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.
Silicon Bites Ep283 | 2026-01-08 | The tanker seizure drama has apparently opened the flood gates of Z-patriots rage and tears. They bemoan the humiliation of their navy and demi-god Tsar, the weakness of the Russian navy, and the lack of counter response, and above all the shifting perception that Russia will not be carving up this world with Trump, as they had thought, but that he may be carving slices off their power, influence and geopolitical reach. This is genuine panic and rage by Russia's nationalist imperialists, and it's delicious to behold. Let's unpack it.If you want a snapshot of Russia's decline into strategic humiliation, you could look at the battlefield map in Donbas, but for a fresher dose of prime humiliation, look at the loss of their tanker this week to US forces, that conducted a joint UK-US operation. Because this week, the United States — backed operationally by the United Kingdom — ran down a sanctions-busting “grey fleet” vessel that literally tried to cosplay sovereignty mid-flight from Venezuela, changing identity, switching flags, painting a Russian tricolor on the hull while being pursued. None if that helped, and it was nonetheless seized.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Michael Naki - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEs10co9JVI&t=1326sUK Ministry of Defence press release (Jan 7, 2026): operational support details + Healey quotes (GOV.UK)Reuters exclusive (Jan 7, 2026): timeline, seizure near Iceland, submarine shadowing, no confrontation, second tanker (Reuters)Financial Times (Jan 8, 2026): legal/flagging dispute framing, “ghost fleet” context TIME (Jan 8, 2026): UK support overview, RAF + RFA Tideforce reference, contextThe Wall Street Journal (Jan 7, 2026): shadow fleet scale + escort reporting The Times (Jan 8, 2026): additional operational colour (attributed) The Guardian (Jan 7, 2026): additional reporting, context and reactions (used cautiously) ----------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----------
2026-01-08 | UPDATES #093 | Leonid Ivashov “goes off script” in late 2025 — not a dissident or part of the systemic opposition, but a regime insider, offering an elite-military critique of the Ukraine war and Putin's imperial project. His judgement is not positive and is not complimentary. The “1,400 days” blast: a system general describes strategic failure and state rotThis is something rare in Putin's Russia: a senior, establishment-bred military voice penned a fierce critique of Putin's war and its management that is being circulated — Leonid Ivashov is saying the quiet part out loud. This normally means tea, window or altitude cancer. Late in December, a set of quotes attributed to retired Colonel-General Leonid Ivashov has been widely reposted — especially via X and secondary reposts — framed as his assessment after roughly 1,400 days of Russia's full-scale war. One widely shared compilation was reposted on Saturday, 27 December 2025.----------SOURCES: https://diplomatizzando.blogspot.com/2025/12/general-leonid-ivashov-strongly.htmlhttps://art-of-arts.livejournal.com/1126865.htmlhttps://svpressa.ru/politic/article/456495/https://news.rambler.ru/army/51098930-leonid-ivashov-sdelayte-tak-chtoby-lyudi-perestali-gibnut-perestali-stradat/ (republishing Svobodnaya Pressa, 15 July 2023)https://cepa.org/article/russia-and-the-rocketmen/https://altanalyses.org/en/2022/02/07/general-leonid-ivashovs-draft-appeal-is-an-all-out-attack-on-vladimir-putin/https://izborsk-club.ru/author/ivashovhttps://izborsk-club.ru/22165https://izborsk-club.ru/15124----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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----------
2025-12-31 | UPDATES #085 | Ukraine put its hand on the light switch of Russia's imperial capital region — and flicked it. Not metaphorically. Literally. The lights went out for a substantial number of people in Moscow. Ahead of the most important and symbolic holiday or the year, New Year's evening.On December 30, 2025, parts of Moscow Oblast — specifically Ramenskoye, Zhukovsky, and Lytkarino — reported power outages, with residents posting videos of darkened districts and street lighting gone. Meduza reported that an “automatic shutdown” occurred at a high-voltage substation, with officials and local reporting also describing a cable or equipment fire; power was partially restored within hours. (Meduza)----------SOURCES: Meduza — “Three cities of Moscow Oblast partially left without electricity” (Dec 30, 2025)https://meduza.io/news/2025/12/30/tri-goroda-moskovskoy-oblasti-chastichno-ostalis-bez-elektrichestvaReuters — “Ukraine targets Moscow with drones, Russia says” (Dec 30, 2025)https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-targets-moscow-with-drones-russia-says-2025-12-30/RBC (???) — “Drones downed on approach to Moscow increased to five” (Dec 30, 2025)https://www.rbc.ru/politics/30/12/2025/695410fb9a79477082f09d87The Moscow Times — “Ukrainian Drones Strike Energy Sites and Homes Across Russia, Officials Say” (Dec 31, 2025)https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/31/ukrainian-drones-strike-energy-sites-and-homes-across-russia-officials-say-a91592Reuters — “Ukrainians withstand days-long power cuts in crowded ‘resilience' shelters” (Dec 30, 2025)https://www.reuters.com/world/ukrainians-withstand-days-long-power-cuts-crowded-resilence-shelters-2025-12-30/Reuters — “Russian drones, missiles pound Ukraine ahead of Zelenskiy-Trump meeting” (Dec 27, 2025)https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-drones-missiles-pound-ukraine-before-zelenskiy-trump-meeting-2025-12-27/----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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----------
Silicon Bites Ep282 | 2026-01-07 | The invasion of Venezuela was widely expected and predicted. It was no less shocking for all that, but perhaps what we did not foresee, is that it would embroil the Russian shadow fleet in a confrontation with US forces in its self-declared hemisphere of sovereign influence. A rusting shadow fleet tanker in the North Atlantic — being shadowed by a Russian submarine, was boarded by US forces anyway. In the past 24 hours, the United States seized the oil tanker now known as Marinera, formerly Bella-1, after what Reuters describes as a two-week pursuit across the Atlantic — part of Washington's pressure campaign to choke off sanctions-evasion oil flows linked to Venezuela. (Reuters)----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters (Jan 7, 2026) — “Exclusive: US seizes Venezuela-linked, Russian-flagged oil tanker after weeks-long pursuit”https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-seizing-venezuela-linked-oil-tanker-after-weeks-long-pursuit-2026-01-07/Reuters (Jan 7, 2026) — “UK supported US mission to seize Russian-flagged oil tanker, MoD says”https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/uk-supported-us-mission-seize-russian-oil-tanker-mod-says-2026-01-07/Reuters (Jan 7, 2026) — “US seizes Russian-flagged tanker tied to Venezuela as Trump widens oil push”https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-venezuela-oil-deal-angers-china-pushes-prices-down-2026-01-07/ABC News (Jan 7, 2026) — “US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker in North Atlantic and 2nd tanker”https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-seizes-russian-flagged-oil-tanker-north-atlantic/story?id=128976500The Guardian (Jan 7, 2026) — “UK helped US seize Russian-flagged tanker, defence ministry says”https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/07/uk-helped-us-seize-russian-flagged-tanker-defence-ministry-saysBloomberg (Jan 6, 2026) — “Chevron Lines Up 11 Oil Ships as Venezuela's Dark Fleet Vanishes”https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-06/chevron-lines-up-11-oil-ships-as-venezuela-s-dark-fleet-vanishes----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2026-01-07 | UPDATES #091 | “Recommendations drive a significant amount of the overall viewership on YouTube, even more than channel subscriptions or search.” That's according to YouTube's own engineers, who stress just how central this machinery is to what gets seen, when and by whom. It's clearly laid out on a transparency post on the YouTube blog site. (blog.youtube) But I can see it clearly in the stats of my two channels as well, Silicon Curtain and Silicon Wafers. What has resonance in the algorithm gets shown more, and videos that don't fall into a vacuum of obscurity, getting low view counts, fewer comments, no revenue and few subscribers.----------SOURCES: YouTube Help Center — “YouTube's Recommendation System” (no date shown)https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/16533387?hl=enYouTube Blog — “On YouTube's recommendation system” (15 Sep 2021)https://blog.youtube/inside-youtube/on-youtubes-recommendation-system/YouTube Help Center — “How YouTube recommendations work” (no date shown)https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/16089387?hl=enKnight First Amendment Institute (with paper on PMC / OUP) — Engagement ranking amplifies divisive content (2023/2024–2025 publication trail)https://knightcolumbia.org/content/engagement-user-satisfaction-and-the-amplification-of-divisive-content-on-social-mediahttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11894805/Yale News — “Likes” and “shares” teach people to express more outrage online (13 Aug 2021)https://news.yale.edu/2021/08/13/likes-and-shares-teach-people-express-more-outrage-onlineEuropean Commission (CORDIS) — “Social media making us angrier, study reveals” (2021)https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/430608-trending-science-social-media-making-us-angrier-study-revealsU.S. Surgeon General — “Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory” (2023)https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdfAP News — Oxford Word of the Year: “rage bait” (2025)https://apnews.com/article/oxford-word-rage-bait-biohack-aura-farming-205cad01227a75198aaebdea02f6409bThe Guardian — Fake anti-Labour YouTube videos viewed 1.2bn times (13 Dec 2025)https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/13/fake-anti-labour-video-billion-views-youtube-2025The Guardian — X “For You” feed experiment and polarization (27 Nov 2025)https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/nov/27/partisan-x-posts-increase-political-polarisation-among-users-social-media-researchInterface (EU policy) — “Auditing Recommender Systems” (DSA context)https://www.interface-eu.org/publications/auditing-recommender-systems----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Silicon Bites Ep281 | 2025-12-31 | “Putin Wants Ukraine to Succeed?” May be the most misguided, misinformed, and perverse phrase ever uttered by an American president, and it must have grated on Zelenskyy's ears, as he heard it in real-time, yet had to retain some sense of composure. Maybe he heard this phrase as being so at variance with reality, so contrary to history and any factual analysis, that it hit him as a pure absurdity, that could be dismissed out of hand. We just don't know.We could dismiss the phrase too, but unfortunately, I think it is indicative of something dark, which could get considerably darker in 2026 – and this is the strong narrative alignment between the US president and Russia stated objectives and ambitions. Strategic intent, and action may well follow in the wake of this narrative alignment, this convergence of worldview and transactional interests, to create substantial problems for Ukraine, in its resistance to Russian aggression in 2026, and even to the democratic world. ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters (Dec 28, 2025): Trump says US and Ukraine ‘a lot closer' on peace deal but thorny issues remainhttps://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-meet-trump-florida-talks-ukraine-peace-plan-2025-12-28/Reuters (Dec 30, 2025): Zelenskiy discusses US troop presence in Ukraine with Trumphttps://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/zelenskiy-discusses-us-troop-presence-ukraine-with-trump-2025-12-30/Reuters (Dec 28, 2025): Trump says he had “very productive” call with Putin ahead of Zelenskiy meetinghttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-had-very-productive-call-with-putin-ahead-zelenskiy-meeting-2025-12-28/ABC News (Dec 28, 2025): Trump says Russia and Ukraine are ‘maybe very close' after Zelenskyy meetinghttps://abcnews.go.com/Politics/volodymyr-zelenskyy-arrives-mar-lago-peace-talks-president/story?id=128736611Ukrainska Pravda (Dec 29, 2025): Trump says Putin claims he “wants to see Ukraine succeed”https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/12/29/8013774/----------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----------
2026-01-04 | UPDATES #088 | Let's carve up the world. It's January 3rd, 2026, and the new year has arrived with the subtlety of guided bomb. In this episode we ask – Caracas today, possibly Taiwan, The Baltics and Greenland tomorrow? The new world disorder didn't wait for Christmas trees and lights to be taken down – it's impatient to assert its power and influence and rewire the world. Overnight, explosions hit Caracas. Power outages. Panic. And then the headlines that we had half expected, but which still feel surreal: The U.S. has invaded Venezuela full-scale, and President Trump claims President Nicolás Maduro — and his wife, Cilia Flores — were captured and flown out of the country. It's being during touted as a “large scale strike” but seems to be so much more than that. (The Washington Post)----------SOURCES: Reuters (Jan. 3, 2026) — U.S. strikes / Trump claim / Venezuela response. Associated Press (Jan. 3, 2026) — strikes, capture claim, legal reservations. Washington Post (Jan. 3, 2026) — live updates, official U.S. response status. The Guardian (Jan. 2–3, 2026) — Maduro interview; strike/capture reporting. Time (Jan. 3, 2026) — escalation context; casualty figure in prior strikes. CBS News (Jan. 3, 2026) — Petro quote calling for UN meeting. The Moscow Times (Jan. 3, 2026) — Russia MFA condemnation (“armed aggression”). Kyiv Independent (Jan. 3, 2026) — recap and framing for Eastern Europe audience. ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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----------
2026-01-05 | UPDATES #089 | Odesa goes dark: Russia's winter energy war hits Ukraine's Black Sea lifeline Odesa. It is of course a deliberate use of terror and a war crime, but a core part of Russia's attritional and psychological strategy. Odesa is a frontline city without a frontline. In this part of Ukraine, it's a war of transformers, not of artillery, and this is the deliberate logic of an aggressor that cannot make significant gains on the battlefield, so tries to win advantages by freezing people in the winter darkness.Russia's sustained targeting of Ukrainian energy infrastructure is hammering cities across the country this winter, but Odesa may be taking some of the worst hits. Over the New Year period, Odesa and the surrounding region were hit by renewed drone attacks that struck not only residential buildings but also energy and logistics infrastructure. Reuters reported regional authorities saying: “Strike drones attacked residential, logistics and energy infrastructure in our region.”----------SOURCES: Kyiv Independent (Dec 31, 2025) — “'Russia is targeting civilians' … Odesa … outages reported”https://kyivindependent.com/russia-is-targeting-civilians-russian-drones-strike-residential-building-in-odesa-outages-reported/Reuters (Dec 31, 2025) — “Four injured, including three children in Russian attack on Odesa, Ukraine says” https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/four-injured-including-three-children-russian-attack-odesa-ukraine-says-2025-12-31/Reuters (Jan 1, 2026) — “Ukraine condemns Russian new year drone attack on power infrastructure” https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraine-condemns-russian-new-year-drone-attack-power-infrastructure-2026-01-01/Ukrinform (Jan 1, 2026) — “Russian attacks cause new power outages in three regions” (Ukrenergo statement) https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4075663-russian-attacks-cause-new-power-outages-in-three-regions.htmlUNN (Jan 5, 2026) — “Ukrainians face power outages on January 6” (Ukrenergo referenced)https://unn.ua/en/news/ukrainians-face-power-outages-on-january-6Ukrainska Pravda (Dec 31, 2025) — “Energy workers report significant power outages…” (Ukrenergo quotes) https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/12/31/8014130/----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Oleksandr Mykhed is a Ukrainian writer. Until March 2022, he lived in Kyiv; he is now enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He is the author of nine books; selected essays and excerpts from his books have been translated into ten languages. He has participated in literary residencies in Finland, Latvia, Iceland, the USA and France, and a virtual residency at Oxford University. He has written for publications including The Financial Times, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and The Guardian, and has appeared as a guest on CNN and NPR. He is a member of PEN Ukraine, and anyone who has heard him speak, such as at the event in Waterstones in London with Luke Harding, will know how compelling he is.----------LINKS:https://x.com/mykhed_o https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/303637/oleksandr-mykhedhttps://pen.org.ua/en/autors/myhed-oleksandr ARTICLES:https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/jun/30/the-language-of-war-by-oleksandr-mykhed-review-ukraine-russia-a-painful-piece-of-history https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqWDfx4XtRY ----------BOOKS: Artur Dron' - We Were Here (2024)Kostiantyn Zorkin - In the Name of the City (2024)Kostiantyn Zorkin - Codex (Graphic novel in progress)FILMS:Pavlo Ostrikov - U Are the Universe (2024)Anton Ptushkin - Antarctica (2025) Mstyslav Chernov - 2000 Meters to Andriivka (2024)ARTISTS:Kostiantyn Zorkin----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------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/----------
Anders Puck Nielsen is a military analyst and influential YouTuber based in Denmark. He specialises in naval warfare and strategy; in today's video we are going to be talking about the Ukrainian withdrawal from Kursk, the state of NATO and repetition of Kremlin narratives coming from the White House and Trump's inner circle. ----------LINKS:https://www.logicofwar.com/https://www.youtube.com/@anderspuck https://twitter.com/anderspuckhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anderspucknielsen/https://apnielsen.info/en/frontpage/----------Georgijs Ivanovs started the Ukraine Matters channel in 2007, and it has garners 11.5 m views. He started the channel to explain the situation surrounding the war in Ukraine in simple terms. Like myself, he is not Ukrainian, nor is he a military expert. But he has been to Ukraine many times and seen it almost fully (except for Odesa region). He has a lot of good friends in Ukraine, and in fact his wife is Ukrainian, and so feels extremely connected to the invasion that scaled up in February 2022.----------LINKS: @UkraineMatters ----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------DESCRIPTION:In this episode hosted from a secure location in Copenhagen, guests Anders Puck Nielsen & Georgijs Ivanovs join to discuss a broad array of topics focused on the geopolitical tensions surrounding the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. The discussion begins with an analysis of former US President Trump's comments on Russia and Ukraine, and segues into more complex topics like Russia's strategic aims, potential provocations by Putin, and the implications of Zelenskyy's trip to Washington. Also covered are the dynamics of NATO and US-European relations, military preparedness, and the technological advancements driven by the war in Ukraine. The episode touches on broader themes such as the ideological alignment between Trump and Putin, the existential risks facing Europe, and Russia's evolving military tactics and internal repressiveness. The conversation wraps up with predictions and strategic considerations for 2026, emphasizing continued support for Ukraine and the importance of understanding global power shifts.----------
2026-01-02 | UPDATES #087 | The New Year Address That Spawned a 1,000 Memes. Did Russian state media present an AI generated Putin? Is the real Putin glitching? Here a bit of random speculation about the long-awaited decline and fall of the tyrant in the Kremlin. Here's hoping the moment approaches. Russia entered 2026 with the same offer it's been sold for years now: a patriotic hymn to sacrifice… warfare and existential threats of the extinction of Russian civilisation, unless people are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. So, the same old song as last year.On December 31, 2025, Vladimir Putin delivered his annual New Year address — short, conventional in structure, and unmistakable in intent: normalize the war, sanctify the war, and keep the war going. Reuters reported he voiced confidence in eventual victory, praising unity and the “heroism” of those fighting — dressed in black, speaking solemnly. (Reuters) But it was hardly inspiring, hardly original, lacked energy and offered no real hopes for the future. ----------SOURCES: Reuters (Dec 31, 2025): Putin's New Year address, confidence in victory The Moscow Times (Dec 31, 2025): Address rallying Russians around war; key quotes The Kyiv Independent (Jan 1, 2026): No mention of peace; transcript excerpts; “normalizing” war narrative InformNapalm Telegram (Jan 1, 2026): Claim of two versions (black tie / red tie), provider interruption timing Focus.ua (Jan 1, 2026): Summary of incident, Ufanet explanation, circulation claims, possible cyberattack angle TSN (Jan 1, 2026): Summary of social media “AI” arguments (movement, sleeves, midnight timing) Glavred (Jan 1, 2026): Additional roundup of the rumor and claimed “visual tells” (Главред)Spectator Australia (Jan 1–2, 2026): Sarcastic “LLM-generated” framing of the speech's blandnessTelegraf (Jan 1, 2026): Asking AI (Grok) about likelihood; notes uncertainty (Телеграф)MosRegToday / cited interview coverage (Jan 2, 2026): Puchkov (“Goblin”) dismisses AI rumor as normal editing ([Подмосковье Сегодня)----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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----------
Alya Shandra is Editor-in-chief at Euro Maidan Press. She has a background in environmental science and NGOs. During the Euromaidan revolution Alya Shandra launched an indy-media outlet called Euromaidan Press, and that project was fuelled by her interest in how to help Ukraine permanently move beyond being a post-communist post-colony country and evolve into becoming a free and democratic society that tackles corruption and nepotism. ----------LINKS:https://euromaidanpress.com/author/alya/https://x.com/alyashandrahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alya-shandra-5b1a68b/ ----------BOOKS: Ihor Kozlovskyi - Man at the Crossroads: Reflections on Existential IntelligenceStanislav Aseyev - The Torture Camp on Paradise StreetFILMS:Alexander Dovzhenko - Earth (1930)ARTISTS:Fedir Krychevsky - The triptych “Life” (1925-1927)----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------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/----------
2026-01-01 | UPDATES #086 | Iran in uproar – 2026 gets off to a volatile start. Could Putin be about to lose another ally, and the dictators' retirement home in Moscow gain a few new residents? It's January 1, 2026 — and Iran is experiencing its largest protest wave in roughly three years, triggered by a collapsing currency and a cost-of-living cliff edge, and now spilling into something darker: street clashes, reported deaths, and a regime trying to talk and threaten at the same time.Could this be a sign that 2026 is the year of regimes falling, dictatorships toppling like dominoes, as their ludicrous and aggressive global ambitions outstrip their resources and capabilities? The reality is that no credible reporting says the Islamic Republic is collapsing today — but the scale, composition, and economic origin of this uprising make it a serious stress test for Tehran's rulers. (Reuters) And let's not forget how suddenly and completely the regime in Syria collapsed after decades in power. Experts thought this was unassailable too.----------SOURCES: Reuters (Jan 1, 2026) — “Several reported killed in Iran protests over economic hardships”https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/one-person-killed-iran-protests-over-economic-woes-2026-01-01/Reuters (Dec 31, 2025) — “Iranians try to access local government building on fourth day of protests, state media says”https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranians-try-access-local-government-building-fourth-day-protests-state-media-2025-12-31/Reuters (Dec 30, 2025) — “Iran's government offers dialogue as protests spread to universities”https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-government-offers-dialogue-protesters-2025-12-30/Associated Press (Jan 1, 2026) — “At least 6 reported killed during widening protests in Iran sparked by ailing economy”https://apnews.com/article/8533eacbc3c502ccc5f5339ae4384399Al Jazeera (Dec 31, 2025) — “Iran's Pezeshkian urges unity as protests over economic woes turn deadly”https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/31/protests-in-iran-spread-amid-deep-discontent-over-economic-duress----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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----------
Hanna Shelest is a Ukrainian security and foreign-policy analyst: Senior Fellow at CEPA, Director of Security Programmes at Ukrainian Prism, and Editor-in-chief of UA: Ukraine Analytica. She has also worked on Ukrainian strategy and communications initiatives connected to NATO and maritime security.BOOKS: Viktoriia Amelina - Looking at Women Looking at War (2025)Volodymyr Vakulenko - Ukrainian Fairy Tales for Little Patriots: Saint Nicholas Comes with PeaceFILMS:Anton Ptushkin - Antarctica (2025) ARTISTS:Kazimir Malevich----------LINKS:https://www.rusi.org/people/shelesthttps://cepa.org/author/hanna-shelest/https://prismua.org/en/team/hanna-shelest/https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannashelest/https://www.fpri.org/contributor/hanna-shelest/https://ukraine-analytica.org/author/hanna-shelest/----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------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/----------
Anna Danylchuk has been creating a war diary since the early days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022. Anna Danylchuk aims to tell the truth about Ukraine and Russia's war and cut through the noise and propaganda. Anna is passionate about the beauty and independence of her country, and communicates this powerfully in her videos, in a clear and honest way.----------LINKS: @AnnafromUkraine https://www.buymeacoffee.com/annafromukraineMy interview with Anna in Lviv - hosted on her excellent channel- https://youtu.be/daHcnsNQ1S0?si=yHbZ2kJZ3CTVRd8Z----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------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/----------
Here at Dzyga's Paw Charity Fund, we understand that the work of this scale can't be accomplished alone. The collaboration shared vision, and collective efforts of dedicated Ukrainian and foreign businesses and individuals enable us to make a lasting impact on the lives of Ukrainian Heroes protecting our freedom.----------LINKS:https://x.com/dzygaspawhttps://x.com/dim0kqhttps://dzygaspaw.com/triad-night-droneshttps://kovyla.pub/dimko----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------WORKS NOMINATED BY: Iryna Zhluktenko & Yelyzaveta BryzhakBOOKSIvan Bahrianyi - The Hunters and the HuntedFILMSDmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk - Pamfir (2022)Maryna Er Gorbach - Klondike (2022)Borys Ivchenko - The Lost Letter (1972)ARTISTS Yakiv Yakovych Hnizdovsky----------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/----------
Silicon Bites Ep280 | 2025-12-23 | Is Putin losing his grip? His press event last week has generated reams of commentary – and from those not well disposed towards him, the verdict has been brutal. In this episode we cover his “Results of the Year” press spectacle, the glitches, the gaslighting, the challenging questions, or rather lack of them — and the regime's widening reality gap.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters (Dec 19, 2025): Rogue texts, aliens and a marriage proposal - welcome to Vladimir Putin's phone-in - https://www.reuters.com/world/sarcastic-messages-flash-up-big-screen-russias-putin-speaks-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025): Russian central bank cuts key rate to 16% as Putin speaks - https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/russian-central-bank-cuts-key-rate-16-putin-speaks-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025): Russia's Putin says cooling of economy in 2025 is a 'conscious' decision - https://www.reuters.com/business/russias-putin-says-cooling-economy-2025-is-conscious-decision-2025-12-19/AP News (Dec 19, 2025): Putin tells his annual news conference that the Kremlin's military goals in Ukraine will be met - https://apnews.com/article/39fd3f2670227545a6f9e684038ed59dThe Washington Post (Dec 19, 2025): Putin says Europe out of step with an increasingly Moscow-friendly U.S. - https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/12/19/russia-putin-callin-show-ukraine-peace/----------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----------
Liubov Velychko is a Ukrainian investigative journalist with over 15 years of experience uncovering corruption, crime, and human rights violations. She Specializes in exposing disinformation campaigns, and has conducted numerous investigations into Russian propaganda, revealing the networks behind its spread and dismantling the information operations orchestrated by Russian intelligence agencies.----------LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/v-press/ https://www.rusi.org/people/velychkohttps://x.com/VelychkoLiubovhttps://www.occrp.org/en/people/lyubov-velychkohttps://mind.ua/en/author/1158-liubov-velychko----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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/----------
Silicon Bites Ep279 | 2025-12-22 | Moscow car bomb kills Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov: the covert war moves deeper into Russia. At least most analysts are suggesting this was a hit by Ukraine's fearsome intelligence services. But was it? Sarvarov may have had many more enemies than Ukraine only. This was not a drone strike at the front. This is a car bomb in Moscow — an operation in the capital — taking out a serving Russian lieutenant general, in daylight, on a weekday morning. It's the latest sign that the war Russia started in Ukraine is now fully metastasising into a shadow conflict on Russian soil.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters — “Car bomb kills Russian general in Moscow, investigators say” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-general-killed-car-bomb-moscow-investigators-say-2025-12-22/Associated Press — “Russian general killed by bomb under his car in Moscow” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://apnews.com/article/73413ae5936609832f706ab26f864b3cFinancial Times — “Russian general killed in Moscow car bomb” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://www.ft.com/content/2976e516-262b-4ac8-b99d-b2c7cc93ef95The Guardian — “Russian general Fanil Sarvarov killed by car bomb in Moscow, investigators say” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/22/russian-general-fanil-sarvarov-killed-car-bomb-moscow-investigators-sayMeduza — “Russian general killed by car bomb in Moscow” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://meduza.io/en/news/2025/12/22/russian-general-killed-by-car-bomb-in-moscowKyiv Independent — “High-ranking Russian general killed after car bombing in Moscow…” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://kyivindependent.com/high-ranking-russian-general-killed-after-car-bombing-in-moscow-russia-cites-possible-ukrainian-involvement/----------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----------
Lesia Ogryzko is a visiting fellow with the Wider Europe programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations. She leads a Ukrainian think-tank on security and defence, Sahaidachnyi Security Center, and is board member of Ukraine's biggest expert coalition on the country's reconstruction, RISE Ukraine. Previously, Ogryzko served as international civil servant across the UN system, dealing with human rights and the coordination of UN agencies in Ukraine. She also worked for the Ukrainian government on the implementation of reforms, including in public administration for the cabinet of ministers' reforms delivery office. She is also the co-founder of several civic initiatives, as well as the Ukrainian office of the humanitarian international NGO Save the Children. Prior to that, Ogryzko worked for the Spanish think-tank FRIDE, researching international affairs. She is the author of numerous publications in international media on the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine's reconstruction, and the country's civil society.Ogryzko holds an MA in international relations and security studies from the Institute of international relations at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and an MA in European public affairs from the Maastricht University, the Netherlands.----------LINKS:https://ecfr.eu/profile/lesia-ogryzko/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesia-ogryzko-33285163/https://x.com/ogryzko_lhttps://ecfr.eu/profile/lesia-ogryzko/type/media/https://defence.org.ua/en/tag/lesia-ogryzko/----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------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/----------
Silicon Bites Ep278 | 2025-12-21 | Russia has lost myriad aircraft and helicopters over Ukraine, in combat and on the ground in strikes, but it takes a very different kind of event to really grab the world's headlines. And the last Antonov An-22 “Antei” heavy military transport, breaking apart and falling out of the sky is just such a headline grabbing event. The An-22 heavy military transport is a Soviet-era aircraft, incredibly rare – in fact this was the last of its type that was considered airworthy. It broke apart mid-flight and crashed in Russia's Ivanovo region. And the implications go well beyond one wreck in a reservoir.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters (Dec 9, 2025) — Russian military transport plane crashes northeast of Moscow with seven on board - https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-military-transport-plane-crashes-northeast-moscow-with-seven-board-state-2025-12-09/Reuters (Dec 9, 2025) — Crew killed in crash of Russian An-22 military plane - https://www.reuters.com/world/crew-killed-crash-russian-an-22-military-plane-2025-12-09/UNITED24 Media (Dec 15, 2025) — Video shows Russia's last An-22 military giant breaking apart mid-air - https://united24media.com/latest-news/video-shows-russias-last-an-22-military-giant-breaking-apart-mid-air-14280The War Zone (Dec 9, 2025) — There's likely no way back for Russia's An-22 heavy transports after fatal crash - https://www.twz.com/air/theres-likely-no-way-back-for-russias-an-22-turboprop-heavy-transports-after-fatal-crashEuromaidan Press (Dec 19, 2025) — Analysis tying the crash to broader VKS/industry degradationhttps://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/19/russias-last-heavy-transport-plane-an-22-crash-signals-vks-decline/RUSI (PDF) — Vulnerabilities in Sukhoi Production: Clipping Russia's Wings (Staykov & Watling)https://static.rusi.org/vulnerabities-in-sukhoi-production.pdfReuters (Aug 8, 2025) — Russia's struggle to build commercial jets reflects deeper industrial malaisehttps://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/russias-struggle-build-commercial-jets-reflects-deeper-industrial-malaise-2025-08-08/Defense Express (Sep 3, 2025) — Il-76MD-90A delivery/production discussion - https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/what_is_going_on_with_russian_transport_aircraft_production_if_the_first_il_76md_90a_of_the_year_has_been_delivered_only_now-15691.html----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Here at Dzyga's Paw Charity Fund, we understand that the work of this scale can't be accomplished alone. The collaboration shared vision, and collective efforts of dedicated Ukrainian and foreign businesses and individuals enable us to make a lasting impact on the lives of Ukrainian Heroes protecting our freedom.----------LINKS:https://x.com/dzygaspawhttps://x.com/dim0kqhttps://dzygaspaw.com/triad-night-droneshttps://kovyla.pub/dimko----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------WORKS NOMINATED BY: Iryna & Dimko ZhluktenkoBOOKSЖадан - Депеш Мод / Serhiy Zhadan - Depeche ModeРіздвяний співаник / Christmas songbook https://publishing.localhistory.org.ua/product/rizdvyanyj-spivanyk-dopovnene-vydannya/Ivan Franko - Вічний Революціонер (p.53 here) https://tarnawsky.artsci.utoronto.ca/elul/English/Franko/Franko-Weir-Poems-Stories.pdfFILMSАтлантида / Atlantis https://takflix.com/uk/films/atlantydaПамфір / Pamfir https://takflix.com/uk/films/pamfirARTISTS Яків Гніздовський / Jacques Hnizdovsky https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_HnizdovskyМарта Сирко / Marta Syrko https://www.instagram.com/martasyrko/----------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/----------
Silicon Bites Ep277 | 2025-12-20 | “Russia's Army Is Exhausted” — we examine some major articles that have come out that claim the Russian army is reaching a significant point of degradation in morale, cohesion and effectiveness. We unpack what that claim means, what the evidence is, and what it changes.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Euromaidan Press (Opinion) — Liubov Tsybulska, “I've monitored Russian soldiers for 3.5 years. The system is finally cracking” (Dec 14, 2025) - https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/14/ive-monitored-russian-soldiers-for-3-5-years-the-system-is-finally-cracking/Euromaidan Press — “ISW: Russia's army can't sustain multi-pronged offensives due to manpower and equipment strain” (Dec 15, 2025) - https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/15/isw-russias-army-cant-sustain-multi-pronged-offensives-due-to-manpower-and-equipment-strain/Reuters — “Ukraine says it controls 90% of Kupiansk, Russia denies it” (Dec 17, 2025) - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-it-controls-90-kupiansk-russia-denies-it-2025-12-17/Associated Press — Putin annual news conference recap (Dec 19, 2025) - https://apnews.com/article/39fd3f2670227545a6f9e684038ed59dThe Guardian — Frontline drone crews report (Dec 17, 2025) - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/17/east-of-zaporizhzhia-ukraines-drone-crews-face-endless-battle-to-hold-the-lineBusiness Insider — “10 Highlights From Russia's Annual Review of the Ukraine War” (Dec 2025) - https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-annual-review-ukraine-war-putin-highlights-drone-defense-10-2025-12RFE/RL — “Why Are Russian Regions Cutting Signing Bonuses For Volunteers?” (Oct 27, 2025) - https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-recruitment-soldiers-ukraine-war-personnel-bonuses/33572319.htmlRUSI — “Russia is Losing – Time for Putin's 2026 Hybrid Escalation” (2025) - https://my.rusi.org/resource/russia-is-losing-time-for-putins-2026-hybrid-escalation.htmlWall Street Journal — Putin remarks / war aims (Dec 17, 2025) - https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/putin-warns-he-will-achieve-aims-in-ukraine-through-negotiation-or-war-382d5d56Washington Post (Opinion) — narrative critique re: battlefield realities (Dec 17, 2025) - https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/12/17/russia-ukraine-battlefield-losses-stalemate/POLITICO (User-specified; not accessible to my web tool due to site restrictions, so not quoted directly) - https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/05/russia-planned-war-of-attrition-00672960----------
@ricktheukrainian is from Ukraine, and every Sunday gets together with his community online (the Rick Rollers), to make video content and raise funds for the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Rick is originally from Makiivka in the Donetsk area, and lived under Russian occupation for several years following the 2014 invasion of Crimea and Donbas. His weekly streams are attended by different Ukrainian and pro-Ukrainian guests. He talks about the Russian war against Ukraine and its culture, music and historic places. Rick translates and dubs Zolkin and Karpenko's interviews with Russian POWs into English, making them accessible to a Western audience, and providing extraordinary insights into the Russian mindset.----------Be in the Army or for the Army! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/be-in-the-army-or-for-the-armyRick the Ukrainian, Roman Trokhymets, Rick Rollers, and Ukrainian supporters around the world are proud to announce the launch of our new campaign to support the army. This time, we are strengthening the bond between frontline soldiers and volunteers by joining forces to support three combat units with urgently needed vehicles and tires.----------LINKS:YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ricktheukrainianRaising funds for Land Robots for the 3rd Brigade: https://send.monobank.ua/jar/25Q73j7f8xVideo about robots for the 3rd Brigade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATGA4a45mEEMy PayPal (fundraisers donations): rick.karl1842@gmail.comBuy Me a Coffee (or become a member): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ricktheukr/membership----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------WORKS NOMINATED BY: Roman Trokhymets and Rick the UkrainianBOOKSViktor Andrusiv - How Ukrainians Lead: Military Leadership in a David and Goliath WarDimko Zhluktenko - Ordinary Guy at War: A Ukrainian's JourneySergey Loiko - AirportFILMSMstyslav Chernov - 2000 Meters to Andriivka (2024)Pavlo Ostrikov - U Are the Universe (2024)MUSICOleksandr Yarmak (rapper)The UnsleepingPalindromKazhannaAziza Eskender (Crimean Tatar)Kurgan & Agregat (ironic music)----------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/----------
Silicon Bites Ep276 | 2025-12-19 | Tonight, a single number with regime-shaking implications: Urals crude at roughly thirty-five dollars a barrel — miles below global benchmarks, and catastrophically below what the Kremlin needs to fund its war-state on schedule. This is Russia's flagship export grade trading like a sanctioned pariah — because it is. Let's break it into three parts: what's happening, why it's happening, and why Putin's war finances are now on the clock.According to Argus Media price assessments cited by RBC and reported by The Moscow Times, Urals shipped from Novorossiysk fell to $34.52 per barrel as of December 16, with Primorsk around $36.07. Same oil, different port — same story: distress rate pricing. (The Moscow Times)----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters (Dec 19, 2025) — Sanctions drive Russian Urals crude discounts to 2022 levels - https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com%2C2025%3Anewsml_L8N3XO0PN%3A0-sanctions-drive-russian-urals-crude-discounts-to-2022-levels-reuters-calculations-show/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025) — Russia's tax proceeds from oil may fall in January to the lowest since 2022, Reuters calculations show - https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russias-tax-proceeds-oil-may-fall-january-lowest-since-2022-reuters-calculations-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025) — Oil prices climb as US blocks Venezuelan tankers, eyes on Russia-Ukraine talks (includes Brent/WTI settlements) - https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-set-close-lower-second-straight-week-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025) — Surging barrels at sea spook oil markets more than Russia or Venezuela (Kpler “on water” data) - https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/surging-barrels-sea-spook-oil-markets-more-than-russia-or-venezuela-2025-12-19/The Moscow Times (Dec 19, 2025) — Russian Oil Prices Sink Below $35 Per Barrel (citing Argus/RBC; includes Kluge quote) - https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/19/russian-oil-prices-sink-below-35-per-barrel-a91496----------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----------
2025-12-19 | UPDATES #083 | Ukraine is expanding the maritime war — not just in the Black Sea, but now out into the Mediterranean. A tanker burns at Rostov-on-Don. A “shadow fleet” vessel gets hit off Libya. And then comes the rumour: that a senior GRU figure — Major General Andrei Averyanov — may have been on board. Could this be Ukraine's boldest move of the war so far? Start in southern Russia — Rostov-on-Don. Overnight into December 18, Ukrainian drones hit the region. Russian officials say three people were killed, including two crew members of a tanker that caught fire at the port. (Reuters)Reuters reports the vessel was the Russian-flagged tanker Valeriy Gorchakov — identification attributed to the British maritime risk firm Vanguard. (Reuters)----------SOURCES: Reuters (Dec 18, 2025) – Ukrainian drones kill three people in Russia's Rostov region, authorities say - https://www.reuters.com/world/ukrainian-drones-hit-tanker-russias-rostov-port-causing-deaths-mayor-says-2025-12-18/The Maritime Executive (Dec 18, 2025) – Ukrainian Long-Range Attack Kills Two Crew and Damages Tanker in Rostov - https://maritime-executive.com/article/ukrainian-long-range-attack-kills-two-crew-and-damages-tanker-in-rostovThe New Voice of Ukraine (Dec 18, 2025) – Oil tanker sinking in Russia's Rostov-on-Don after Ukrainian strike (reporting via Astra/MarineTraffic) - https://english.nv.ua/russian-war/oil-tanker-sinking-in-russia-s-rostov-on-don-50569696.htmlReuters (Dec 19, 2025) – Ukraine hits Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker in Mediterranean for first time, SBU source says - https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraine-hits-russian-shadow-fleet-tanker-mediterranean-first-time-sbu-source-2025-12-19/The Guardian (Dec 19, 2025) – Ukraine attacks Russian 'shadow' tanker off Libyan coast - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/19/ukraine-attacks-russian-shadow-tanker-off-libyan-coastLloyd's List (Dec 19, 2025) – Ukraine targets shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean - https://www.lloydslist.com/LL1155927/Ukraine-targets-shadow-fleet-tanker-in-MediterraneanThe War Zone / TWZ (Dec 19, 2025) – Ukraine Strikes Russia-Linked Tanker In The Mediterranean With ‘Bomber Drone' - https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-strikes-russia-linked-tanker-in-the-mediterranean-with-bomber-droneTradeWinds (Dec 19, 2025) – Video: Russia-trading tanker hit by fresh drone strike, Ukraine says - https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/video-russia-trading-tanker-hit-by-fresh-drone-strike-ukraine-says/2-1-1919744Reuters (Dec 10, 2025) – Ukraine disables 'shadow fleet' vessel with sea drones in Black Sea - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-disables-shadow-fleet-vessel-with-sea-drones-black-sea-2025-12-10/----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------
Dr Pär Gustafsson Kurki is a seasoned analyst who has worked in academia, civil service and in the private sector. He has 25+ years of experience as a Russia observer. Since February 2020, he has worked full-time for the Swedish Defence Research Agency as a researcher and analyst. His main area of expertise is Russian security policy. From September 2021 to February 2024, he was a Deacon Candidate in the Church of Sweden, and is still an active member of the Church and participates in parish life.----------LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustafssonpar/ https://en.kkrva.se/gangstervalde-blir-statskonst-i-rysslands-krigforing/----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
2025-12-18 | UPDATES #082 | Trump shits on everything and everyone when they cease to be useful to him. We will go back to his first chaotic administration to understand the patterns and see what he's learned in his second to avoid dirty laundry in public and the revolving door of sacked and disgraced aids, supporters and sycophants. We'll also ask, what are the implications for Ukraine, and the Trump security guarantees, as well as for Venezuela and an incipient war, based on a repeated pattern of behaviour in Trump that seeks to avoid all accountability, responsibility or blowback from his mistakes, actions and inactions, and clear venality that is happening in plain sight. We have the most recent example in the despicable language he used in response to the brutal and tragic murder of Rob Reiner and his wife. Trump debases everything, every conversation, every act becomes political, and everything that is political becomes personal. Trump is depraved, a moral vacuum, a communications super sewer, bringing filth and hate to his audience, as well as adversaries. Allies become enemies in a heartbeat and are abandoned. Then he treats them with the disdain with which he treats all adversaries, in fact anyone that does not show complete subservience to him or acquiesce to play the humiliation game in the court of King Trump. What are the domestic political and geopolitical implications of this abuse, inconsistency, need to control, subvert and humiliate everyone? ----------SOURCES: Brookings – Tracking turnover in the Trump administrationhttps://www.brookings.edu/articles/tracking-turnover-in-the-trump-administration/Reuters (Dec 16, 2025) – Trump sues the BBC for $10 billion over speech edithttps://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/trump-sues-bbc-defamation-over-editing-january-6-speech-2025-12-16/AP (Dec 16, 2025) – Trump sues BBC for defamation over editinghttps://apnews.com/article/a9fd196c4f242decd8f28e8d0ce74442Reuters (Dec 16, 2025) – UK PM Starmer's office response to Trump BBC lawsuithttps://www.reuters.com/world/uk-pm-starmers-office-trump-legal-action-is-matter-bbc-2025-12-16/CPJ (Dec 2025) – CPJ statement on Trump BBC lawsuit and press freedomhttps://cpj.org/2025/12/cpj-trumps-bbc-lawsuit-is-yet-another-attack-on-us-media-freedom/PEN America (Dec 16, 2025) – Statement on Trump exporting anti-press tactics via BBC lawsuithttps://pen.org/press-release/trump-exports-anti-press-tactics-abroad/Reuters (Dec 17, 2025) – Judge allows Trump's ballroom project to proceed for nowhttps://www.reuters.com/world/judge-allows-trumps-ballroom-project-proceed-now-2025-12-17/Reuters (Dec 16–17, 2025) – Judge unlikely to immediately halt Trump White House ballroom projecthttps://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/trumps-300-million-white-house-ballroom-makeover-faces-day-court-2025-12-16/Reuters (Apr 24, 2025) – 100 days of DOGE: lots of chaos, not so much efficiencyhttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/100-days-doge-lots-chaos-not-so-much-efficiency-2025-04-24/----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain----------
Silicon Bites Ep275 | 2025-12-18 | Trump shits on everything and everyone when they cease to be useful to him. We will go back to his first chaotic administration to understand the patterns and see what he's learned in his second to avoid dirty laundry in public and the revolving door of sacked and disgraced aids, supporters and sycophants. We'll also ask, what are the implications for Ukraine, and the Trump security guarantees, as well as for Venezuela and an incipient war, based on a repeated pattern of behaviour in Trump that seeks to avoid all accountability, responsibility or blowback from his mistakes, actions and inactions, and clear venality that is happening in plain sight. There's a particular kind of political nihilism that doesn't merely break norms — it gobbles them up and splits the bones out in your face. It doesn't build coalitions or alliances; it burns them in a test of fealty and subservience. That demands conformity, obeyance and obsequiousness. It doesn't govern, but dominates through humiliation, coercion and bribery, and cycles through people, institutions, and alliances like disposable diapers.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Brookings – Tracking turnover in the Trump administrationhttps://www.brookings.edu/articles/tracking-turnover-in-the-trump-administration/Reuters (Dec 16, 2025) – Trump sues the BBC for $10 billion over speech edithttps://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/trump-sues-bbc-defamation-over-editing-january-6-speech-2025-12-16/AP (Dec 16, 2025) – Trump sues BBC for defamation over editinghttps://apnews.com/article/a9fd196c4f242decd8f28e8d0ce74442Reuters (Dec 16, 2025) – UK PM Starmer's office response to Trump BBC lawsuithttps://www.reuters.com/world/uk-pm-starmers-office-trump-legal-action-is-matter-bbc-2025-12-16/CPJ (Dec 2025) – CPJ statement on Trump BBC lawsuit and press freedomhttps://cpj.org/2025/12/cpj-trumps-bbc-lawsuit-is-yet-another-attack-on-us-media-freedom/PEN America (Dec 16, 2025) – Statement on Trump exporting anti-press tactics via BBC lawsuithttps://pen.org/press-release/trump-exports-anti-press-tactics-abroad/Reuters (Dec 17, 2025) – Judge allows Trump's ballroom project to proceed for nowhttps://www.reuters.com/world/judge-allows-trumps-ballroom-project-proceed-now-2025-12-17/Reuters (Dec 16–17, 2025) – Judge unlikely to immediately halt Trump White House ballroom projecthttps://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/trumps-300-million-white-house-ballroom-makeover-faces-day-court-2025-12-16/Reuters (Apr 24, 2025) – 100 days of DOGE: lots of chaos, not so much efficiencyhttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/100-days-doge-lots-chaos-not-so-much-efficiency-2025-04-24/----------
Christine Khariv is Business Development Manager at DLF attorneys-at-law Ukraine. Christine writes eloquently and passionately about Ukraine on LinkedIn and Twitter, exposing Russian falsehoods, and advocating for Ukraine's cause.----------LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-khariv-qris/https://twitter.com/2QriShttps://pen.org.ua/en/100-knyzhok-yaki-dopomozhut-zrozumity-ukrayinu/https://chapterukraine.com/----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------WORKS NOMINATED BY: Christine Khariv BOOKSArtem Chapeye - Ordinary People Don't Carry Machine Guns (2025)Lesia Ukrainka - Cassandra: A Dramatic PoemLesia Ukrainka - The Forest Song: A Fairy PlayFILMSSergei Parajanov - Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965)Pavlo Ostrikov - U Are the Universe (2024)WORKS OF ARTIvan Marchuk----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
2025-12-17 | UPDATES #081 | The clock is ticking for Abramovich and his Chelsea Billions. How much, why now and what it means. Three and a half years. That's how long £2.5 billion — money publicly promised for Ukraine — has sat frozen in a UK bank account after Roman Abramovich's forced sale of Chelsea. Today, Keir Starmer has finally stopped treating it like an awkward footnote and started treating it like what it is: a test of state power in a full-scale hybrid war. (Reuters)----------SOURCES: UK Government (GOV.UK), “Government gives Abramovich final chance…” (17 Dec 2025)Reuters, “UK tells Abramovich to give Chelsea sale cash…” (17 Dec 2025)Financial Times, “Starmer moves to transfer £2.5bn…” (17 Dec 2025)The Guardian, “UK gives Abramovich final warning…” (17 Dec 2025)UK Parliament written statements portal (Reeves statement referenced), licence/foundation description (17 Dec 2025)Sky News explainer, legal mechanics and delay risk (17 Dec 2025)Bond (UK NGO network) reaction statement (17 Dec 2025)Ben Jacobs (social post highlighting legal/sanctions context) (17 Dec 2025)----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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----------
Olena Kuzhym is a representative of Brussels-based Ukrainian civil society and a member of the Ukrainian–European Civil Society Initiative Frozen Assets Action. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, she has been actively engaged in civic advocacy, public campaigning, and street actions in Brussels in support of Ukraine. An urbanist by training, Olena holds an MSc in Urban Studies from the Free University of Brussels.----------Serhiy Onyshchenko is a Ukrainian civic activist and IT professional, now active within Belgium's civil society in support of Ukraine. His engagement began as a schoolboy during the Orange Revolution and continued through the Euromaidan, where he was attacked in Kharkiv for his activism. After relocating to Lviv in 2015, he helped build and organise his residential community. Following the full-scale invasion in 2022, Serhiy moved to Brussels, where he has co-organised demonstrations and advocates for sustained European support for Ukraine.----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------WORKS NOMINATED BY: Olena Kuzhym and Serhiy Onyshchenko BOOKSIvan Bahriany - Tiger Trappers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_TrappersFILMSDmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk - Pamfirhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PamfirWORKS OF ARTMykola Pymonenko - Easter morning liturgy or Easter Matinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mykola_Pymonenko(Actually stolen by the Russian army from the Kherson Art Museum)----------LINKS:https://frozen-assets.eu/https://war-sanctions.gur.gov.ua/en/stolen/objects/1764----------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/----------
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. DAVID DEBATTO LINKS: @NoDelusionZone https://www.protectingtherepublic.com/podcasthttps://x.com/ddebattohttps://www.kyivpost.com/authors/743----------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 is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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 Przemyslhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/-----------
Livestream with Jonathan MS Pearce. ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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/-----------
Ostap Ukrainets was born in 1994 in Kalush, Ivano-Frankivsk in western Ukraine. He graduated from the National Kyiv-Mohyla University with BA and MA degrees in comparative literature. He made his debut as a writer in 2017 with the novel "Malchut", which was hailed the "debut of the year" by Village magazine. Since then, his novels „Trance” and „Crusade Chancellery” were well received by readers. Ostap writes in the genre of historical and peculiar fiction, often referring to cultural heritage and history of anecdotes. He lives in Lviv. Of his four novels, three are dedicated to historical events and explore Ukrainian identity through the prism of postcolonial and trauma studies. A year before the invasion, he opened a publishing house specializing in humanities with his wife and their colleague.----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------WORKS NOMINATED BY: Ostap Ukrainets BOOKSMaik Yohansen - Dr. Leonardo's Journey to Sloboda Switzerland with his Future Lover, the Beautiful AlcestaIvan Nechuy-Levytskyi - The CloudsFILMSSergei Parajanov - Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965)Borys Ivchenko - The Lost Letter (1972)Viktor Ivanov - Chasing Two Hares (1961)WORKS OF ARTYakiv Yakovych HnizdovskyDavid Chichkan----------LINKS:https://willadecjusza.pl/en/ostap-ukrainets-ostap-ukrayinets-1https://lareviewofbooks.org/contributor/ostap-ukrainets/https://www.instagram.com/ukrostap/https://bookforum.ua/en/participants/9131https://lareviewofbooks.org/short-takes/dont-touch-my-corner-the-war-from-ivano-frankivsk/----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN 12 Events in 12 months - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur first live events this year in Lviv and Kyiv 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 10 events in 10 months (at a minimum). We may add more venues to the program, depending on the success of the fundraising campaign. 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----------
2025-12-16 | UPDATES #080 | A post on X caught my eye, the gist of which was “Only a Russian official can invade and bomb you while simultaneously calling themselves a peacemaker and the victim a warmonger.” The author is referring to Kiril Dmitriev, one of the key so-called ‘negotiators' from the Russian side, and it highlights the absurdity of trying to build a peace process with the same regime that initiated the aggression and committed untold war crimes in Ukraine. Any such process pre-supposes that the aggressor has seen the error of their ways, in some sense recanted for their mistakes, even if not admitting culpability for the crimes themselves or any contrition. But the reality is so far from this. Russia seems to want a temporary “ceasefire,” because it is exhausted, and needs time to rearm and internalise the lessons of failure – the failure of its military strategy, that is, so it can come back again with greater lethality and success. As we'll see in this episode, Russia has disavowed none of its maximalist aims, and indeed keeps adding to the list of demands, and when the regime minions are honest with us, they are clearly saying that they do not want peace, but the capitulation and humiliation of Ukraine. ----------SOURCES: Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-leaders-agree-ukraine-security-guarantees-should-include-european-led-2025-12-15/Financial Times - https://www.ft.com/content/24b9f90f-ee39-4fde-9efb-559c0cc8596cThe Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/16/ukraine-russia-peace-plans-zelenskyy-berlin-talks-putinReuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/vast-majority-ukrainians-reject-major-peace-concessions-poll-finds-2025-12-15/Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/eu-foreign-ministers-adopt-sanctions-targeting-russian-shadow-fleet-eu-official-2025-12-15/AP News - https://apnews.com/article/d80d64aa719ddc60575866f2c29e868eAP News - https://apnews.com/article/6a4c78360c51021bdb8c251bc230de38----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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----------
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. ----------PLEASE HELP US GROW IN 2026! THANK YOU! This channel happens because of your support - The interviews, the news episodes and live events. And especially the trips to Ukraine that enable me to make videos on the ground, and connections that lead to better and more insightful conversations. We are looking to scale up operations next year, as Putin's aggression is not going away, and authoritarians align to attack democracies and rule-of-law worldwide. We want to take on a Social Media Manager to amplify the impact of the channel, and grow it faster. This role will be recruited in Ukraine, to help the wartime economy.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------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/ ----------
Ilya Ponomarev is a Russian-Ukrainian politician who was a member of the Russian State Duma from 2007 to 2016. After the 2022 Russian invasion, Ponomarev joined Ukraine's Territorial Defence Forces, and categorically denounced the invasion. While a member of the Russian State Duma, he was the only deputy not to vote in favour of the Russian gay propaganda law and to vote against Russia's annexation of Crimea in March 2014. He is now in exile in Ukraine and is a spokesman with insurgent Russian forces (National Republican Army) fighting on the side of Ukraine. ----------LINKS:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilya_Ponomarev https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002113qhttps://www.fpri.org/contributor/ilya-ponomarev/BOOKS:Does Putin Have to Die? The Story of How Russia Becomes a Democracy after Losing to Ukraine (Hardcover – 19 Jan. 2023)ARTICLES: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/01/19/ilya-ponomaryov-we-have-to-capture-the-kremlin-there-is-no-other-way-a83772 ----------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/----------
The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------LINKS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiiagavryliuk/----------WORKS NOMINATED BY: Anastasiia GavryliukBOOKSPavlo Kazarin - The Wild West of Eastern EuropeGarry Kasparov - Winter is comingTimothy Snyder - The Road to unfreedomAnne Applebaum - Red Famine: Stalin's War on UkraineSerhii Plokhy - The Gates of EuropeFILMSMstyslav Chernov - 2000 Meters to Andriivka (2024)Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy - The Tribe (2014)Eduard Nazarov - Once Upon a Dog (1982)WORKS OF ARTOleksandr Murashko----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN 12 Events in 12 months - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur first live events this year in Lviv and Kyiv 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 10 events in 10 months (at a minimum). We may add more venues to the program, depending on the success of the fundraising campaign. 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/----------
2025-12-15 | UPDATES #079 | “Pax Americana is over.” We've known this for a while, but Chancellor Merz's speech still dropped like a bomb going off. And it was a warning flare from the centre of Europe's security architecture. In this episode we cover Chancellor Merz's speech, the Berlin peace push, and the emerging European fear that Washington is no longer an ally — possibly even adversary.This weekend, Chancellor Friedrich Merz told a party congress in Munich that Europe must brace for a fundamental shift in its relationship with the United States — because the American-guaranteed peace that defined Europe's postwar order is, in his words, “largely over.” (Reuters)----------SOURCES: Reuters (Dec 13–14, 2025): Merz “Pax Americana” quote; Berlin ceasefire talks; U.S. plan terms.Reuters (Dec 9, 2025): U.S. NSS attack on European democracies; “cultivating resistance” inside EU; Merz response. Reuters (Dec 14, 2025): AfD lawmaker calls for U.S.–German nationalist alliance at MAGA gala.The Guardian (Dec 15, 2025): Berlin summit framing; European fears U.S. plan favours Russia. Ulrich Speck (Substack, Dec 14, 2025): European reaction, “shock” and hostility perception.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2025-12-14 | UPDATES #078 | A Russian drone hits Turkish cargo vessel VIVA in the Black Sea. This matters for Turkey, maritime security, and Ukraine's campaign against Russia's “shadow fleet.” We look at the increased risk for shipping in the black sea, both those that serve Ukraine's legitimate and legal export needs, and those that form part of Russia grey fleet trading illegally in oil. Ukraine says Russia hit a Turkish civilian cargo ship with a drone — a vessel carrying sunflower oil to Egypt — inside what Ukraine describes as a protected coastal “grain corridor.” And it happened within hours of Erdoğan raising port strikes with Putin. On Saturday, 13 December 2025, Ukraine's navy accused Russia of a deliberate drone strike on the Turkish vessel VIVA, describing it as a “targeted strike” on a civilian ship heading to Egypt with sunflower oil. (Reuters)----------SOURCES: Reuters (Dec 13, 2025): Ukraine says Russian drone attack hit civilian Turkish vessel The Moscow Times / AFP (Dec 14, 2025): Ukraine says Russian drone hit Turkish cargo vessel VIVAReuters (Dec 12, 2025): Vessel on fire after Russian attack on Ukraine's Odesa region, sources sayReuters (Dec 13, 2025): Erdoğan comments after Putin meeting; calls to protect ports/energy facilities Turkey MFA statement (Dec 12, 2025): Chornomorsk port attack; maritime security/freedom of navigation Ukrinform (Dec 13, 2025): Turkey urges halt to attacks on energy and port infrastructureKyiv Independent (Dec 14, 2025): Mentions *VIVA* incident amid broader strikes Ukrainian Pravda (Dec 13, 2025): Ukraine Navy statement on “targeted strike” against VIVAReuters (Dec 10, 2025) background: Ukraine disables “shadow fleet” tanker Dashan with sea dronesBackground (outside 48h): Beşiktaş Shipping halts Russia-linked voyages after explosions----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
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. 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/ ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------DESCRIPTION:Critical Analysis: European Security in the Face of Rising Russian AggressionIn this episode, co-founder and managing partner at Worldwide and former NATO Deputy Supreme Commander Europe, Sir Richard Shirreff, discusses the evolving geopolitical landscape with host Jonathan. The conversation dives into Russian strategies and the apparent shift in the U.S. stance on European security under Trump's administration. Shirreff and Jonathan analyse the recently released U.S. National Security Strategy, highlighting its lack of emphasis on China and Russia as threats and its focus on European institutions. They discuss how Trump's policies may be inadvertently aiding Putin's objectives by decoupling U.S. support from European security and undermining NATO. The episode underscores the need for Europe to bolster its resilience and unity independently. Shirreff emphasizes the necessity of leadership and clear strategies to face these challenges. They also delve into the implications of cognitive warfare, societal resilience, and the broader necessity for Europe to mobilize and prepare for potential threats. In the concluding segment, they highlight a fundraiser aimed at supporting Ukrainian soldiers by providing crucially needed vehicles.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:21 Russian Strategy and US National Security Policy03:36 NATO's Current State and Challenges06:09 Europe's Need for Self-Reliance10:07 Resilience and National Defense13:37 Potential Future Scenarios28:54 Call to Action and Conclusion----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2025-12-12 | UPDATES #076 | The financial battlefield is intensifying — the hidden front where the Kremlin is taking blow after blow, and where Europe may finally, belatedly, be rediscovering its spine. Talk about leaving it to the last minute as well. We must ask whether it's Ukraine's financial issues, their budgetary gap, that spurred Europe on, or the prospect of Trump getting his hands on the Russian Central Bank assets. Because this week, the European Union has done something extraordinary — something that has Vladimir Putin rattled. The EU has triggered emergency powers to permanently immobilize Russian state assets, edging toward using them to arm and rebuild Ukraine. Meanwhile, Moscow's central bank is screaming “illegal!”, Russia threatens to sue Euroclear, Japan backs away, France hesitates, Orbán obstructs, and Washington quietly manoeuvres for leverage. Meanwhile Moscow is activating all its embedded assets, agents and useful idiots to try and fight the permanent seizure of its former assets. ----------SOURCES: https://kyivindependent.com/https://www.kyivpost.com/https://meduza.io/enhttps://www.themoscowtimes.com/https://www.theguardian.com/ukhttps://theins.ru/enPublic statements by:European Commission, Russian Central Bank, Vladimir Putin, EuroclearAdditional reporting from:Politico EU, Reuters, Bloomberg (paraphrased references)----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
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----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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 first live events this year in Lviv and Kyiv 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. We may add more venues to the program, depending on the success of the fundraising campaign. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------
2025-12-11 | DAILY UPDATES #075 | Russia's war economy is running out of road. It helps explains why such pressure is coming from the Kremlin, via Donald Trump, to find a deal that can be sold as a humiliation of Ukraine that temporarily gets Putin off the hook. Are they intent on a stable and sustainable peace? Has the Kremlin disavowed its ambitions of hegemony over Europe and initiating more wars? Absolutely not. But they need a breather to regroup, rearm and replenish their war chest, stabilise their teetering economy and war industries, as well as reinflate the army. And Trump is dutifully obliging to try and enforce this ‘so-called' peace deal on Ukraine and Europe. Today's theme is simple and brutal: examining the impending crisis within the Russian economy, which one regime friendly economist has said will be ‘huge and inevitable.”So, these dire warning are not coming from “Western propagandists”, or the usual pro-Ukraine “Russophobes”, but is a true reflection of the looming crisis according to pro-Kremlin economists, Z-patriots, state bankers and regime-adjacent think tanks who are now openly talking about a big, inevitable crisis in 2026.----------SOURCES: Майкл Наки – YouTube & Telegram: “«КРИЗИС БУДЕТ БОЛЬШОЙ И НЕИЗБЕЖНЫЙ». Экономисты в России фиксируют обвал. И боятся 2026го”, and posts on Z-economists and war economy.Free Russia Foundation / Vladimir Milov – “Russia's Budget Crisis, Explained”. The Moscow Times – “Pro-Kremlin Economists Warn of Banking Crisis by 2026” & coverage of wage arrears and tax hikes.CMACP / Expert.ru – analysis of systemic banking-crisis risks in 2026.Reuters – reporting on Russia's industrial slowdown, fuel crisis, oil revenues, interest rates and tax proposals. Meduza – “Long lines and empty pumps. Russia's gasoline crisis in photos”; coverage of wage-debt crisis and Saratov recruitment payments. Kyiv Independent – coverage of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries and resulting fuel shortages. Wikipedia & aggregated sources – “2025 Russian fuel crisis” (for chronology and refs to Reuters, BBC, Forbes). FT – “Russia's coal miners buckle under sanctions, weak prices and war”. Jamestown Foundation – “Russian Firms Rapidly Falling Behind in Paying Workers”. UDF – “«Продолжать в 2026-м смертельно опасно». Z-патриот анонсировал скорое сворачивание «СВО»” (Maxim Kalashnikov).----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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----------
Glen Grant worked as a defence and reform expert in Ukraine working for the Ukrainian Institute for the Future. He is also a Senior Fellow in the UK Institute for Statecraft on Building Integrity Initiative countering Russian influence. Glen graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the Junior Staff Course Warminster and the Joint Staff Defence College at the Royal Naval College Greenwich. ----------LINKS:https://balticsecurity.eu/https://defence-blog.com/ukraines-defense-gaps-threaten-war-effort-says-expert/https://glenhoward.substack.com/p/episode-16-ukraine-at-war-military ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------DESCRIPTION:Glenn Grant on Ukraine's War: An In-Depth Analysis of Current Geopolitical DynamicsIn this episode, we revisit a conversation with Glen Grant, a defense and reform expert in Ukraine. The discussion highlights the current critical juncture in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, exploring the perceived flip-flopping of U.S. policy favoring Russia under the Trump administration. Glen shares insights on Trump's consistent pro-Russian stance, the potential oligarchic influences guiding global politics, and the effectiveness of Zelensky's leadership. The conversation delves into the operational and strategic challenges facing Ukraine, including issues in human resources, technology adoption, and military procurement. The episode emphasizes the role of civic society in Ukraine's defense efforts and the broader implications for Western defense strategies. Finally, the video includes a segment encouraging donations for purchasing life-saving vehicles for Ukrainian forces.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:12 Current State of the War and US Policy02:16 Trump's Influence and Russian Strategy05:52 Global Oligarchy and Political Manipulation20:19 Ukraine's Internal Challenges25:48 Western Military Preparedness and Drone Warfare37:18 Conclusion and Fundraising Appeal----------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/----------
Keir Giles has spent his career watching, studying, and explaining Russia. Keir's work has appeared in a wide range of academic and military publications across Europe and in North America, and he is a regular contributor and commentator on Russian affairs for international print and broadcast media. He is a Senior Consulting Fellow at the UK's Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), and also works with the Conflict Studies Research Centre (CSRC), a group of deep subject matter experts on Eurasian security formerly attached to the British Ministry of Defence. He is a regular contributor to research projects on Russian security issues in the U.S., UK, and Europe.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------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/https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/keir-gileshttps://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=7Bs89WMAAAAJhttps://bsky.app/profile/keirgiles.bsky.social----------DESCRIPTION:Understanding the Russia-West Geopolitical Conflict with Keir GilesIn this insightful episode, Keir delves into his extensive experience studying Russia, sharing knowledge from his academic and military publications. He discusses the persistent misunderstandings regarding Russia's intentions by Western diplomats, driven by a cycle of short-term postings and differing diplomatic experiences. Johnson also highlights the ideological alignments between Russian and current U.S. policies, underscoring the troubling implications for Europe. The conversation touches on the complexities of international relations, the failures of economic appeasement with authoritarian regimes, and the stark realities of Russia's long-standing messianic geopolitical behavior. The episode concludes with a call to support Ukrainian armed forces in their epic battle for survival, reflecting on the tangible impact of international solidarity.----------
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. ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 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?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------DESCRIPTION: ----------CHAPTERS:----------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----------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/-----------
2025-12-07 | DAILY UPDATES #073 | Tonight, we're in Brussels, breaking down the comments of a pusillanimous and pathetic excuse for a leader, that's holding the financial keys to a war he claims can't be won. Yet he's not prepared to take a risk for the sake of Ukraine's or Europe's freedom. It's clowns like this that will destroy the European project and contribute to shattering of peace on the continent.Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has just told the world that “Who seriously believes Russia is going to lose in Ukraine? It's a fable – a total illusion… not even desirable for Russia to lose.” (Kyiv Post) I wonder if he speaks Russian. If not, he better start learning it. ----------SOURCES: Kyiv Post – “‘Not Even Desirable for Russia to Lose': Belgian PM Opposes Asset Confiscation” (Dec. 4, 2025)Kyiv Independent – “The key to ending the war is in Brussels — Ukrainians react to Belgium's Russian asset loan opposition.” Kyiv Independent – “Belgian PM renews opposition to Russian frozen-assets reparations loan.” Kyiv Independent – “The EU's ambitious plan for frozen Russian assets, explained.” Le Monde – “Belgium resists unfreezing Russian assets held in Brussels.” Brussels Institute for Geopolitics – “The poisoned chalice of Russia's frozen assets” by Luuk van Middelaar. AP News – “The EU lays out a plan to fund Ukraine using frozen Russian assets but Belgium says it's too risky.” Financial Times – “ECB refuses to provide backstop for €140bn Ukraine loan.” Reuters – Coverage of De Wever–von der Leyen–Merz talks, and Russian Duma and Medvedev threats over asset seizure. The Guardian – “European Commission plans ‘reparations loan' to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets” and follow-up pieces on Ukraine funding negotiations. Washington Post – Opinion on “The European Union's hypocrisies on Ukraine.” ----------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----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
This video is part of a Ukrainian Advert series, celebrating Ukrainian voices, culture and resilience, ahead of Christmas Day. The project is kindly supported by maker of the film: The Steel Porcupine.#ONE: Andrew Chakhoyan is a Ukrainian American based in the Netherlands and is a vocal and articulate champion of Ukraine and its cause. ----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------LINKS:https://x.com/ChakhoyanAndrewhttps://www.weforum.org/agenda/authors/andrew-chakhoyan/https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-incrementalism-russia-war-president-volodymyr-zelenskyy-truth/ ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN 12 Events in 12 months - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur first live events this year in Lviv and Kyiv 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 10 events in 10 months (at a minimum). We may add more venues to the program, depending on the success of the fundraising campaign. 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/----------
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