City of regional significance in Lviv Oblast, Ukraine
POPULARITY
Categories
339 episodes with Lviv
129 episodes with Lviv
40 episodes with Lviv
23 episodes with Lviv
42 episodes with Lviv
38 episodes with Lviv
32 episodes with Lviv
12 episodes with Lviv
13 episodes with Lviv
24 episodes with Lviv
11 episodes with Lviv
18 episodes with Lviv
10 episodes with Lviv
11 episodes with Lviv
16 episodes with Lviv
11 episodes with Lviv
6 episodes with Lviv
9 episodes with Lviv
7 episodes with Lviv
13 episodes with Lviv
14 episodes with Lviv
10 episodes with Lviv
6 episodes with Lviv
10 episodes with Lviv
10 episodes with Lviv
6 episodes with Lviv
10 episodes with Lviv
8 episodes with Lviv
5 episodes with Lviv
9 episodes with Lviv
5 episodes with Lviv
9 episodes with Lviv
10 episodes with Lviv
7 episodes with Lviv
9 episodes with Lviv
8 episodes with Lviv
6 episodes with Lviv
4 episodes with Lviv
6 episodes with Lviv
6 episodes with Lviv
2 episodes with Lviv
3 episodes with Lviv
6 episodes with Lviv
5 episodes with Lviv
2 episodes with Lviv
11 episodes with Lviv
6 episodes with Lviv
2 episodes with Lviv
4 episodes with Lviv
5 episodes with Lviv
4 episodes with Lviv
2 episodes with Lviv
3 episodes with Lviv
7 episodes with Lviv
Silicon Bites Ep294 | 2026-03-01 | Russia is the best ally, until things get real, and a response is requested. Is Putin ‘ghosting' the Iranian regime, and reneging on mutual security commitments? What is the value of an alliances when one side weasels out in the moment of dire need? And are the U.S. and Russia vying to see who can be the very worst of allies within their circle of ‘partners'? Russia seeming to dump Iran also brings up the question of whether security guarantees mean anything at all in this post-truth, post-order world. Geopolitics is purely transactional, and it seems that all alliances are contingent – no commitments solid or binding. Ukraine should also take note – that agreements and treaties mean nothing to Russia, and perhaps the U.S. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------SOURCES:Reuters on Putin's response and absence of mutual defence clause (March 1, 2026). Reuters on Hormuz / market risk and Russian warning (March 1, 2026). AP on Russia's condemnation, Lavrov–Araghchi call, UNSC push (Feb 28, 2026). Reuters on Russia suspending flights amid escalation (Feb 28, 2026). ISW assessment of Russia's “boilerplate” condemnation and strategic limits (Feb 28, 2026). AK&M on ratification law + treaty clause summary (Feb 28, 2026).Interfax treaty clause text (Apr 16, 2025) (background). Foreign Policy on treaty not being a mutual defence pact (Feb 27, 2026) (background framing). The Guardian reporting on the opening strikes and regional escalation (Feb 28, 2026). ----------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----------
Livestream with Yuri RashkinLINKS:https://rashkinreport.substack.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rashkin-report/id1183073638----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------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----------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/-----------
Ukraine's cities were failing long before the Russian invasion began. Kyiv and Lviv ranked among the 40 most congested cities in the world, yet neither makes the top 100 by population. Ninety per cent of Ukraine's housing stock was built before 1990. Its urban infrastructure was designed for a Soviet economy and never properly adapted for the one that followed. So when reconstruction begins, the question is not simply how to repair what was there: it is whether repairing what was there is the right goal.Edward Glaeser of Harvard, Martina Kirchberger of Trinity College Dublin, and Andrii Parkhomenko of the University of Southern California argue that the most instructive precedent is not post-USSR Warsaw, or postwar Berlin, it is postwar Tokyo. Firebombed into ruin, Tokyo rebuilt in a way that was strikingly decentralised: master plans quickly abandoned, local communities empowered to combine small lots through land readjustment, and figure it out from the bottom up. Before the war, Ukraine's economic activity was already shifting away from heavy industry and the east, towards services and the west. Reconstruction that concentrates investment where the damage is greatest, rather than where people want to build a new life, would repair the buildings and miss the point.The research behind this episode:Glaeser, Edward L., Martina Kirchberger, and Andrii Parkhomenko. 2025. "Rebuilding Ukraine's Cities: Maximizing Benefits and Minimizing Costs." Economic Policy: Papers on European and Global Issues, special issue: "What's Next for Ukraine?" To cite this episode:Phillips, Tim. 2026, "What's Next for Ukraine: Reconstruction." Economic Policy: Papers on European and Global Issues (podcast). Assign this as extra listening: the citation above is formatted and ready for a reading list or VLE.About the guestsEdward Glaeser is Fred and Eleanor Glimp Professor of Economics at Harvard University and a Research Associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research. He is one of the world's leading urban economists, with a research agenda spanning cities, housing markets, economic growth, and governance.Martina Kirchberger is a CEPR Research Affiliate and Assistant Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin. Her research focuses on structural transformation, urban economics, and development in low- and middle-income countries.Andrii Parkhomenko is Assistant Professor of Real Estate at the USC Marshall School of Business and a researcher at the Kyiv School of Economics. His work centers on urban and spatial economics, with a particular focus on housing markets and city growth.Research cited in this episodeUkraine Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, World Bank Group, European Commission, and UN, 2024. The source of the physical damage figure cited in this episode: approximately $175 billion by the end of 2024, with estimates for end-2025 likely exceeding $200 billion. Some independent projections cited by Glaeser run to $500 billion or above.The concept of investing-in-investing, referenced by Kirchberger, originates in work by Paul Collier on how resource-rich developing countries can scale up capital investment effectively. It refers to the prior investments in institutions, skills, and capacity that must be made before large-scale capital flows can be productively absorbed. The implication for Ukraine: there is work to do now, before reconstruction begins at scale.The Tokyo land readjustment model, which Glaeser cited as the most instructive reconstruction precedent, allowed owners of small fragmented lots to pool their land, redevelop it jointly, and receive a share of the new property in exchange for their stake in the old. It enabled large-scale urban reconstruction without central expropriation, and without waiting for government direction. The mechanism remains in active use in Japanese urban planning.The Solidere reconstruction of central Beirut was raised as a cautionary counterexample: a centralised, top-down rebuild that produced a high-end commercial district with questionable benefit to ordinary Lebanese, and which substantially enriched its private shareholders. The contrast with Tokyo's decentralised model is the episode's sharpest illustration of what reconstruction can and cannot achieve when organised from above.More in the "What's Next for Ukraine?" seriesThis episode is the second in a three-part series based on papers presented at the inaugural Economic Policy winter conference, Paris, December 2025.Episode 1: Yuriy Gorodnichenko and Maurice Obstfeld on the investment and financing challenge: $40 billion a year, debt restructuring as a prerequisite for private capital, and why the number is more achievable than it sounds.Episode 3: Demobilisation and the labour market: getting soldiers back into work without breaking the economy that kept the country going. Related reading on VoxEURebuilding cities in Ukraine: A VoxEU column on the urban reconstruction challenge, including the spatial decisions that will shape how Ukraine's cities develop in the decades after the war.A blueprint for the reconstruction of Ukraine: A comprehensive VoxEU overview of the reconstruction architecture: what institutions are needed, how international financing can be coordinated, and what the sequencing of investment should look like.Completing Ukraine's reconstruction architecture: On the remaining gaps in the international framework for financing and coordinating Ukraine's rebuild, and what needs to happen before reconstruction can begin at the required scale.Lessons for rebuilding Ukraine from economic recoveries after natural disasters: What the evidence from post-disaster reconstruction in other countries tells us about what works, what fails, and how quickly economies can return to their pre-shock trajectories.
Silicon Bites Ep293 | 2026-02-25 | Druzhba on Fire: Ukraine's drones, Orbán's veto, Fico's power cut — and Europe's energy solidarity stress-test. I love the smell of burning Russian oil in the morning – it smells, like… VICTORY! You may have seen the videos of the burning installation? Absolutely spectacular. A fireball in Tatarstan — more than a thousand kilometers from the Ukrainian border — and suddenly Hungary and Slovakia are threatening to hold up EU sanctions and attempting to take Ukraine's funding hostage (spoilers – they didn't succeed). This is the Druzhba pipeline crisis: drones, oil, electricity supplies and two EU capitals trying to turn Russia's outrageous aggression into their own political leverage. Druzhba means “friendship.” But 2026, it's unfriendly actions that are taking centre stage.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------SOURCES:Reuters — Ukrainian drones hit Druzhba-linked pumping station in Tatarstan (23 Feb 2026). RFE/RL — Explosion at key Druzhba-linked facility in Tatarstan (23 Feb 2026). Kyiv Independent — SBU source claims strike details on Kaleykino station (23 Feb 2026). Reuters — Slovakia to stop emergency power supplies to Ukraine over Druzhba dispute (23 Feb 2026). Reuters — Ukraine moves Druzhba resumption date to Feb 25, Slovakia says (23 Feb 2026). Reuters — Hungary blocks sanctions and EU cash/loan amid Druzhba dispute; Kallas quote (23 Feb 2026).Reuters — Szijjártó: “We will not give in to this blackmail” (20 Feb 2026).Euronews — Hungary blocks sanctions package until oil transit resumes (22 Feb 2026). Euronews — Slovakia halts emergency power supply; Ukraine “ultimatums” response (23 Feb 2026).Kyiv Independent — Ukraine condemns Hungary/Slovakia “ultimatums and blackmail” (21 Feb 2026).The New Voice of Ukraine — Sybiha: Ukraine ready to “act constructively” (24 Feb 2026). ANSA — Szijjártó on blocking sanctions; Hungarian government framing (22 Feb 2026). Al Jazeera — EU sanctions some Russians as Hungary blocks broader measures; Druzhba dispute context (23 Feb 2026). ----------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----------
In February 2022, just days before Russia invaded Ukraine, Ksenia Samotiy's mother drove her and her two younger siblings to the Polish border. They thought they would be gone for a few days. Four years later, the war continues. Now living in Dublin, Ksenia has returned to her hometown of Lviv for the first time since she fled. What did she find, and what does the future hold for Ukraine? Host: Fionnán SheahanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------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:Substack: https://substack.com/@siliconcurtain?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.
Silicon Bites Ep292 | 2026-02-23 | Russia is closed for business — the war economy that is devouring its own future. Russian opposition economist Vladimir Milov says Russia's economy now runs on one fuel: state war spending. Businesses can't invest, workers are disappearing, interest rates crush enterprise — and the Kremlin doesn't seem to care. The result? A country technically functioning, but economically shutting down, abandoning the core tenets of a market economy, and shedding all vestiges of economic rationality. Russia hasn't been sanctioned into isolation and oblivion. It's reorganising itself into a permanent wartime command economy – destroying all the economic progress of the 1990s. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES:AP News — wartime tax pressure on small business (2026)Reuters Breakingviews — fiscal strain and depletion of reserves (Feb 2026)The Moscow Times — stagnation, falling profits, investment slowdown The Moscow Times — taxes rising and growth ~1% PISM / economic analysis — 21% interest rates, labour shortage Wilson Center — war economy discourages investmentRUSI — inflation driven by war spendingGuardian economic analysis — labour shortages and tax increases Kyiv Independent interview with Vladimir Milov — reserves depletion and investment collapse----------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----------
Silicon Bites Ep286 | 2026-02-16 | Britain and four European allies now say Alexei Navalny wasn't just ‘mistreated' in prison — he was poisoned with a rare neurotoxin linked to poison dart frogs. Finally, they're naming it. Some of us always believe he was deliberately killed, but would not have expected that such a rare, expensive and theatrical poison would have been used. It seems that the cruelty and callousness of Moscow is matched by its penchant for theatrical murder. On 14 February 2026, the UK Foreign Office published a statement saying lab work found epibatidine in samples from Navalny's body — calling it “the deadly toxin found in the skin of Ecuador dart frogs.” The UK says it was found in Navalny's body and “highly likely resulted in his death,” and adds: “There is no innocent explanation for its presence.” (GOV.UK)And the UK didn't do this alone. Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands issued a joint statement: their national laboratories' analysis “conclusively confirmed” epibatidine. They say it isn't found naturally in Russia — which is the point: you don't accidentally pick up a toxin sourced from South American dart frogs inside a Russian penal colony. (GOV.UK)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES:UK Foreign Office statement (14 Feb 2026): “UK confirms Russia poisoned Navalny in prison with rare toxin.” Joint statement (UK, France, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands) on lab confirmation of epibatidine. Reuters (15 Feb 2026): Rubio says US has “no reason to question” European assessment; details on non-signature. AP (14 Feb 2026): summary of European statement, OPCW referral, date of death. The Guardian (15 Feb 2026): UK considering sanctions; Russian embassy rebuttal; Cooper comments.Sky News (14 Feb 2026): timing analysis; Navalnaya's Munich remarks; embassy response framing. Al Jazeera (15 Feb 2026): recap + notes uncertainty over how samples were obtained; Navalny death/MSC timing. The Guardian science explainer (14 Feb 2026): epibatidine effects; expert toxicology quotes. Euronews (14 Feb 2026): summary of allied accusations and MSC context. The Insider (14 Feb 2026): OPCW notification and related reporting context. ----------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----------
Day 1,460.Today, reporting live from Ukraine on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, we cover fresh bombardments on both Ukrainian and Russian territory, the investigation into an explosive device that killed a police officer in Lviv and injured dozens more, and President Zelensky's claims that Ukrainian forces have liberated 300 square kilometres in southern Ukraine – and that the Third World War has “already begun.” Plus, we hear reflections from our Europe Editor, and our Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator, who was inside No 10 Downing Street when Vladimir Putin launched the invasion in February 2022, on the calculations made in London at the outset of Russia's war in Ukraine.ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.James Crisp (Europe Editor). @JamesCrisp6 on X.David Blair (Chief Foreign Correspondent). @davidblairdt on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjzon X.NOW AVAILABLE IN VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Zelensky accuses Putin of starting World War Three (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/23/zelensky-putin-russia-ukraine-world-war-three/Russia kills Ukrainian civilians as anniversary of invasion approaches (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/22/russia-strikes-kyiv-with-ballistic-missiles/ Ukraine strikes long-range missile plant 1,400km behind Russian lines (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/21/ukraine-strikes-long-range-missile-factory-russia/ Ukrainian held after bombs kill policewoman, 23, in Lviv (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/22/ukrainian-woman-arrest-lviv-kremlin-terror-attacks/ Healey: I want to send British troops to Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/02/21/healey-i-want-to-send-british-troops-to-ukraine/ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to our monthly conversation with Konstantin, who is one of the most respected voices on YouTube about what is happening Inside Russia. Konstantin Samoilov is a well-known YouTuber whose channel ‘Inside Russia' comments insightfully on Russia's decent into authoritarianism over the last few years. But now, like many others, he's outside Russia, with no idea of when he can return there. ----------LINKS: @INSIDERUSSIA https://www.patreon.com/insiderussiaINSIDE RUSSIA is a source of current news on Russia - Konstantin carefully selects 9 news stories that are important and really matter, with commentaries and analyses by Konstantin delivered daily to channel patrons at Patreon.comGet your access to daily news updates at patreon.com/INSIDERUSSIA----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/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----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------DESCRIPTION: Inside Russia: Corruption on Steroids, Elite Chaos & Covert Mobilization Jonathan hosts a bimonthly discussion with Konstantin Samoilov about developments 'Inside Russia' approaching the fourth anniversary of Russia's attack on Ukraine. They argue Russia's economic decline is a slow-motion collapse, but the more decisive shift is in Russia's political landscape and social fabric, with corruption accelerating as officials fear the system is becoming unstable. Konstantin describes widespread failures in utilities, healthcare, education, agriculture, and communications, alongside frequent arrests of regional officials, which he says signals a broken “social contract” of loyalty-for-impunity within Putin's vertical of power. He contrasts this with Ukraine becoming “healthier” and more resilient amid attacks, while acknowledging Ukraine's corruption issues but insisting Russia must stop its aggression. The conversation covers how officials allegedly loot state funds as if “there is no tomorrow,” including an example from Belgorod where reconstruction money was allegedly misallocated through falsified damage claims.----------
What does a bomb explosion in the Ukrainian city of Lviv tell us about where Russia's war in Ukraine might be going? How will the UK be affected by President Donald Trump's new 15% global tariff? And what might be behind the killing of El Mencho, the most-wanted cartel boss in Mexico?Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer's Poppy Bullard, Elaine McCallig and Bex Sander as they battle it out to see who can pitch the story that should lead the news.Please come and see us this Thursday, the 26th of February, for the next The News Meeting Live: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-8 **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social on bluesky Host: Jasper CorbettProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive Producer: Casey MagloireTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Silicon Bites Ep291 | 2026-02-22 | Russia will disappear. Its population consumed by imperial lust and pointless aggression. Compliance to a dictator that expends their lives senselessly and without care. Putin may be prepping a new mobilisation and the further hardening of the police state and repression. In this episode we cover the evidence of what Moscow is doing now, and what it may be planning and the stakes if Putin does choose to mobilise. The social, demographic and strategic consequences of this ominous decision.Tonight: a single, brutal question — is Vladimir Putin preparing Russia for a new wave of explicit mobilisation this spring? We'll run the actions we can verify, the signals from inside the system, and the cascade of consequences — from tightened censorship to demographic collapse and, yes, the remote but real risk of historic imperial implosion and disappearance.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES:ISW / RBC summary: “Putin readies hidden draft in 2026 amid heavy losses — ISW” — analysis of informational and legal moves toward staged conscription.The Guardian: “Russian crackdown on Telegram app prompts rare criticism from soldiers, pro-war bloggers and officials” — on throttling Telegram and frontline blowback. The Moscow Times: “Resisting the Kremlin's Communication Crackdown Requires New Thinking” (analysis on Telegram throttling and information controls). Human Rights Watch: “Russia: Crackdown on Dissent Escalates” — expanded legal repression and use of “security” charges. Forbes / Mark Temnycky: “How the war in Ukraine has sparked a demographic crisis in Russia” — background on population and labour impacts. PopulationPyramids.org — demographic data and trend visualisation for Russia (background). RUSI / other think-tank analyses on imperial overstretch and decline (context on long-run fragmentation risk).Euronews: “Central Asia's population boom contrasts Europe's demographic decline” — context on contrasting regional demographics and labour pools.----------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----------
Livestream with Yuri RashkinLINKS:https://rashkinreport.substack.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rashkin-report/id1183073638----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------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----------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/-----------
Silicon Bites Ep290 | 2026-02-21 | Milan is hosting a festival of “unity” — while Ukraine is hosting funerals. This week, international sport's governing class has managed a truly grotesque trick that discredits the sporting events their preside over: punishing remembrance of the victim, while rehabilitating symbols of the aggressor. They have sought to strip dignity from the nation defending itself and handed a propaganda triumph to the invading state. In the process they have turned what ought to be a symbol for peace and unity, into a blood sport, with grotesque optics. IOC hypocrisy, Paralympic flag washing, and FIFA's peace-prize theatre — plus why Ukraine and Europe say the message is simple: this isn't neutrality… it's complicity in aggression and illegality. Sports is not neutral, because the participation of an aggressor nation, with an imperial mindset, in any activity, be it sport, culture, literature or film is never neutral, but an extension of their aggression. This is especially true of Russia. (The Washington Post)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES:Reuters on Infantino attending Trump-linked “Board of Peace,” IOC President Coventry response, and Trump receiving a FIFA peace prize (reported as awarded in December).AP / Euronews on Heraskevych disqualification over “helmet of memory,” and wider context of political-expression enforcement.AP / ESPN on Fischnaller helmet flag controversy and IOC stance. Reuters / Washington Post / Guardian / Euronews on IPC allowing Russian and Belarusian flags and anthems at 2026 Winter Paralympics, boycott reactions (Ukraine, Italy, EU Commissioner). Sky News / Independent / Al Jazeera on Infantino comments about reconsidering Russia's football ban and Ukraine's reaction. U.S. Department of Justice press release (2015) on FIFA indictments; historical reporting on FIFA scandal scale.Guardian on Russia 2018 bid investigation issues (destroyed computers / missing documents).AP on Jack Warner extradition case referencing alleged bribes linked to Russia 2018 support. Britannica overview on IOC corruption history (Salt Lake City bidding scandal).----------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----------
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://www.protectingtherepublic.com/https://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/----------
Silicon Bites Ep289 | 2026-02-20 | Brussels drops a “terms of defeat” on Moscow. Extensive, comprehensive and bold. This is the first glimmer of strength and quite uncharacteristically clear. Why have these demands dropped now, and why does Brussels think they have a chance of being obeyed? Could it be that they sense the defeat and collapse of Russia is on the horizon? This is intriguing. Alright — pause the farce of a so-called peace negotiation in Geneva for a second, because Brussels has just slid a document across the table that basically says: “No, actually—Russia doesn't get to keep its overseas garrisons and vassals as a prize for invading its neighbour.”Multiple outlets — drawing on reporting from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — say EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has circulated an internal EU “discussion paper” setting out what Europe thinks Russia should be forced to concede in any settlement. Not Ukraine. Russia. (Euromaidan Press) Finally putting demands to the aggressor, not the victim. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES:EU internal paper reported via RFE/RL summaries and regional coverage (Feb 17–19, 2026): (messenger.com.ge) EU Commission spokesperson remarks on EU role in any peace agreement (Feb 20, 2026): (ukrinform.net) EU briefing quote: “no tangible signs” Russia is serious on peace; “nothing can be decided…” (Feb 19, 2026): (The Guardian) Foreign Affairs Council agenda (23 Feb 2026): (Consilium)Russia war-economy strain: Reuters Breakingviews (Feb 19, 2026): (Reuters)Russia oil & gas revenue projection (Feb 19, 2026): (Reuters)Russia National Wealth Fund liquid assets (Finance Ministry via TASS, Feb 5, 2026)Moldova reintegration / troop withdrawal emphasis (Moldpres)Ukraine FM Sybiha on Transnistria threat (Interfax Ukraine)South Caucasus pressure points (Reuters on Vardanyan sentencing, Feb 17 2026): (Reuters)Syria: Russia negotiating/uncertain base status (TASS) and Moscow Times analysis: (TASS)Iran escalation / regime change logic (Reuters, Feb 20 2026): (Reuters)----------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----------
Silicon Bites Ep287 | 2026-02-17 | “Bad things are coming for Russia”: Z-Patriot Maxim Kalashnikov goes full doom-monger on the crisis of statehood enveloping Russia. Today's warning siren isn't coming from liberal Moscow, Navalny's team or TV Rain. It's coming from the other side of the ideological trench: the Z-Patriot ecosystem. And one of its loudest, most apocalyptic voices — Maksim Kalashnikov — is now saying the quiet part out loud: Russia isn't just losing momentum in a war, it's sliding into a crisis of statehood.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES:Kalashnikov posts (primary, verified text captures)- Telemetr capture of Roy TV Telegram channel posts dated 17 Feb 2026 (includes “crisis of statehood” + “difficult decisions” list): https://telemetr.me/content/roy_tv_mkTelegram restriction / backlash context (authoritative reporting)- Reuters (11 Feb 2026): Russia's Telegram curbs, backlash, Mironov quotes:https://www.reuters.com/world/russias-curbs-telegram-prompt-concern-about-impact-soldiers-2026-02-11/- The Guardian (11 Feb 2026): Telegram slowdown, “sovereign internet”, Durov statement, milblogger reactions:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/11/russian-crackdown-telegram-app-criticism-soldiers-pro-war-bloggers- The Guardian (9 Feb 2026): Starlink curtailment affecting Russian forces, milblogger quotes:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/09/russia-scrambles-starlink-access-deactivated-elon-musk-space-xApril 1 Telegram-ban reporting / official non-denials- RBC (17 Feb 2026): Baza claim + Roskomnadzor “nothing to add”:https://www.rbc.ru/technology_and_media/17/02/2026/69942e849a7947f5560a652b- Novaya Gazeta Europe (17 Feb 2026): Baza claim + regulator response framing:https://novayagazeta.eu/amp/articles/2026/02/17/russia-to-block-telegram-from-1-april-as-crackdown-on-foreign-owned-apps-continues-en-news- TASS factbox (17 Feb 2026): “no official confirmations” + Duma committee commentary:https://tass.com/economy/2087879----------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----------
Silicon Bites Ep288 | 2026-02-18 | All the evidence points to the U.S. no longer being an ally of Europe. But it's not a neutral or indifferent stance. It's actively malicious, meddling, malignant and intentionally destabilising. The evidence is all around, and yet Rubio still got a standing ovation at the MSC. Could there be any greater show of craven weakness and appeasement to an increasingly tyrannical, capricious and imperial U.S.?! This episode: the Munich Meltdown and the “Kremlin Vassal” Tour, of Hungary and Slovakia: Graham's unseemly tantrum, Rubio's weasel words, and the Geneva so-called ‘peace conference' squeeze on Ukraine. The U.S. is being unfair to Ukraine, and to everyone, except Vladimir Putin and his client states. Isn't this clear to everyone yet? ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES:Berlingske witness-account reporting echoed internationally; The Independent summary (18 Feb 2026). Social amplification of Berlingske details (Jakub Krupa on X/Twitter profile scrape; includes quoted witness lines). Reuters: Geneva talks end without breakthrough; Zelenskyy says it's “not fair” to pressure Ukraine not Russia (18 Feb 2026). Guardian: Rubio–Orbán “golden age” / EU fears of US promoting disunity (17 Feb 2026). Guardian: Rubio's Munich speech as “friendship on MAGA terms”; Claudia Major quote; visits to Fico/Orbán (18 Feb 2026). Euronews: Rubio press conference with Fico; “vassal” remarks; tour framing (15 Feb 2026). US State Department video record: Rubio joint press availability with Robert Fico (15 Feb 2026). Ukrinform: Applebaum on Europeans as “closer friends” to Ukraine than Americans (17 Feb 2026). Applebaum social post linking to her argument about investor benefit (22 Nov 2025; background context). Munich Security Conference official dates (MSC site / EU Commission event page).----------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----------
The Daily Quiz - Geography Today's Questions: Question 1: What Is The Colour Of The Cross On The Finish Flag? Question 2: What direction is the opposite of East? Question 3: Port Moresby is the capital city of which country? Question 4: Which country administers South Georgia, a last stop before Antarctica? Question 5: Which country altered it's timezone in order to be the first to see in the year 2000? Question 6: In which continent would you find the Yellow river? Question 7: Lviv is a city in which country? Question 8: What country was known as Kampuchea between 1975 and 1979? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
durée : 00:06:04 - Grand Reportage - par : Aurélie Kieffer - Dans une Ukraine frappée par la guerre, il n'y a pas de décompte officiel des soldats morts au combat. Mais une image ne trompe pas : celle des cimetières dans lesquels l'on ne trouve plus de place pour enterrer ceux que l'on appelle les "héros de la Nation". - réalisation : Annie Brault
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/----------
Silicon Bites Ep285 | 2026-02-14 | Today: Munich: the “child of Europe” speech, the missing commitments, and the price of self-deception. Dateline: Munich Security Conference, Friday–Saturday, 13–14 Feb 2026.Europe cheers Secretary of State Marco Rubio, principally because he did not harangue and berate the audience, did not hector and threaten. His tone was conciliatory, and the audience gave him an ovation. But this was a shameful spectacle of weakness and desperation. Europe revealed that it would give anything to return to ‘normal', to how things were before Trump. They revealed that they'd still rather hang off the coat tails of the U.S. than stand up and face reality. This was a spectacle of timid and fearful children, not adults or leaders. It was even more desperate, because Rubio did not bring a return to ‘normality'. His tone may have been soft, but there was no change of substance detectable, no shift in national security policy. Hiding beneath the soft fabrics of his words, lies a cold and dark truth – the U.S. intends to meddle in European democratic affairs, promote populists and disruptors. Weaken the continent, not strengthen it. Rubio came as a wolf in sheep's clothing to Munich, and European leaders and analysts duly flocked to praise him as signifying a return to normality. Normal is over and is not coming back. It's time to wake up; time to grow up and cut the umbilical cord with a U.S. that has other priorities, and other distractions. It may respect us if we show strength, independence and innovation, but never if we continue to show weakness. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES:Reuters — Rubio tells Munich security forum US and Europe “belong together” (Feb 14, 2026).Reuters — Rubio casts US as “child of Europe,” critical friend to allies (Feb 14, 2026). U.S. State Department — Rubio remarks/transcript at Munich Security Conference (Feb 2026). Reuters — Zelensky says US too often asks Ukraine, not Russia, for concessions (Feb 14, 2026). Financial Times — Rubio skips Ukraine meeting with European leaders in Munich (Feb 13–14, 2026).The Guardian — Rubio urges renewed alliance, on Trump's terms (Feb 14, 2026). TIME — Merz warns against deep rift; US not powerful enough to “go it alone” (Feb 14, 2026). UK Government — PM speech at Munich Security Conference (Feb 14, 2026). Sky News live coverage — Starmer/Rubio/Zelensky at MSC (Feb 14, 2026). Munich Security Conference PDF + American Presidency Project — JD Vance MSC speech text. ----------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----------
Joe Lindsley is a traveler and a writer, and American reporting from Ukraine every day of Russia's full-scale war. He once was protégé to Fox News founder Roger Ailes, but Lindsley escaped that frenzied world where power mattered more than truth. He came to Lviv for a Ukrainian Catholic University journalism conference on Information Overload, AI, and Responsibility. Then the Coronavirus shut down world travel, and he stayed to build a better vision for the media industry.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------LINKS:https://www.ukrainianfreedomnews.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-lindsley-60087618/https://www.youtube.com/@jplindsleyhttps://twitter.com/JPLindsleyhttps://www.instagram.com/jplindsley/https://www.facebook.com/josephlindsleyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Lindsley----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN 12 Events in 12 months - Campaign for 2026Advocacy 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 12 events in 12 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----------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 Jonathan MS Pearce where we talk to an American fighter training in Ukraine to fight against the Russians. His unit Revanche is fundraising for equipment through Dzyga's Paw.Donate to help out:https://dzygaspaw.com/signal-revanche?project=Revanchehttps://dzygaspaw.com/projects----------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 Yuri Rashkin----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------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----------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/-----------
Jared Goyette - Assistant Editor at the Kyiv Independent. Jared Goyette is an American journalist based in Kyiv and an assistant editor on the Kyiv Independent's War Desk. His reporting has appeared in The Nation and on PRI's “The World,” and he previously served as the English-language editor for The Ukrainians Media. His work has also appeared in The Guardian and The Washington Post.----------LINKS:https://kyivindependent.com/author/jared/https://www.instagram.com/jaredgoyette/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-goyette-743908a/https://x.com/JaredGoyettehttps://chytomo.com/en/authors/jared-goyette/----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN 10 Events in 10 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----------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 Rescueht
Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi offers a firsthand perspective on the war in Ukraine, focusing on children, families, and resilience. Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi will offer a firsthand pastoral perspective on life amid the prolonged war in Ukraine, with particular attention to the experiences of children and families. Drawing on his role as Roman Catholic Bishop of Kyiv–Zhytomyr, he will discuss how the Church fosters stability, resilience, and recovery through parish life, youth ministry, and structured programs serving children and families under wartime conditions. The lecture will be delivered with interpretation by Valentyna Pavsyukova, Founder, President, and CEO of Chalice of Mercy, who will translate for Bishop Kryvytskyi throughout the event. About the Speakers: Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi, SDB, is the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Kyiv–Zhytomyr, a role he has held since his appointment by Pope Francis in 2017. Born in Odesa, Ukraine, he entered the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco in 1990 and completed his theological formation in Poland, earning a Master of Theology from the Catholic University of Lublin. Ordained a priest in 1997, Bishop Kryvytskyi has devoted much of his ministry to parish leadership, youth formation, and pastoral care across Ukraine, particularly in Odesa, Zhytomyr, and Lviv regions. In addition to his diocesan responsibilities, he serves in several national leadership roles within the Catholic Church in Ukraine, including Deputy Chair of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Ukraine and Head of its Ecumenical Commission. He is also an active member of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, which he led in 2019. His episcopal ministry is guided by his motto, In Iesu Christo (“In Jesus Christ”). Valentyna Pavsyukova is the Founder, President, and CEO of Chalice of Mercy, a nonprofit organization she established in 2007 to advance humanitarian aid, pro-life advocacy, and family support in Ukraine. Born and raised in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, she immigrated to the United States after winning the U.S. Green Card Lottery and became a U.S. citizen in 2010. Her early years in the U.S. included a career in cosmetology, which she left in 2009 to dedicate herself fully to mission work following a profound spiritual conversion influenced by Mother Teresa and St. John Paul II. Valentyna continues her intellectual and spiritual formation through studies at the Theology of the Body Institute and Oxford University's Politics Certification Program. Under her leadership, Chalice of Mercy has delivered extensive humanitarian and medical assistance, including over $80 million in medical supplies since 2022, organized life-saving medical missions, supported hospitals, hospices, orphanages, and families, and founded faith-based educational initiatives such as Saint Maria Goretti Daycare in Zaporizhzhia. A frequent international speaker, she has addressed audiences at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., Ukrainian Week, and major youth and policy forums. She also serves as a Strategic Adviser to the Protez Foundation, supporting rehabilitation and prosthetics for wounded Ukrainian soldiers, and her work has been recognized by Ukrainian and international institutions for extraordinary humanitarian and defense support. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3
US President Donald Trump has set a deadline for the end of the war in Ukraine - June. President Volodomyr Zelensky has said he will be sending a delegation to Miami for US-brokered talks in Miami. We get a Ukrainian MP's reaction to the latest deadline and hear about life in Kyiv as Russia targets the country's energy infrastructure.Also in the programme: the rush to get key AI components into outer space; and the small change in French rural life that could be fuelling the rise of the far-right.(Photo: A person with a flashlight in a dark street during a power cut in Lviv, Ukraine. Credit: Mykola Tys, EPA/Shutterstock)
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/----------
Megi Benia is a Georgian diplomat and security and foreign policy professional specialising in Russia's influence operations, NATO's collective defence posture, international cybersecurity, resilience, and transatlantic affairs. She currently serves as a Contributing Editor of New Eastern Europe. At the same time, she is an Associate Fellow at the University of Georgia's Security, Policy and Nationalism Research Center (UGSPN) and a Researcher of South-East Europe and Black Sea Region Programme for the Platform for Peace and Humanity. She is also a member of the EU CyberNet Expert Pool and a PhD candidate at Tbilisi State University, where her doctoral research examines Cybersecurity in NATO's Strategic Doctrine: Applicability of Collective Defense to Cyberspace. As a researcher and public commentator, Ms. Benia analyses Russia's evolving hybrid toolkit, U.S.-Russia strategic competition, and Black Sea regional security. She contributes to international policy discussions through op-eds, research papers, expert commentary, conference moderation, and media engagement. She is also active in academia and professional education, currently lecturing at Caucasus University, and previously teaching at the University of Georgia. She has authored multiple publications on Euro-Atlantic security, cyber diplomacy, resilience, disinformation, NATO's strategic adaptation, and arms control.----------LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/megibenia/https://x.com/megibeniahttps://independent.academia.edu/MegiBeniahttps://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/08/25/as-georgia-dismantles-its-civil-service-the-kremlin-watches-and-wins/ https://gssr.georgetown.edu/the-forum/topics/technology/the-digital-shield-using-cyber-diplomacy-to-strengthen-national-cyber-resilience/ ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2026 - 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/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.org----------
2026-01-30 | UPDATES #120 | FBI raid on Georgia's Fulton County elections hub — ballots seized, intelligence chief on scene, and why critics say this is about elections in 2026 not those of 2020. This is one of those stories that should be wall-to-wall — because it goes to the bloodstream of democracy: elections, and an absolute rupture of normal practice with regards to an historic ballot. This week, the FBI executed a search warrant at Fulton County's Election Hub and Operations Centre in Union City, Georgia, and hauled away hundreds of boxes of 2020 election materials — including ballots and election records. (Reuters)The fear is this is being done, not to find evidence of fraud, but to manufacture and plant evidence of this. Here's the part that should shock you: Tulsi Gabbard — the Director of National Intelligence — was physically present at the scene. (Reuters)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters (Jan 28, 2026) — FBI executes search warrant at Fulton County election facilityhttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/fbi-executing-search-warrant-election-office-georgia-related-2020-vote-fox-news-2026-01-28/ABC News (Jan 29, 2026) — FBI Director Kash Patel claims probable cause; warrant scope; Warner/Himes letter; Gabbard presence - https://abcnews.go.com/US/fulton-county-official-slams-trump-administration-fbis-seizure/story?id=129670285Associated Press (Jan 30, 2026) — FBI seizure of Georgia ballots; details of what was taken; Gabbard presence - https://apnews.com/article/87300edb3ea86961c69132e6a2dfd6e8Reuters (Jan 29, 2026) — Democrats demand explanation for DNI Tulsi Gabbard at raidhttps://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/democrats-ask-top-us-spy-explain-presence-fbi-raid-election-facility-2026-01-29/ACLU (Jan 29, 2026) — ACLU and ACLU of Georgia response; “no legitimate law enforcement purpose”; midterm fears - https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-and-aclu-of-georgia-respond-to-fbi-raid-on-fulton-county-elections-facility----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2026 - 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----------
“How could there be a war in this city?” is the plaintive question that starts Oksana Makysymchuk's “Arguments for Peace”. Like ours, the world of her poem holds both the “goodness of the universe” and “a foreign leader / warning of invasion”. She offers no pat answers for what to do in the face of conflict — just a dizzying sense of disbelief and the deep desire to hold tight to the people and life around us. We invite you to subscribe to Pádraig's weekly Poetry Unbound Substack, read the Poetry Unbound books and his newest work, Kitchen Hymns, or listen to all our Poetry Unbound episodes. Oksana Maksymchuk is a bilingual Ukrainian American poet, scholar, and translator. She is the author of poetry collections Xenia and Lovy in Ukrainian. She coedited Words for War: New Poems from Ukraine, an anthology of contemporary poetry and has published a few single-author volumes of translations. Born and raised in Lviv, Ukraine, she has also lived in Chicago, Philadelphia, Budapest, Berlin, Warsaw, and Fayetteville, Arkansas. She currently teaches at the University of Chicago.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2026-01-30 | UPDATES #119 | Two Americans dead in Minneapolis after encounters with federal immigration agents. A city on edge. Courts warning the administration to stop violating orders. Republicans — even MAGA Republicans — demanding investigations. And inside Trump world? The wheels are coming off. Finger-pointing, retreats, and the sound of people backing away from the cliff edge they ran towards. But will Trump's TACO on his own domestic programme of lawless authoritarianism go into reverse, or will this simply be seen as a minor rebranding issue? ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters — Trump warns Minneapolis mayor is “playing with fire”; Homan takes over, Bovino sidelined.Reuters — Expert critique of narrative control around Minneapolis encounters.Axios — Who's in hot water; quotes from Noem and Miller; judge orders ICE chief to appear. Washington Post — GOP anxiety and erosion of support for tactics; conservative media backlash.AP — “No Kings” protests planned; backlash framed as anti-authoritarian mobilization. The Guardian — Biden condemnation; reporting on DHS claims vs. video controversy. Reuters (context) — Gun-rights political risk in Pretti case.Al Jazeera (via Reuters/Ipsos) — Immigration approval rating datapoint (39%). ACLU — Project 2025 framing and rule-of-law concerns. ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2026 - 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----------
2026-01-29 | UPDATES #118 | Russia's advance slows to a nine-month low — signs of an army crisis, and why major 2026 offensives may be running out of road. Today is day 1,435 of Russia's full-scale invasion. That's not a milestone, but an inditement of political failure and industrial-scale human waste. The “unstoppable Russian offensive” narrative is hitting a wall. This fact stunned me last week, that the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany lasted 1,418 days. This war has now outlasted that — with nothing like the strategic gains, and with Russia's army moving in distance measured in meters, not kilometers.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: UK Parliament Hansard (Jan 29, 2026) — “Today is 1,435 days…” CSIS report (PDF): Russia's Grinding War in Ukraine (published Jan 27, 2026) Business Insider (Jan 29, 2026) summarizing CSIS pace comparisons Associated Press (via AP News, Jan 28, 2026) on CSIS casualty estimatesThe Guardian (Jan 28, 2026) on casualty totals approaching 2m ISW / Critical Threats (Jan 27, 2026) — Donetsk timeline; “lies and exaggerations”; observed vs claimed gains Russia Matters — War Report Card (Jan 28, 2026) territory gained metrics Euromaidan Press (Jan 28, 2026) — nine-month low pace claim (km²/day) Ukraine President's site (Jan 26, 2026) — drones destroying “more than 80%” of enemy targetsDefense News (Jan 28, 2026) — drone share of destroyed targets CSIS LinkedIn post (last 48h) — “extraordinary price for minimal gains” framing Kyiv Post (Jan 29, 2026) — false “captured” claims and battlefield risk (Kupyansk) ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2026 - 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----------
Peter Apps is a British global affairs and defence commentator, journalist, and author best known for his work as a Reuters global defence columnist and commentator on international security, geopolitics, and conflict. He writes a regular bi-weekly column for Thomson Reuters, focusing on national security, geopolitical tensions, defence policy, and the evolving nature of conflict around the world. Apps has authored several books, including Deterring Armageddon: A Biography of NATO, and his upcoming work The Next World War explores the emerging era of great-power conflict, with significant attention to the war in Ukraine and its implications for global security. ----------LINKS:https://pete-apps.com/https://x.com/PeteAppshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/peterapps/https://tedxlondon.com/speaker/peter-apps/----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2026 - 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/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------DESCRIPTION: The Next World War: A Deep Dive with Peter AppsIn this episode, Peter Apps, a British global affairs and defense commentator, journalist, and author, discusses his latest book, 'The Next World War,' which explores the emerging era of great power conflict with a focus on the war in Ukraine and its global implications. Apps talks about the evolving nature of international security, geopolitical tensions, and defense policies. He also delves into the similarities and differences between potential future conflicts and past world wars, the role of major global powers like China and Russia, and the challenges of maintaining global peace. The conversation touches upon the significant impact of the Ukraine war, the strategic importance of deterrence, and the potential for upcoming conflicts in various global hotspots.----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.org----------
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/-----------
**The Doomsday Clock: A History of Existential Threat**At the start of 2026, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has set its famous Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been to the hypothetical hour of global doom.This measurement concept originated after World War Two and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, events which caused terrible destruction and the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. Following continued bomb testing, including the American H-bomb test in 1952 and tests by other nations, the concerned atomic scientists resolved to provide an annual indication of how close the world, due primarily to nuclear weapons, was to self-destruction.A significant retreat occurred at the end of the Cold War, when the clock was set back to 17 minutes to midnight, reflecting a widespread hope for peace. However, this optimism was short-lived. The clock's hands soon began moving forward again, tumbling almost as fast as they had receded, reaching 89 seconds to midnight last year.**2026: A Confluence of Global Dangers**In their most recent report, the scientists foresee a year of severe conflicts ahead. Key factors prompting the move to 85 seconds include:* Russia's continued war in Ukraine.* The effects of United States and Israeli bombing campaigns in Iran.* The ongoing border clashes between India and Pakistan.* China's tangible threats towards Taiwan.* Rising tensions across the Western Hemisphere following the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency.* The expiry of the last remaining nuclear arms pact between the United States and Russia—the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). With this treaty lapsed, testing and development of nuclear weapons are advancing once more with fewer restraints.The report also highlights the unregulated rise of artificial intelligence as a major hazard. While AI holds potential for good, the lack of global regulation means it could equally be harnessed for terrible destruction, including the advancement of nuclear weapons and other “apocalyptic dangers.”**New Era of Weaponry: From Testing to Deployment**The world now faces weapons of mass destruction on an unprecedented scale, capable of destroying the world many times over. Russia, in particular, has not stood still. It is bringing new systems to full production, including the Poseidon, an incredibly fast, nuclear-powered underwater cruise missile, and the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile.The Oreshnik, which Vladimir Putin boasts can overcome all current air defence systems, has been used twice in Ukraine. Its recent use on Lviv involved a MIRV (Multiple Independently-targetable Re-entry Vehicle) system, which Putin described as “like raining meteors from the sky”—a reference to multiple warheads, each potentially nuclear-tipped, striking from a single missile. These weapons are now being stationed in Belarus, further escalating tensions in Europe.**The Quest for Peace and the Biblical Prophecy**Amidst this, efforts for peace continue. Donald Trump has moved to establish a “board of peace,” with documentation underway and some countries showing interest, particularly following perceived headway in Gaza-Israel relations. However, the question remains: can such a board truly bring about lasting peace?The Bible speaks plainly to this in 1 Thessalonians chapter five, stating that when mankind says “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come upon them. This is a prophecy for the time of the end, associated with the literal return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth—an event we as Christadelphians expect very soon.**Conclusion: A Time for Watchfulness**The advancing Doomsday Clock underscores the profound troubles facing our world, perfectly aligning with the biblical description of the end times.
2026-01-29 | UPDATES #117 | Today, Europe just fired a legal warning shot across the bow of Russia's “shadow fleet” — the aging, murky armada that keeps Putin's oil money flowing, and increasingly turns the Baltic into a grey-zone battlefield. But stern words and legal warnings have never intimidated Putin before, in fact, he takes these as a sign of weakness, unless they are accompanied by action. Fourteen European coastal states say the basics of maritime safety are being shredded — by GNSS jamming, AIS manipulation, and sanctions-evading tankers that treat international rules like optional extras. And the subtext is clear: we're done letting this fleet ghost through chokepoints uncontested. What did Europe announce? Are they claiming jurisdiction over the waters, or over the grey fleet? What are the conditions for interception? And does this make confrontation more likely? How far would Putin go to keep this economic lifeline going? ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: UK Government (26 Jan 2026) — “The growing risks to maritime safety” (open letter; signatories; UNCLOS Art 92; SOLAS/AIS/LRIT requirements) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-growing-risks-to-maritime-safety/the-growing-risks-to-maritime-safetyFinnish Government / Ministry of Transport and Communications (26 Jan 2026) — Press release on the joint letter and GNSS interference - https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/1410829/itameren-ja-pohjanmeren-rantavaltiot-gnss-hairinta-on-lisannyt-merenkulun-turvallisuusriskeja-1Denmark — Danish Maritime Authority (Jan 2026) — Notice referencing the open letterhttps://www.dma.dk/news/2026/january/coastal-states-warn-of-threats-to-maritime-safety-in-the-baltic-and-north-sea-regionERR (Estonia) (Jan 2026) — Summary of the warning and signatorieshttps://news.err.ee/1609924184/all-vessels-are-at-risk-14-countries-warn-shadow-fleet-vessels-to-follow-rulesMaritime Executive (26 Jan 2026) — Reporting and technical context on GNSS/AIS and the letterhttps://maritime-executive.com/article/european-nations-warn-shadow-fleet-shipowners-to-play-by-the-rulesgCaptain (Jan 2026) — Coverage framing the enforcement shift and compliance frameworkhttps://gcaptain.com/europe-signals-new-phase-in-shadow-fleet-enforcement/Insurance Journal (27 Jan 2026) — Coverage of the 14-nation warninghttps://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2026/01/27/855788.htmAtlantic Council (22 Jan 2026) — Analysis: shadow fleet as hybrid tool; argues for stronger interpretation/enforcement - https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/dispatches/the-us-is-taking-action-against-russias-shadow-fleet-in-the-baltic-sea-europe-should-follow-suit/Emmanuel Macron on X (Jan 2026) — Public statement on French Navy boarding of a sanctioned tanker - https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/2014341199507706242----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2026 - 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----------
2026-01-28 | UPDATES #115 | Penguin Camo, Toilet Tents, Turtle Tanks — Russia's War of Improvisation. Is this resourcefulness, or a war that at time descends into absurdity reminiscent of Monty Pyton? There's a line from the Ukrainian front this week that sounds like dark comedy — until you remember it's a war zone, and Ukrainians are being injured, maimed, killed and terrorised. On the other hand, Russia cannot help but being absurd, in a dark and brutal way. “We've got penguins walking around here — no more penguin. Shyakaboom.” That's not just an invented meme. That's a Ukrainian brigade captioning drone footage of a Russian soldier in bizarre winter camouflage. (armyinform.com.ua)Today's news flash is about the aesthetics of desperation: the absurd costumes, the “Mad Max” mobility, and the welded-on metal nonsense Russia is throwing at Ukraine's drone-saturated battlefield — because the old rules of concealment and armoured manoeuvre are getting shredded in real time. Let's start with the viral image: a “penguin” waddling across open snow. The sober version is worse — and more revealing.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Euromaidan Press (Jan 27, 2026) — “A Russian soldier dressed as a penguin was doing a pretty good job avoiding thermal drones” https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/01/27/penguin-camo/ArmyInform (Jan 27, 2026) — “Penguins Walking Around Here” — An Unusual Camouflage Did Not Save an Occupier https://armyinform.com.ua/en/2026/01/27/penguins-walking-around-here-an-unusual-camouflage-did-not-save-an-occupier/Defense Express / Defence-UA (Jan 25, 2026) — Ukrainian drones hunt down Russia's “turtle tanks” (Video) https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukrainian_drones_hunt_down_russias_turtle_tanks_on_the_front_line_video-17274.htmlUkrinform (Jan 26, 2026) — Unmanned systems forces demonstrate neutralization of Russian “turtle tank” https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4084248-unmanned-systems-forces-demonstrate-neutralization-of-russian-turtle-tank.htmlUA.NEWS (Jan 26, 2026) — Air Assault Forces fighters deliver significant damage to Russian equipment - https://ua.news/en/war-vs-rf/biitsi-dshv-zavdali-vidchutnikh-udariv-po-rosiiskii-tekhnitsiMezha (Jan 26, 2026) — Ukrainian 46th Air Assault Brigade Destroys Russian Armor Using Droneshttps://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/ukrainian-46th-air-assault-brigade-destroys-russian-armor-using-drones/amp/Euromaidan Press (Jan 22, 2026) — Russia's tanks can finally shoot through their drone armor. Ukraine noticed. https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/01/22/rotating-anti-drone-armor/United24 Media (Jan 13, 2026) — Russia's Answer to Ukrainian Drones? Soldiers Shelter in Bizarre Vertical Pods - https://united24media.com/latest-news/russias-answer-to-ukrainian-drones-soldiers-shelter-in-bizarre-vertical-pods-14960Reuters Pictures (Jan 9, 2026) — Under the canopy: anti-drone nets covering Ukraine's frontlineshttps://www.reuters.com/pictures/under-canopy-drone-nets-covering-ukraines-frontlines-2026-01-06/JIMR2NBJWBMFDFIXO64EJTCRJY/Ukrainska Pravda (Mar 4, 2024) — Russian troops use Chinese-made golf carts for assaultshttps://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/03/04/7444874/----------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----------
2026-01-28 | UPDATES #116 | Is Russia's imperial phase ending — and is Putin speeding up the collapse? Russia is waging a 21st-century war with an 18th-century imperial mindset, and dark ages political system. Empires, when they start bleeding out, don't usually stop the haemorrhaging of strength by throwing themselves militarily on their neighbours' territory. Is Russia's imperial phase ending — and is Putin accelerating the collapse? Serhii Plokhy, the Ukrainian Harvard historian argues that Russia's attempt to preserve its empire through war follows a historical pattern of overreach and collapse (United24). Is Russia's imperial phase finally reaching its limits — and is Putin's attempt to “save the empire” destroying it in real-time?----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: UNITED24 Media — “Putin's Plan to Save the Empire Is Destroying It—A Harvard Historian on Russia's Fate” (Jan 19, 2026; updated Jan 23, 2026).Ukrainian World Congress — “Plokhy: The battle for minds is part of the war” (Jan 14, 2026; citing Ukrainska Pravda interview).Tymofiy Mylovanov (LinkedIn) — reaction summarizing Plokhy's collapse triggers and Russia's exhaustion dynamic (posted Jan 2026). Ukrainian World Congress — “Serhii Plokhy on Russia's aggression: This is war of empire's collapse” (May 13, 2024; background framing on imperial logic).----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2026 - 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----------
2026-01-27 | UPDATES #114 | Russian warships escort “grey fleet” vessels through the English Channel — a confrontation in the making?A sanctioned oil tanker is boarded in the Mediterranean. Days later, a Russian warship escorts an oil tanker through the English Channel — with NATO watching every meter of water. This is a potential flashpoint, sanctions enforcement colliding with Russian naval deterrence, Putin running maritime cover for the operations of his illegal oil export trade.Today's news flash is about the English Channel — and a major challenge for NATO planners: Russia is pairing its oil-linked shipping with naval escorts, and the West is inching toward more assertive enforcement against the “shadow” or “grey” fleet that bankrolls the war.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters (Jan 23, 2026): UK Royal Navy shadows Boikiy and MT General Skobelev through the English Channel. Royal Navy (Jan 23, 2026): Official operational account + statements from Al Carns and ship/aircrew. Reuters (Jan 22, 2026): UK support for French operation to board tanker Grinch; Healey quote on shadow fleet priority. Reuters (Jan 22, 2026): France intercepts Grinch; Macron and Zelenskyy X-post quotes; legal framing under UNCLOS; diversion for investigation. AP (Jan 22–25, 2026): French interception and subsequent detention/questioning of Grinch captain; investigative steps. The Maritime Executive (Jan 2026): “Heightened scrutiny” around General Skobelev transit; Kelin quote; UK enforcement posture signals. UK Government (Jan 7, 2026): Healey statement on shadow fleet, sanctions count, and enforcement framing (background). Hansard (UK Parliament, Jan 19, 2026): Parliamentary language tying shadow fleet transits to wider threat perception (background). ----------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----------
Livestream with Yuri Rashkin----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://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 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----------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/-----------
2026-01-26 | UPDATES #113 | “Treason” in the PLA? Xi's unprecedented purge — corruption, loyalty, and coup rumours. Today's story is not “just another corruption scandal” in China. This is the Chinese Communist Party reaching up into the absolute top of the People's Liberation Army — right into the room where war plans live — and yanking out two senior figures in one move. Top figures in fact. Beijing's official language is clipped. The implications are not. China's defence ministry says it has opened investigations into General Zhang Youxia — a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, effectively the uniformed number two under Xi Jinping — and General Liu Zhenli, a CMC member and chief of the Joint Staff Department. The stated reason: “suspected serious violations of discipline and law.” (Reuters)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Xinhua: Defence ministry announcement (Jan 24, 2026). Xinhua / PLA Daily editorial summary (Jan 24, 2026). Reuters: Investigation details and context on PLA purges (Jan 24, 2026). Associated Press: Overview and recent purge timeline (Jan 24, 2026).Financial Times: Loyalty framing and “authority” angle (Jan 25, 2026). Washington Post: Scale of upheaval and command implications (Jan 25, 2026).Wall Street Journal: Reported additional allegations (unconfirmed by PRC statement) South China Morning Post: “Party purity” framing and political timing (Jan 25, 2026). Official explainer of the “CMC Chairperson Responsibility System” (SCIO, background).Reuters (background): Li Shangfu/Wei Fenghe expulsions (Jun 2024) and 2027 readiness reporting (Feb 2023). German Marshall Fund (background): Rocket Force shakeup (Aug 2023). Andrew Erickson (analysis aggregation; includes translated/linked primary text). Sinocism (analysis; discussion of messaging speed and implications). ----------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----------
2026-01-24 | UPDATES #112 | Davos: The Heckle-Fest—and the Cost of America's New Posture. Trump's Gangster Shakedown in Europe. Davos is usually a place where elites congratulate each other for “dialogue,” then fly home in private jets to continue not doing not enough, or to vigorously pursue inaction. This week, though, Davos did something rare: it heckled. And it heckled America — specifically the Trump administration's new habit of treating allies like adversaries, of turning geopolitics into ritual humiliation, and turning diplomacy into a reality show elimination round. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters — Lutnick heckled at Davos dinner hosted by BlackRock's Fink (Jan 21, 2026). Financial Times — Lutnick dinner incident / Lagarde walkout reporting (summarized in Reuters/People) (Jan 20–21, 2026). People — Al Gore reaction; DOC pushback; “energy policy is insane” quote (Jan 21, 2026).Reuters — Bessent: “Denmark itself… is irrelevant”; Macron swipe; “deep breath” (Jan 21, 2026).Reuters — Europe leaders in Davos; Macron “respect to bullies”; De Wever red lines; Busch “stroking the cat”; Zelensky X post reference (Jan 20, 2026). Reuters — Trump: “big retaliation… we have all the cards”; “total access”; “no cost” (Jan 22, 2026).World Economic Forum — Official Davos transcript excerpts (“piece of ice,” “won't use force,” “daddy”) (Jan 21, 2026). Reuters — “Trump whisperer” Rutte; lavish praise strategy; analysts on psychology and compromise (Jan 22, 2026). RFE/RL — Witkoff “end now… optimistic”; “down to one issue”; Zelensky “Groundhog Day” framing (Jan 22, 2026). ----------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----------
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.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------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.----------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/----------DESCRIPTION: Facing Russian Aggression: A Deep Dive with Anna Duk on Ukraine's ResilienceJoin Jonathan as he hosts Anna Danylchuk, an influential voice from Ukraine, discussing the impact of the harsh winter and Russia's persistent aggression. They explore Russian propaganda, the mechanics of the war, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Anna vividly describes the drastic weather conditions and how they are leveraged by Russia to weaken Ukrainian resolve. Jonathan and Anna analyze Russia's internal issues, including economic mismanagement and public dissent, and the resilience and self-organization of the Ukrainian populace. This dialogue uncovers the broader geopolitical implications, including NATO's role, and the parallels with historical collapses of empires. Anna provides insights into potential scenarios of Russia's future and highlights the importance of accurate information and strategic responses from the international community.----------
2026-01-23 | UPDATES #111 | Zelensky blasts Europe's inaction, in a fiery speech at Davos, as Russia “weaponizes winter” cutting power, light and heat to millions of Ukrainians, in the depth of the worst winter the country has seen in decades. Has the enemy's “energy genocide” broken his diplomatic posture? Is he justified in calling out the hubris, complacency and lack of urgency amongst Ukraine's allies – inaction that is contributing to Ukraine ‘bleeding out' on the home front and the front lines, in a way that is entirely preventable? In this episode, we ask if there is any difference in terms of substance between Vance who screamed to Zelenskyy's face, in the Oval Office, about not showing gratitude and being disrespectful, and between the European diplomats, analysts and journalists, that say the same, but in muted tones and behind Ukraine's back. How are the discrete murmurings of disapproval from certain quarters in Europe, hinting at Zelenskys's inappropriate tone, and unseemly directness, really difference from what Vance said, in terms of substance? Those same diplomats and politicians will say there is all the difference in the world – but it's rank hypocrisy and hubris, revealing a lack of imagination and leadership. Because these are the same sentiments, that same self-righteous wounded pride on display, the same manipulations of narratives and sentiments, designed to reinforce the idea that Ukraine is a second-tier ally, and how dare they speak out at our generosity that enables them to bleed on, but not win, stay in the fight to keep the Russian horde from our doorstep, but not to achieve victory. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters — Davos: Quotes from Zelensky's speech criticising Europe (Jan 22, 2026). AP — Zelensky says warnings feel like “Groundhog Day,” criticises Europe (Jan 22, 2026). Time — Zelensky rebukes Europe, urges leaders to “act now” (Jan 22, 2026). Euronews — Kyiv heat/power outages; Zelensky says ~4,000 buildings without heat, ~60% without electricity (Jan 21–22, 2026 update). Reuters — Ukraine endures harsh winter as Russia targets heating and power; Kyiv mayor on intent to break spirit (Jan 21, 2026). NATO — Secretary General Rutte remarks at Davos: “as we speak” strikes continue; warning about losing focus (Jan 21, 2026). UN / DPPA — UN rights chief calls strikes “cruel” and a violation of international law (Jan 2026).EEAS — von der Leyen statement referencing energy attacks leaving “millions” in cold/darkness; European financing (Jan 2026). UK Government — £20m accelerated support for Ukraine energy infrastructure (Jan 2026).Reuters + AP — France intercepts suspected Russian “shadow fleet” tanker; Macron statement on X (Jan 22, 2026). Anadolu Agency — Full transcript excerpt of Trump–Zelensky–Vance Oval Office exchange (“Have you said thank you?”) (Feb 28, 2025). ----------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----------
2026-01-21 | UPDATES #110 | Russia is burning through its gold — is this a sign that Putin's war economy is getting desperate? The easy money is running out – from hydrocarbons, minerals, from the sovereign wealth fund and from strategic reserves. Now Putin must dig deeper to fuel his war mania and lust for conquest – appropriation of businesses, default on financial commitments to the poor and marginalised, and sell off Russia's strategic assets – such as its gold reserves. The Kremlin has started to pawn the crown jewels of its economy, and that signal not only desperation, but the beginning of the end for Putin's vicious regime. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters — oil & gas budget revenue expected to drop 46% y/y in January (Jan 19, 2026). The Moscow Times — record pace NWF sales; NWF gold down to ~173 tons by Dec 1, 2025 (Jan 16, 2026). The Moscow Times — early-year budget deficit risk; MMI warning on possible exhaustion of liquid assets (Jan 21, 2026). Reuters — central bank: NWF-linked net sales of FX and gold throughout 2025 (Nov 19, 2025 background). Reuters — central bank cuts FX sales from 2026 (Dec 26, 2025 background). Bloomberg (via secondary mirrors) — value of Russia's gold holdings up sharply since 2022 (Jan 20, 2026). Reuters — gold at/near records; context on the gold rally (Jan 20, 2026). Atlantic Council — analysis on militarization and NWF depletion as a “lost buffer” forcing trade-offs (Dec 12, 2025 background). ----------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----------
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY AND THE EVOLUTION OF UKRAINIAN IDENTITY Colleague Professor Eugene Finkel. Finkel profiles Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting his background as a Russian-speaking Jewish media entrepreneur and comedian who built a career in Moscow. Zelenskyy's rise illustrates a shift in Ukrainian identity from ethnic definitions to a civic nationalism based on loyalty to the state. Elected as an outsider to replace failed politicians, Zelenskyy initially hoped his background and communication skills would allow him to negotiate peace with Putin. His presidency challenged Russian propaganda painting Ukrainian nationalists as extremists, representing instead a diverse, modern nation unified by political commitment rather than language. NUMBER 61900 LVIV
Anti-government unrest has continued to spread across Iran, despite an internet blackout and a defiant address by the Supreme Leader. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the protesters as "a bunch of vandals" and said the authorities would not back down. Demonstrations began nearly two weeks ago because of anger at rising living costs. Also: Russia uses a powerful hypersonic missile against the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, in another wave of air attacks. Switzerland observes a national day of mourning for the victims of the New Year's eve fire. And why the giant pandas in a Japanese zoo will soon be replaced by people in panda suits. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk
Day 1,415. Today, the world responds to Putin's latest outrage that has seen a nuclear-capable ballistic missile fired by Russia hit Ukraine just 50km from Nato's border, with one leading European politician saying the pressure on Putin must now be “turned up to the maximum and made unbearable.” We hear from the man who recently interviewed Oleksandr Kamyshin, a key aide to President Zelensky and get Francis's final thoughts from Hungary. Later, we interview the commander of Operation Interflex, the British-led military effort to train Ukrainian recruits.ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Lily Shanagher (Foreign Reporter). @LilyShanagher on X.Tom Mutch (Journalist). @Tomthescribe on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Colonel Andrew Boardman (Commanding Officer of Operation Interflex).SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:United24Media: Ukraine's Drone Strikes Hit Up to 100,000 Russian Troops in Late 2025—2026 Plans Aim Higherhttps://united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/ukraines-drone-strikes-hit-up-to-100000-russian-troops-in-late-2025-2026-plans-aim-higher-14798LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
