31s cross into Estonian airspace. When alliances are tested not by war declarations but by quiet overflights, coded provocations, and ambiguous threats, then the resolve of European countries is also tested. And found wanting. Trump posted: “Here we go!” after Poland shot down Russian drones. What does that mean? It hints at a kind of expectation that something like this was in the offing. How did President Trump expect such a confrontation, yet European leaders have once more been caught on the hop, seemingly unprepared? Tonight: we map the incursion story from Poland to Estonia, the proposals to close the skies, and what Europe must do when its neighbors fly into its backyard, in a way that is calculated and aggressive.----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. General campaign progress:We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive a limited collection pin.For €2,500 we will place your custom sticker on one side of a truck. The average cost of an armored pickup we deploy to the front-line is €11,000. If you contribute with that amount all the custom branding options will be yours. Plus you'll receive a personalized reporting about the truck, where it ends up as well as some surprise gifts from us.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAbout Car for Ukraine - As of Summer 2025 they have provided: - 715 Vehicles Delivered to the front-line, mainly armored pickups- 2,000,000+ Kilometers Covered Across Europe- €6,000,000+ worth of vehicles delivered to the front-line Thank you for your support. Together to our shared victory! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: https://kyivindependent.com/europe-scrambles-for-ukrainian-interceptor-drones-following-russias-polish-attack/https://kyivindependent.com/a-day-after-russian-attack-poland-shows-unity-but-also-anxiety/https://kyivindependent.com/in-largest-drone-breach-into-nato-territory-russia-appears-to-be-probing-polish-resolve/https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drones-have-entered-several-nato-countries-airspace-far-more-are-within-its-range/https://kyivindependent.com/natos-response-to-russian-drones-reveals-glaring-issue-with-europes-air-defenses/----------
On his YouTube channel Talk4Ukraine, Christoph Müller conducts deep conversations with experts, politicians and activists about the current situation in Ukraine and its geopolitical importance.----------LINKS: @Talk4Ukraine https://www.youtube.com/@Talk4Ukrainehttps://x.com/weplay4ukrainehttps://bsky.app/profile/chris-mueller64.bsky.socialhttps://4ukraine.info/https://weplay4ukraine.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph-m%C3%BCller-267302129/https://www.instagram.com/talk4ukraine----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. General campaign progress:We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive a limited collection pin.For €2,500 we will place your custom sticker on one side of a truck. The average cost of an armored pickup we deploy to the front-line is €11,000. If you contribute with that amount all the custom branding options will be yours. Plus you'll receive a personalized reporting about the truck, where it ends up as well as some surprise gifts from us.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAbout Car for Ukraine - As of Summer 2025 they have provided: - 715 Vehicles Delivered to the front-line, mainly armored pickups- 2,000,000+ Kilometers Covered Across Europe- €6,000,000+ worth of vehicles delivered to the front-line Thank you for your support. Together to our shared victory! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------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/----------
2025-09-23 | Silicon Wafers 008 | DAILY UPDATES | Wafers daily is a round-up of news over the last 1-2 days, with a particular focus on the resurgence of authoritarian regimes in the 21st century, great power competition, democracy on the defensive, the Russian imperial project, and how Ukraine is leading the fightback for values and freedom. In this short video format, I hope to bring some light to dark times.Ukraine's $65 Billion Financing Gap and the War Economy - Ukraine is facing a painful truth: the scale of external financing it needs through 2027 is far beyond previous estimates. The International Monetary Fund has forecast a $65 billion financing gap, almost double what Ukraine had earlier estimated — $38 billion. (Reuters)----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO ----------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----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Overview00:34 Ukraine's $65 Billion Financing Gap04:24 China's Cargo Ship in Occupied Crimea07:47 Trump and Zelenskyy Meet at the UN09:58 Moscow Under Drone Barrage12:26 Denmark and Norway Close Airports After Drone Sightings15:55 Moldova's Election Under Threat18:53 Escalation at NATO's Borders21:57 Conclusion and Strategic Observations----------
2025-09-22 | Silicon Wafers 007 | DAILY UPDATES | Wafers daily is a round-up of news over the last 1-2 days, with a particular focus on the resurgence of authoritarian regimes in the 21st century, great power competition, democracy on the defensive, the Russian imperial project, and how Ukraine is leading the fightback for values and freedom. In this short video format, I hope to bring some light to dark times.Today is September 22, 2025. Over the past two days we've seen sharp escalations in the Russia-Ukraine war, new moves from Moscow on arms control, and rumbles in the clash between great powers. We'll walk through what's new, what it reveals, and what it tells us about tyranny, imperial ambitions, and the long arc of global authoritarianism. Let's begin.Russia's Massive Drone & Missile Assaults — Civilian Terror as Strategy. On September 20, Russian forces launched what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called a “massive” coordinated attack: over 580 drones and around 40 missiles fired overnight at nine regions across Ukraine — including Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy and Kharkiv. (Reuters)The targets: infrastructure, residential buildings, civilian manufacturing. In Dnipro, for example, a cluster munition struck a multi-story residential building. At least three people were killed, dozens injured. (Reuters)----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO ----------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----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Joe Lindsley is a traveller and a writer, and American who was reporting on Chicago's WGN Radio from Ukraine each and every weekday of Russia's full-scale war until earlier this year. He once was protégé to Fox News founder Roger Ailes, but Lindsley escaped that frenzied world where power mattered more than truth. He came to Lviv for a Ukrainian Catholic University journalism conference on Information Overload, AI, and Responsibility. Then the Coronavirus shut down world travel, and he stayed to build a better vision for the media industry.----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. General campaign progress:We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive a limited collection pin.For €2,500 we will place your custom sticker on one side of a truck. The average cost of an armored pickup we deploy to the front-line is €11,000. If you contribute with that amount all the custom branding options will be yours. Plus you'll receive a personalized reporting about the truck, where it ends up as well as some surprise gifts from us.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAbout Car for Ukraine - As of Summer 2025 they have provided: - 715 Vehicles Delivered to the front-line, mainly armored pickups- 2,000,000+ Kilometers Covered Across Europe- €6,000,000+ worth of vehicles delivered to the front-line Thank you for your support. Together to our shared victory! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------LINKS:https://www.ukrainianfreedomnews.com/donation/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Lindsleyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-lindsley-60087618/https://www.youtube.com/@jplindsleyhttps://twitter.com/JPLindsleyhttps://www.instagram.com/jplindsley/https://www.facebook.com/josephlindsleyhttps://www.ukrainianfreedomnews.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/----------
This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. General campaign progress:We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive a limited collection pin.For €2,500 we will place your custom sticker on one side of a truck. The average cost of an armored pickup we deploy to the front-line is €11,000. If you contribute with that amount all the custom branding options will be yours. Plus you'll receive a personalized reporting about the truck, where it ends up as well as some surprise gifts from us.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAbout Car for Ukraine - As of Summer 2025 they have provided: - 715 Vehicles Delivered to the front-line, mainly armored pickups- 2,000,000+ Kilometers Covered Across Europe- €6,000,000+ worth of vehicles delivered to the front-line Thank you for your support. Together to our shared victory! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------Simon Woodiwiss obtained a degree in history and classics from Surrey University, after which he joined the British Army and attended RMAS. He served six years as an Infantry Officer in numerous countries, leaving as a Captain. The next five years he spent in security risk management and from there a career in private wealth and investment management. Simon is the founder of Objective Ukraine, and is well connected to the MoD, AFU, government, ministries and commercial bodies. His invaluable network of connections helps businesses develop in Ukraine, covering specialist areas such as project management, subcontracting, security risk management and so on. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/company/objective-ua/https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-woodiwiss-75844975/https://www.intelligenceonline.com/corporate-intelligence/2024/02/20/objective-ukraine-linking-kyiv-s-special-forces-with-uk-security-providers,110161757-artBritish Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce:https://bucc.uk/UBN Network:https://ubn.network/----------
This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. General campaign progress:We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive a limited collection pin.For €2,500 we will place your custom sticker on one side of a truck. The average cost of an armored pickup we deploy to the front-line is €11,000. If you contribute with that amount all the custom branding options will be yours. Plus you'll receive a personalized reporting about the truck, where it ends up as well as some surprise gifts from us.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAbout Car for Ukraine - As of Summer 2025 they have provided: - 715 Vehicles Delivered to the front-line, mainly armored pickups- 2,000,000+ Kilometers Covered Across Europe- €6,000,000+ worth of vehicles delivered to the front-line Thank you for your support. Together to our shared victory! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------David Kirichenko is one of the sharper voices reporting on Ukraine's war, especially where warfare is changing—drones, cyber, robotics. He blends vivid front-line storytelling with policy and strategic insight, especially around how Ukraine's innovations force changes in how nations defend, think, and remember. He places moral stakes at the centre: not just victory, but memory, justice, identity.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------LINKS:https://x.com/dvkirichenko?lang=enhttps://kyivindependent.com/author/david-kirichenko/https://euromaidanpress.com/author/davidkirichenko/https://www.kyivpost.com/authors/228----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------
Samuel Ramani is an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank in London and the CEO of Pangea Geopolitical Risk. Samuel is the author of Russia in Africa: Resurgent Great Power or Bellicose Pretender and Putin's War on Ukraine: Russia's Campaign for Global Counter-Revolution, which were published by Oxford University Press and Hurst in 2023. Samuel frequently advises the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, US Department of State, US Department of Defence, and NATO on defense and security issues, and is a regular contributor to the BBC World Service, Al Jazeera, CNN International, and Foreign Policy magazine.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------LINKS:https://www.mei.edu/profile/samuel-ramani----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------DESCRIPTION: Russia's Global Counter-Revolution: In-Depth Analysis with Samuel RamaniIn this episode, Jonathan interviews Samuel Ramani, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and CEO of Pangea Geopolitical Risk. Ramani, author of books such as 'Russia in Africa' and 'Putin's War on Ukraine: Russia's campaign for Global Counter-Revolution,' discusses the overarching narrative behind Russia's global resurgence and counter-revolutionary efforts. They delve into the ideological and pragmatic motivations of Vladimir Putin, Russia's historical sense of humiliation, and Putin's strategic alignment with global far-right movements. The conversation also covers the implications of a potential post-war period in Ukraine and the future of Russian imperialism in regions like the Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and South Caucasus. Through detailed analysis, Ramani elucidates the complexities of Russia's domestic politics, its international strategies, and the sociopolitical forces that sustain Putin's regime.----------CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Samuel Ramani and His Work00:21 Overview of Russia's Global Counter-Revolution02:06 Putin's Historical Ambitions and Russian Identity05:06 Russian Ideology and the Invasion of Ukraine08:50 Generational Divide in Support for the War13:40 Economic Stability and Rising Ultra-Nationalism20:46 Putin's Pragmatism vs. Ideology25:57 Reconciling Contradictions and Promoting Sovereign Democracy27:14 Russia's Multipolar World and Sovereignty Contradictions29:45 Russian Propaganda and Anti-Western Sentiment32:08 The Evolution of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict36:04 Russia's Global Influence and Counter-Revolutionary Strategy41:10 Putin's Grip on Power and Potential Threats44:54 The Future of Russian Aggression and Global Stability50:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------
Edition No246 | 14-09-2025 - When Russian drones violate Polish airspace and NATO in Europe scrambles, what does the American president post? If you read the headlines, you may get one version of reality – that decisive action is coming, it's being planned, it's almost here. If you peel away the normalization bias and sane washing, then it's clear that nothing is happening, and nothing is likely to happen from US side that would deter Vladimir Putin. Trump will not defend you. Trump's response to the unprecedented attack on Poland, Europe and NATO, he immediately turned around and delivered an ultimatum not to Russia, but to NATO itself. We'll unpack why Donald Trump's threats and conditions land on allies—not on Moscow—whenever Europe is tested, how the media “sane-washes” the noise into a tepid bath of normal, and why Europe must plan like the cavalry isn't coming. Because it's not. “The war in Ukraine would end if all NATO countries stopped buying oil from Russia,” Trump posted—calling those purchases “shocking” and saying they “greatly weaken your negotiating position.” (Sky News, Sept. 13, 2025). (Sky News)----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. General campaign progress:We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive a limited collection pin.For €2,500 we will place your custom sticker on one side of a truck. The average cost of an armored pickup we deploy to the front-line is €11,000. If you contribute with that amount all the custom branding options will be yours. Plus you'll receive a personalized reporting about the truck, where it ends up as well as some surprise gifts from us.Thank you for your support. Together to our shared victory! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: “The war in Ukraine would end if all NATO countries stopped buying oil from Russia… [their purchases are] 'shocking'.” — Sky News, Sept. 13, 2025“No, I would not protect you. In fact I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay.” — Trump recounting his message to a NATO leader (Reuters, Feb. 11–13, 2024)“U.S. [is] willing to impose new energy sanctions on Russia, but only if all NATO members also cease purchasing Russian oil.” — Reuters, Sept. 13, 2025Mattis resignation letter: “treating allies with respect” and being “clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors.” — DoD/PBS/Reuters, Dec. 20, 2018 (U.S. Department of War)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------Colin Freeman is a former chief foreign correspondent of The Sunday Telegraph, and is now a freelance foreign affairs journalist. He writes features, comment and book reviews for The Daily Telegraph, as well as for The Spectator, The Economist, and The National in Abu Dhabi. He contributes regularly to From Our Own Correspondent on BBC Radio Four and does media punditry on foreign affairs. He is also the author of three previous books: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: The mission to rescue the hostages the world forgot (2021). Kidnapped: Life as a Somali pirate hostage (2011) about the author's own experience of being abducted in Somalia in 2008. And The Curse of the Al-Dulaimi Hotel and other half-truths from Baghdad (2008) is a book of reportage about post-Saddam Iraq.----------BOOKS: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: The mission to rescue the hostages the world forgot (2021)The Mad and the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion (2025)Kidnapped (2011)----------LINKS:https://colinfreemansite.wordpress.com/about/https://x.com/colinfreeman99?lang=enhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/ck-co/colin-freeman/https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/colin-freeman/https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-freeman-3a366217/https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B001KIFODOhttps://muckrack.com/colin-freeman----------DESCRIPTION: Unveiling 'The Mad and the Brave': Colin Freeman Talks Ukraine's Foreign LegionIn this episode, we sit down with Colin Freeman, former chief foreign correspondent for the Sunday Telegraph and a seasoned freelance journalist. Freeman discusses his latest book, 'The Mad and the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion,' which delves into the lives of foreign volunteers who have joined the fight in Ukraine. He shares insights from numerous interviews with volunteers, explores their motivations, and compares the conflict to historical precedents like the Spanish Civil War. The conversation also touches on the organizational challenges faced by the International Legion and the psychological toll on combatants. Additionally, the episode features recommendations and commentary on the documentary series 'Kyiv of Mine,' which aims to change perspectives on Ukraine beyond the war narrative. Watch as Freeman provides a detailed, humanizing look into one of the 21st century's most significant conflicts.----------
Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------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:Decoding Russia's Criminality: Elvira Bary on Storytelling, Self-Discovery, and Political InsightIn this episode, we welcome back Elvira Barry, an author, researcher, and YouTube content creator, who provides a deep dive into Russia's blend of storytelling, history, and political realities. Elvira discusses how Russian history impacts the nation's contemporary political decisions, the authoritarian slide under Putin, and the criminal underpinnings that shape the state structure. The conversation touches on societal hierarchies, the role of historical criminality, and the law's function within Russian society. Additionally, we discuss the recent full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the socio-political dynamics that stem from this conflict. The episode also highlights the importance of understanding authoritarian regimes and how to stop them from growing. Lastly, Elvira provides insights into how post-Putin Russia might look and the importance of building a better understanding between Western and Russian societies.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Elvira Bary01:12 Understanding Russian Criminality02:13 The Caste System in Russia07:45 Personal Anecdotes and Examples17:26 The Role of Western Influence27:07 The Hierarchical Society and Its Implications39:43 The Romanticism of Criminal Culture41:46 The Struggles of the Average Russian44:01 The Criminal Path as an Escape45:59 The Role of the West and Oligarchs46:22 The Systemic Problems in Russian Society47:54 The Deep-Rooted Criminality in Russia49:00 Historical Context and Authoritarian Regimes51:04 The Tribal Structure and Leadership55:12 The Concept of Abundance and Industrial Mindset59:27 The Role of Humiliation and Abuse01:01:58 The Future of Russia and Potential Solutions01:10:01 The Need for a New Russian Identity01:15:50 The Challenges of Post-Putin Russia01:17:40 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Livestream with Jonathan MS Pearce - The shocking slaying of Charlie Kirk has huge implications. Politicization and attempts to weaponize of this tragic event are inevitable. ----------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----------https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainDonate and Receive - Collectable PatchAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.For our Autumn patch, we present the Galician Lion. The rampant lion represents power and intelligence. It has represented Western Ukrainian people since the 1100s. The Ruthenian lion, also known as the Ukrainian lion or Galician lion, was featured on the historic coat of arms of: The Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia (Ruthenia)1199-1349, The battle flag of the Lviv land in the Battle of Tannenberg, 1410 The Ruthenian Voivodeship (Administration) 1434-1772 and The Western Ukrainian People's Republic 1918-1919. The Ukrainian national liberation movement, 1948----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.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/-----------
Alice Zhuravel is a social entrepreneur hailing from Kharkiv, Ukraine. She has a passion for learning and exploring different fields, particularly at the intersection of science and art. Her academic journey began at the historical faculty of the Pedagogical University named after H.S. Skovoroda in Kharkiv, where she studied media art and 3D. However, the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine changed the trajectory of her career. Subsequently, she began working for a research organization, investigating the experiences of people suffering from crises. Ukrainian and Nigerian heritage led her to found Tozhsamist, a social project that aims to promote diversity and positive culture in Ukraine by sharing the personal stories of diverse Ukrainians.----------LINKS:https://x.com/alicezhuravel?lang=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-zhuravel-a60167124/?originalSubdomain=uahttps://www.instagram.com/zhuravelalice/?hl=en----------LVIV MEDIA FORUM:The NGO Lviv Media Forum strengthens media, institutions, and public figures capable of fostering healthy public dialogue in Ukraine and beyond. Our goal is an effective and democratic society united by healthy communication. The organization was founded in 2013 to bring together media professionals from Ukraine and around the world in Lviv for the annual LMF conference. Over the years, we have grown into an ecosystem of people, organizations, and projects that support the media, develop comprehensive solutions for them, and promote the best media practices in Ukraine and globally. We are moving from supporting and developing media and journalists to a broader strategic focus: empowering communication actors, including media, civil society organizations, government bodies, and more. https://lvivmediaforum.com/enhttps://conference.lvivmediaforum.com/----------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----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.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/----------
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/----------
This conversation was recorded before Russia's drone strike on Poland. But in the conversation we speculate that just such an incident is becoming an inevitable part of the Kremlin's escalating aggression and probing of Western defenses and resolve. ----------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 LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------DESCRIPTION: Disrupting Disinformation: The Urgent Need for Resilient SocietiesIn this illuminating conversation, the host and Operator Starsky reconvene to discuss the pressing issues surrounding disinformation, focusing on a recent move by the U.S. Department of State to dismantle a 22-country agreement aimed at combating Russian, Chinese, and Iranian misinformation. They highlight the severe implications of this decision for national security and counter-intelligence efforts. The conversation turns to the lamentable yet strategic nature of disinformation campaigns and their harmful impacts and stresses the necessity for robust countermeasures. The discussion also delves into Ukraine's ongoing struggle and how the nation has remarkably adapted to external threats by enhancing its defensive and offensive capabilities, including the development of advanced drones and missiles like Flamingo. The societal and geopolitical impacts are examined, with specific focus on how international communities can provide better support against such pervasive threats. The episode wraps up with a poignant reminder of the unyielding resilience of the Ukrainian people amid these extraordinary challenges.----------CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Recap00:42 Breaking News: Disinformation Agreement Annulled01:57 The Threat of Russian Disinformation04:57 Propagandists and Justice08:11 Film Recommendation: Kiev of Mine11:02 Escalation in Ukraine13:31 Trump's Impact on Ukraine28:54 Ukraine's Resilience and Innovation36:03 Escalating Fuel Crisis in Russia38:18 Historical Context and Comparisons40:20 Russian Air Defense and Strategic Targets44:00 Internal Russian Politics and Potential Coups46:58 Ukraine's Strategic Strikes and International Support52:35 Impact of Sanctions on Russian Aviation58:52 Western Perceptions of Russia01:04:16 Historical Atrocities and Misconceptions01:08:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------
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 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.----------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 frontline towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------DESCRIPTION:Analyzing Russian Drone Incursions in Poland: Intentional Act or Accident?In this episode, we delve into the recent incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace, a significant event post-World War II. The discussion examines the implications of such actions, including NATO's response and the invocation of Article Four. Our expert guest provides insights into the potential motivations behind Russia's actions, the role of Belarus, and the complexities of electronic warfare. We also explore the broader context of Russia's provocations against Western resolve, the potential for escalatory steps, and the future of NATO's response strategy. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the geopolitical tensions and the strategic calculations involved.----------CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:54 Recent Drone Incursion in Poland02:17 NATO's Response and Article Four04:24 Kremlin Signaling and Intent12:17 Electronic Warfare and Drone Behavior16:02 Potential Escalation and Western Response20:30 Belarus' Role and Sanctions22:53 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.org----------
Edition No245 | 10-09-2025 - Poland has triggered NATO Article 4, in what is being interpreted by informed commentators as a significant sub-threshold escalation by Russia's, and explicit threat Europe and the NATO alliance, as well as marking the war's widening arc. Poland says a mass of Russian “drone-type objects” broke into its airspace as Moscow hammered Ukraine. Polish and allied jets — including Dutch F-35s — scrambled and shot several down. Warsaw shut airports, ordered people indoors, and did something only anticipated in the gravest moments: invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty. “Last night the Polish airspace was violated by a huge number of Russian drones. Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote. (Associated Press via NPR/OPB, Sept. 10, 2025)The EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas called it “the most serious European airspace violation by Russia since the war began,” adding that “indications suggest it was intentional, not accidental.” (Reuters, Sept. 10, 2025; ABC News, Sept. 10, 2025) This is no isolated scare. It fits a pattern: missiles and drones “straying” into NATO skies, GPS jamming from Kaliningrad, and the return of Zapad, Russia's most confrontational military drills with Belarus. Tonight, we map the pattern, the risks, and what comes next. (AP News, Defence News, Chatham House)----------SOURCES: https://kyivindependent.com/poland-asks-nato-to-invoke-article-4-over-russian-drone-incursion/https://kyivindependent.com/nato-jets-scrambled-as-poland-reacts-to-suspected-russian-drones-during-strikes-on-ukraine/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/10/ukraine-russia-war-latest-news-drones-poland-nato/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/sep/10/poland-pm-condemns-repeated-violation-of-airspace-amid-russian-attack-on-ukraine-follow-livehttps://news.sky.com/story/russian-drones-may-have-been-testing-nato-but-how-will-it-respond-13428012https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5495514-poland-russia-drones-shot-down/https://www.ft.com/content/0dc73556-67f2-4f48-b0ad-53f183a05df3https://www.politico.eu/article/poland-scrambles-fighters-shoots-down-russian-drones-after-airspace-violations-ukraine-warning/https://cepa.org/article/russias-zapad-2025-an-exercise-in-hostility/https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/09/02/russias-zapad-drill-has-europe-on-edge-about-low-key-attacks/https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/09/zapad-2025-what-russia-belarus-military-exercise-will-reveal-about-lukashenkas-intentionshttps://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/09/poland-to-close-border-with-belarus-ahead-of-zapad-2025-military-drills-a90474----------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----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------