Podcasts about Lviv

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.

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/-----------

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----------

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 #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----------

2026-01-28 | 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----------

2026-01-27 | 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----------

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----------

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/-----------

2026-01-24 | 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----------

2026-01-20 | UPDATES #109 | The Kremlin's Coming Economic Squeeze and potential mobilisation prompts whispers of discontent from Russian Oligarchs. In Putin's Russia, oligarchs don't speak their minds, and certainty cannot critique power, or the decision that are made by the Tsar. They make noises that approximate dissent, coded signals with critical subtext. But if you read between the lines, the message is always the same: this war is eating the system alive – consuming the country's economic potential and resources — but nobody is allowed to say that out loud. Today's signal flare comes from a familiar messenger: Oleg Deripaska.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters (Aug 9, 2024): Deripaska called war “mad,” urged ceasefire without preconditions Guardian (Feb 27, 2022): Deripaska Telegram post “Peace is very important…” Fortune (Mar 28, 2022): Deripaska Telegram post “hellish ideological mobilization,” war may last years TASS (Jan 2026): Deripaska “settlement cheaper than war” framing Meduza (Jan 9, 2025): elite disappointment war didn't end; economic tensions Kyiv Independent summary (Jan 10, 2025) NEST Centre analysis (Dec 2025): elite winners/losers, limited leverage ----------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----------

2026-01-19 | UPDATES #107 | Doing the Devil's Work: Stephen Miller and America's “Law of the Jungle” Agenda. The 21st century has somehow become entangled with the 20th – an echo of fascistic philosophy, predatory empires and a breakdown in global security and trust, that led to the horrors of the second world war. We can witness the 21st century descending into behaviours that almost destroyed civilisation a century ago, and language that echoes that of the side that lost. Stephen Miller is the starkest example of this, but not the only one. Take his appearance on prime-time TV for instance, a senior White House aide arguing, that a country doesn't deserve its territory unless it can physically hold it. Not by treaty. Not by law. Not by self-determination. By brute force. By “territorial control.” Survival of the fittest and nastiest. The target isn't some distant adversary. It's Denmark. A NATO ally. Over Greenland. This is not a gaffe. It's a doctrine. And the face of it right now is Stephen Miller, and quite possibly the architect, from the American side. On Friday night, Stephen Miller went on Fox News and offered what can only be described as a pseudo-legal justification for acquisition-by-bullying. He dismissed Denmark like it was tenant in default, that must be evicted, not as an ally. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters (Jan 18, 2026): Dutch FM calls Greenland tariff threat “blackmail” AP (Jan 17, 2026): Trump tariff announcement timeline and “Complete and Total purchase” language The Guardian (Jan 17, 2026): tariff escalation reporting The Guardian (Jan 17, 2026): Keir Starmer statement “completely wrong” Le Monde (Jan 18, 2026): Miller's “tiny country” framing and “polar competition” rationale The Daily Beast (Jan 17-18, 2026): Miller's Hannity remarks and “territorial control” formulationCNN transcript (Jan 5, 2026): “governed by strength… force… power” quoteAP (Jan 2026): “In his own words” roundup of Miller's statements and worldview framing The Atlantic (Jan 2026): reporting on Miller's operational control and immigration enforcement targets UN legal materials on Article 2(4) and use-of-force principles Helsinki Final Act / territorial integrity principle (CSCE)----------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----------

2026-01-19 | UPDATES #108 | Nothing makes sense. And everything is clear. Trump says he “needs” Greenland to deter Russia… while starving Ukraine of support and now inviting Putin, Orbán, and Lukashenko onto something called the “Board of Peace.” A “peace board” with a $1 billion cover charge.He's invited Putin, a man who has started more wars than any other leader alive today and been responsible for more deaths that most tyrants of the last 100 years. A man who has demonstrably not made peace in 2025, despite being presented with many opportunities through draft proposals and ceasefire requests. If this was not real and serious, one could pass it off as the greatest piece of trolling ever carried out in history. But Trump means it. This is indeed a lucrative club, and by design, perhaps the fees will only appeal to autocrats, kleptocrats and oligarchs. Democracies, not so much. If you ever needed a single headline for the collapse of the rules-based order into a demented billionaire's vanity project, is it this.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters (Jan 19, 2026) — Trump's Norway message, Greenland “Complete and Total Control,” tariff linkage, Danish FM quote, Greenland PM quote. Reuters (Jan 19, 2026) — Kremlin says Putin invited to Trump's “Board of Peace.”The Guardian (Jan 19, 2026) — Board of Peace reporting incl. invitation claims, $1bn-permanent-seat framing. Washington Post (Jan 17–19, 2026) — Board of Peace structure/appointments; reporting on pay-for-seat concept. Bloomberg (Jan 17–18, 2026) — $1bn contribution reporting around Board of Peace permanence.ITV News (Jan 19, 2026) — Additional excerpting of the Norway letter text. The Independent (Jan 19, 2026) — Published full letter text and extended excerpts. Sky News (Jan 19, 2026) — “gift for Putin” analysis framing around the Board of Peace. ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

2026-01-18 | UPDATES #105 | The Purge Turns Inward: The Kremlin Starts Eating Its “Patriots.” What's driving it? Fear of rivals and conspiracies? Punishment for incompetence? Or just plain paranoia? The people who cheerlead for a regime typically get rewarded, until that regime metastasizes and gets consumed by grievance, revenge narratives and paranoia. In Putin's Russia, they get recycled almost as efficiently as Ukrainians are recycling the Russian army into compost and scrap metal. Arrests, seizure of properties, reputational ruin and stripped of their power and status. If you lose proximity to power in Russia, you lose everything. How many of the Russian elite are being ostracized, incarcerated, or found dead under mysterious circumstances. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Meduza (Jan 16, 2026) — Anton Panov death / alleged intelligence links Cyprus Mail (Jan 16, 2026) — embassy access denied; investigative linksRBC (Jan 15, 2026) — Alexey Sklyar found dead RIA Novosti (Jan 15, 2026) — “Preliminary, he took his own life” Kommersant (Jan 15, 2026) — Sklyar details Reuters (May 22, 2024) — pro-war blogger backlash over Popov arrest (Telegram quotes) Reuters (May 23, 2024; Jul 26, 2024; Oct 7, 2024) — Defense Ministry corruption crackdown; factional “clans”; FSB role The Guardian (Nov 6, 2025) — repression turns inward on pro-war figures Carnegie Endowment (Dec 22, 2025) — why the Kremlin punishes pro-war bloggers Novaya Gazeta Europe (Sep 25, 2025) — Roman Alyokhin “foreign agent” case UNITED24 Media (Nov 18, 2025) — “destroyed legally” framing (via The Economist summary)Reuters (Sep 1, 2022) — list of Russian businessmen deaths in unexplained circumstancesMeduza (Jul 7, 2025) — review of sudden executive deaths since 2022 Britannica — Great Purge Britannica — Night of the Long Knives USHMM Holocaust Encyclopedia — Röhm Purge / legalization-after-the-fact (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum)----------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----------

2026-01-18 | UPDATES #106 | Popcorn in the Kremlin, as the world wonders whether Trump will order his troops to invade Greenland, a fellow NATO member on the one hand, or invade the U.S. instead – Minneapolis. Is the military to be deployed to support ICE thugs in a crisis manufactured by Trump. Two battalions. On alert and could potentially move within hours. From the 11th Airborne Division — the “Arctic Angels” — based in Alaska, built for extreme cold, rapid force projection and now reportedly queued up for Minnesota. It is winter, but this does seem like overkill. Joking, not joking. This is insanity. A quick question: are they preparing to “restore order” in Minneapolis or just warming up the engines for an Arctic strong-arm play in Greenland? Either scenario is as mad as the other – but what's madder, is how many people are still lining up to ‘sane wash' Trump's weaponised lunacy, or even to support it. The unit trained for the Arctic is being readied for a domestic flashpoint at the exact moment Washington is torching alliance norms over an Arctic territory that belongs to a NATO ally. And Moscow has a front-row seat, watching the geopolitical show unfold with relish.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Associated Press — Pentagon orders ~1,500 soldiers on standby for possible Minnesota deployment (Jan 18, 2026). Wall Street Journal — Pentagon places 1,500 soldiers on alert for possible Minnesota deployment (Jan 18, 2026). Washington Post — Pentagon readies 1,500 soldiers to possibly deploy to Minnesota (Jan 18, 2026).CNN transcript (State of the Union) — Mayor Jacob Frey interview on troop alert & intimidation claim (Jan 18, 2026). Fox News — Sean Parnell statement quoted (“Department of War…”) (Jan 18, 2026). Reuters — EU warns of “dangerous downward spiral”; Kaja Kallas warns divisions benefit Russia/China (Jan 17, 2026). Reuters — Spain's PM Sánchez: Greenland invasion would make Putin “the happiest man on earth” (Jan 18, 2026). AP — European leaders warn of spiral after Trump's Greenland tariff threats (Jan 18, 2026). Financial Times — Macron urges EU response; anti-coercion instrument discussion (Jan 18, 2026).Kyiv Independent — Russia welcomes Greenland tariffs as NATO “collapse”; Dmitriev “transatlantic alliance is over” (Jan 18, 2026). Anadolu Agency — Dmitriev mocks Europe (“1% per soldier”; “daddy”) (Jan 18, 2026). Reuters (background) — Russia calls NATO Greenland threat narrative a “myth” (Jan 15, 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----------

Livestream with Yuri Rashkinhttps://www.youtube.com/@rashkinreportperspectives/streams ----------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/-----------

2026-01-17 | UPDATES #104 | Let's start with a quote from Yaroslav Trofimov, Chief Foreign-Affairs Correspondent of The Wall Street Journal. “We are now at a stage when Trump calls NATO nations putting troops on the territory of a NATO ally a threat to world peace. Actually, he calls Denmark putting troops on Denmark's own sovereign soil a threat to world peace:“Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland have journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown. This is a very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet. These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable.”----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters (Jan 17, 2026): Trump vows tariffs on eight European nations over Greenland AP (Jan 17, 2026): Trump says 8 European countries face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland Reuters (Jan 17, 2026): Macron says Trump tariff threat over Greenland unacceptable The Guardian (Jan 17, 2026): Starmer and UK politicians condemn Trump's Greenland tariff threat Reuters (Jan 15, 2026): NATO scramble for Arctic security ideas “and survival” amid Greenland push (Rynning, Rutte, Pothier quotes)Reuters (Jan 17, 2026): USTR Greer urges Europe to “silo” Greenland tariffs from trade deal Washington Post (Jan 17, 2026): U.S. lawmakers contradict Trump on Greenland; Murkowski “ally, not asset” Financial Times (Jan 17, 2026): Anders Fogh Rasmussen attacks Trump's “gangster” talk; calls it “weapon of mass distraction” Reuters/Ipsos (Jan 16, 2026): U.S. public opinion on Greenland acquisition and force Reuters (Jan 16, 2026): Zelenskyy warns on air-defence missile shortages; delegation heading to U.S. Reuters (Apr 2025): Why Russia was excluded from certain tariff lists (sanctions rationale)----------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----------

2026-01-16 | UPDATES #102 | Kadyrov's Mafia Dynasty Wobbles. Car crash, failing kidneys and a gunfight in Mariupol – this episode has it all – intriguing, violence and drama. This is a dangerous time for Putin – a failed succession process in Chechnya could cause massive problems for him, and regime instability. The Kadyrov clan is wobbling, their brand is faltering, and Moscow is watching in trepidation. Chechnya's ruler Ramzan Kadyrov is back at the centre of a storm of health rumours — kidney failure, dialysis, “hospitalized in Moscow,” succession panic — while his 18-year-old son Adam, the one being groomed like a crown prince, is reportedly in serious condition after a motorcade crash in Grozny. (RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty) All a coincidence? We must be wary to jump to that conclusion, as freak accidents that occur to the powerful and influential in both Moscow and Grozny rarely turn out to be coincidental. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: RFE/RL (North Caucasus Service), Jan 16, 2026 — Adam Kadyrov hospitalized after crash; sources on ICU/roads/“barrier”; NIYSO “obstacle” claim. Ukrainska Pravda, Jan 16, 2026 — Echoes Kavkaz.Realii / NIYSO reporting; includes source quote and “obstacle” wording. The Moscow Times, Jan 14, 2026 — What's known on Kadyrov health rumors; denials; Ukrinform/HUR-linked dialysis claim context. FDD (Foundation for Defense of Democracies), Jan 14, 2026 — Analysis of HUR-sourced hospitalization claim and succession destabilization; notes appointment of son Akhmat. Caucasian Knot, Jan 14, 2026 — Compiles Kadyrov's repeated health denials and quotes. Newdosh, Jan 15, 2026 — Translated denial quote (“I swear by God…”) and recap of repeated denials.OC Media, Jan 13, 2026 (background) — Kadyrov video response; “fake information” framing; quote about “kidneys have failed” rumor. UNITED24 Media, Jan 14, 2026 — Mariupol shootout report, citing Atesh; casualty claims and “Year of Friendship” embarrassment framing. Kyiv Independent, Jan 8, 2026 (background) — Zelensky “Why not Kadyrov?” remark 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/extras----------

2026-01-16 | UPDATES #101 | “We'll impeach him” — why an attempted invasion of Greenland would be a make-or-break for Trump, for America and its allies in Europe. And it would be a gift for Valdimir Putin. This is the moment that Trump's dictator cosplay collides with a NATO tripwire. A real red line, that has already triggered an immediate response from Europe, who are sending token forces from a range of nations, in an action that is extraordinarily decisive, and which sends a strong signal. It seems that ambiguity and delay are not inevitable for Europe, when it really matters. Over the past 48 hours, the Greenland crisis has stopped being a weird talking-point and become a live test of American sanity, alliance credibility, and constitutional limits.----------SOURCES: Reuters/Ipsos polling on U.S. support for acquiring Greenland (Jan 15, 2026). Reuters: NATO scramble and Arctic security response; troop deployments; expert analysis (Jan 15, 2026). Reuters: U.S. lawmakers in Copenhagen; Rasmussen Instagram post; Shaheen remarks; “poll is fake” reaction; delegation details (Jan 16, 2026). Reuters: Greenland government statement rejecting takeover; NATO defence framing; Kubilius “end of NATO” warning (Jan 12, 2026). The Guardian live coverage: Frederiksen “fundamental disagreement”; Greenland “not for sale”; European troop arrivals; EU response (Jan 15–16, 2026). Al Jazeera: NATO Unity Protection Act funding ban (Jan 14, 2026). YouGov polling on buying Greenland / paying to secede (background polling, published this week).AP: Greenlanders' reaction and public sentiment (Jan 16, 2026). Reuters: France warns U.S. Greenland seizure would endanger EU trade (Jan 16, 2026).Reuters: Fitch warning on NATO fracture and downgrades (Jan 15, 2026). Rep. Don Bacon impeachment remarks (via The Independent, reporting Omaha World-Herald) (Jan 15–16, 2026). Don Bacon X post: “This is really dumb…” (social media reaction). Lisa Murkowski X post: “ally, not an asset” framing (social media reaction). Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Shaheen/Tillis joint statement — background, Jan 6, 2026).----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

2026-01-15 | UPDATES #100 | Sergey Karaganov appears on Tucker Carlson — it's a match made in hell – and they talked about nuclear blackmail, Europe as the enemy, and how the Kremlin may be forced to save humanity and civilisation, by wiping out Europe in a nuclear firestorm. Yes, he said that. Sergey Karaganov — a long-time Moscow foreign-policy heavyweight and nuclear-escalation enthusiast — sat down with Tucker Carlson and did what Kremlin ideologues do best: talk about erasing Ukraine, recasting the war as Russia versus “evil Europe,” and then floated an escalatory ladder that ends in nuclear strikes on European states.And yes, he said the loud bit out even louder: “Europe will be taken away from the map of the humanity.” Let's break down what he threatened, why Karaganov matters, but not in the way that he wants us to believe, and how this fits the Kremlin's intimidation cycle — especially as it comes on the day when Trump (once more) publicly blamed Zelensky for stalled talks while Russia and kept on hitting Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure.----------SOURCES: Tucker Carlson interview transcript (The Singju Post, Jan 2026): Karaganov's “map of humanity” line and UK/Germany targeting remarks. upday (UK edition, Jan 15, 2026): summary of Karaganov's threat framing (note: page labels itself AI-generated). Reuters (Jan 15, 2026): Trump says Zelensky is holding up a deal; Zelensky responds reaffirming Ukraine's commitment to peace. Reuters & AP (Jan 15, 2026): Russia expels British diplomat; UK rejects claims as “malicious and baseless.” Reuters (Jan 9, 2026): Russian hypersonic strike near western Ukraine; nuclear-capable signaling context. Karaganov (Russia in Global Affairs, June 13, 2023): nuclear threshold / escalation argument.Carnegie (July 2023): analysis of Karaganov's nuclear-attack advocacy and what it reveals.Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (Aug 2023): critique of Karaganov's nuclear preemption logic.ASPI Strategist (June 2023): discussion of Russia's nuclear rhetoric ecosystem and Karaganov's role in it. HSE staff profile / SVOP context: Karaganov's institutional positioning. ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

As Ukraine slips from the international headlines in favour of turmoil in Venezuela and Iran, Roger Moorhouse and Saul David examine a week of "curious" developments and renewed escalation. With temperatures plunging to -14°C, Russia has intensified its campaign against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, launching a rare Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile at Lviv—a strike less than 50 miles from the Polish border that the Kremlin frames as a "false flag" retaliation. The hosts also dive into the escalating maritime war, discussing the capture of the Russian shadow fleet tanker Bella-1 and recent Ukrainian drone strikes on four tankers off Novorossiysk. They explore the shifting policies in the UK regarding special forces interdictions in the Atlantic and the significant €90bn support package announced by the EU, which survived a tense "EU-first" debate between Paris and Berlin. Finally, they look at Estonia's bold move to ban hundreds of former Russian soldiers, citing the "non-theoretical" threat of combat-hardened veterans with criminal backgrounds. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2026-01-13 | UPDATES #098 | Drones hit Greek-managed oil tankers near Russia's Black Sea CPC terminal – that is Caspian Pipeline Consortium — today, “kinetic sanctions” and the Russian grey-fleet's endgame. Early Tuesday January 13, 2026, multiple reports said four Greek-managed oil tankers had been hit by drones near Russia's key Black Sea loading point for Kazakh crude — the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal at Yuzhnaya Ozereyevka, near Novorossiysk. (The Straits Times)But as the day went on, the picture sharpened, and the confirmed story became both narrower and more serious: two tankers were struck — Delta Harmony and Matilda — with industry and government confirmations, and with two other “hit” claims later disputed. (gCaptain)----------SOURCES: Reuters (via gCaptain), Jan 13, 2026 — confirmed strikes, ship identities, company statements, Kazakhstan output impact, revisions on “four tankers” claims. Reuters, Jan 13, 2026 — two tankers awaiting loading hit near CPC terminal (Delta Harmony; Matilda). Reuters, Jan 13, 2026 — Black Sea war-risk insurance rates jump; insurer/ broker quotes; rate levels and review cadence. The Astana Times, Jan 13, 2026 — KazMunayGas statement on Matilda: explosion without fire; seaworthiness; loading date. Tengrinews (KazMunayGas statement), Jan 13, 2026 — additional verbatim KMG phrasing and loading schedule. The Maritime Executive, Jan 13, 2026 — contextual reporting; notes on non-sanctioned status vs shadow fleet; CPC constraints. Kazakhstan Energy Ministry confirmation (reported by TASS), Jan 13, 2026. CPC official press release, Nov 29, 2025 — prior terminal attack and mooring damage. Reuters, Nov 29, 2025 — Ukraine strike on shadow-fleet tankers Kairos and Virat. AP, Nov 29, 2025 — background on Ukraine naval-drone strikes on shadow fleet near Turkey. Reuters, Dec 10, 2025 — Ukraine disables sanctioned tanker Dashan with sea drones. Investing.com analysis, Jan 13, 2026 — immediate oil-price reaction (citing Reuters reporting).----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

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

Managing director at Beacon Global Strategies and host of the NatSec Matters podcast, Michael Allen, discusses the severe crackdown by the Iranian regime on civilian protesters, a digital blackout to suppress communication and whether the U.S. will get involved. Michael also explains the Trump administration's involvement in Venezuela following the detention of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He argues why this political action by the administration sets a strong precedent for defending issues abroad.   I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Michael shares his analysis on the Russia-Ukraine war, including Russia's use of a hypersonic missile to attack Lviv. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2026-01-11 | UPDATES #096 | The most serious, system-level legitimacy crisis has hit the regime in Iran, since the revolution of 1979. It's not yet toppled – but is potentially close – and all the ingredients are present for a full-scale revolution. And amidst the massive protests and confrontations, the country has gone dark. The Islamic Republic has hit the switch — cutting internet and communications as protests spread, strikes deepen, and the regime signals it's ready to escalate into lethal repression. Hospitals in numerous towns are reported to be overflowing as the regime turns viscous and murderous. This is not just another flare-up but is radically different in character. The greatest stress-test the regime of the Mullahs in Tehran has faced since the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising—and some analysts now argue Iran meets most of the classic conditions for a successful revolution. In today's episode: what we know, what we can verify, why this time might be different — and why a collapsing Iranian theocracy would be a strategic catastrophe for Putin's Russia. The regime in Tehran is paranoid, not unlike the Kremlin, and as predicted, the military accused foreign “enemies” of fueling the unrest and urged civilians to stay vigilant against so-called “enemy plots”. Few seem to be falling for this false narrative though. ----------SOURCES: Reuters, “Iran authorities signal intensified crackdown as unrest grows,” 10 Jan 2026. The Atlantic, Sadjadpour & Goldstone, “Is the Iranian Regime About to Collapse?” 10 Jan 2026.AP, “Iran warns against US strikes; protest death toll reaches 203,” 11 Jan 2026. Amnesty International, “Internet shutdown hides violations in escalating deadly crackdown,” 9 Jan 2026. Reuters, “Nationwide internet blackout reported in Iran as protests persist,” 8 Jan 2026. TechCrunch, “Internet collapses in Iran amid protests,” 8 Jan 2026.IranWire, “Shuttered Bazaars and Heavy Security Mark Day 12,” 9 Jan 2026. The Guardian, “Iranian security forces clash with protesters at Tehran's grand bazaar,” 6 Jan 2026.AP, “Security forces clash with protesters… as toll rises,” 6 Jan 2026.UNData (Iran country indicators—age distribution), latest table. CIA World Factbook (Iran median age, 2025 est.). Reuters (background), Russia–Iran strategic partnership and nuclear cooperation reporting (2025). ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain----------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----------

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/----------

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.

Silicon Bites Ep283 | 2026-01-08 | The tanker seizure drama has apparently opened the flood gates of Z-patriots rage and tears. They bemoan the humiliation of their navy and demi-god Tsar, the weakness of the Russian navy, and the lack of counter response, and above all the shifting perception that Russia will not be carving up this world with Trump, as they had thought, but that he may be carving slices off their power, influence and geopolitical reach. This is genuine panic and rage by Russia's nationalist imperialists, and it's delicious to behold. Let's unpack it.If you want a snapshot of Russia's decline into strategic humiliation, you could look at the battlefield map in Donbas, but for a fresher dose of prime humiliation, look at the loss of their tanker this week to US forces, that conducted a joint UK-US operation. Because this week, the United States — backed operationally by the United Kingdom — ran down a sanctions-busting “grey fleet” vessel that literally tried to cosplay sovereignty mid-flight from Venezuela, changing identity, switching flags, painting a Russian tricolor on the hull while being pursued. None if that helped, and it was nonetheless seized.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Michael Naki - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEs10co9JVI&t=1326sUK Ministry of Defence press release (Jan 7, 2026): operational support details + Healey quotes (GOV.UK)Reuters exclusive (Jan 7, 2026): timeline, seizure near Iceland, submarine shadowing, no confrontation, second tanker (Reuters)Financial Times (Jan 8, 2026): legal/flagging dispute framing, “ghost fleet” context TIME (Jan 8, 2026): UK support overview, RAF + RFA Tideforce reference, contextThe Wall Street Journal (Jan 7, 2026): shadow fleet scale + escort reporting The Times (Jan 8, 2026): additional operational colour (attributed) The Guardian (Jan 7, 2026): additional reporting, context and reactions (used cautiously) ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

2026-01-08 | UPDATES #093 | Leonid Ivashov “goes off script” in late 2025 — not a dissident or part of the systemic opposition, but a regime insider, offering an elite-military critique of the Ukraine war and Putin's imperial project. His judgement is not positive and is not complimentary. The “1,400 days” blast: a system general describes strategic failure and state rotThis is something rare in Putin's Russia: a senior, establishment-bred military voice penned a fierce critique of Putin's war and its management that is being circulated — Leonid Ivashov is saying the quiet part out loud. This normally means tea, window or altitude cancer. Late in December, a set of quotes attributed to retired Colonel-General Leonid Ivashov has been widely reposted — especially via X and secondary reposts — framed as his assessment after roughly 1,400 days of Russia's full-scale war. One widely shared compilation was reposted on Saturday, 27 December 2025.----------SOURCES: https://diplomatizzando.blogspot.com/2025/12/general-leonid-ivashov-strongly.htmlhttps://art-of-arts.livejournal.com/1126865.htmlhttps://svpressa.ru/politic/article/456495/https://news.rambler.ru/army/51098930-leonid-ivashov-sdelayte-tak-chtoby-lyudi-perestali-gibnut-perestali-stradat/ (republishing Svobodnaya Pressa, 15 July 2023)https://cepa.org/article/russia-and-the-rocketmen/https://altanalyses.org/en/2022/02/07/general-leonid-ivashovs-draft-appeal-is-an-all-out-attack-on-vladimir-putin/https://izborsk-club.ru/author/ivashovhttps://izborsk-club.ru/22165https://izborsk-club.ru/15124----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

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/-----------

2026-01-09 | UPDATES #094 | Oreshnik Over Lviv: Russia's Psychological Escalation — and Belgorod Goes Dark. The Oreshnik strike on Lviv looked physical – dramatic – cinematic even. Repeated explosions, dulled by a blanket of snow into a deep thudding set of booms. But this weapon exists more for psychological impact than it does for physical, at least, when the nuclear warheads are not loaded. Western Ukraine — Lviv region, near the EU and NATO frontier — was struck amid a nationwide barrage on Kyiv and multiple regions. And Russia is claiming it fired Oreshnik — the nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile it has used only used one before.At the same time, over the border, Belgorod is reported in blackout conditions after Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure — Ukraine's answer to Russia's winter campaign of imposing darkness and cold on Ukrainian civilians. This episode is about the strategic message sent by the strike on Lviv, what was meant by the messaging, and whom it was aimed at. ----------SOURCES: Reuters — Lviv region strike; Sadovyi/Kozytskyi; speed claims reported via Ukrainian media.Reuters — Russia claims Oreshnik launch; Ukrainian denial; Kapustin Yar launch confirmation; claimed targets. Reuters — Kyiv attack details; casualties; “critical infrastructure” damage and water disruptions.Reuters — “hypersonic missile near EU border” escalation framing and raid scale. AP — Nationwide raid scale; Kyiv heat outages; Oreshnik framing; Kallas quote; broader political context. Ukrainska Pravda — Air Force spokesman Ihnat: “Launches likely took place from Kapustin Yar… being confirmed.” Ukrainska Pravda — Zelensky quote on Qatari Embassy damage and call for “clear reaction.”Ukrinform — Sybiha quote; UN Security Council / Ukraine–NATO Council action; “grave threat” framing. TASS — Gladkov statement: “significant damage” in Belgorod (used as Russia-side claim only).France 24 live — reported Belgorod outage scale citing governor (treated as reported claim pending corroboration). Reuters (background, within the week) — Belgorod oil depot fire after Ukrainian drone attack; Ukraine energy degradation campaign context. ----------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/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

2025-12-31 | UPDATES #085 | Ukraine put its hand on the light switch of Russia's imperial capital region — and flicked it. Not metaphorically. Literally. The lights went out for a substantial number of people in Moscow. Ahead of the most important and symbolic holiday or the year, New Year's evening.On December 30, 2025, parts of Moscow Oblast — specifically Ramenskoye, Zhukovsky, and Lytkarino — reported power outages, with residents posting videos of darkened districts and street lighting gone. Meduza reported that an “automatic shutdown” occurred at a high-voltage substation, with officials and local reporting also describing a cable or equipment fire; power was partially restored within hours. (Meduza)----------SOURCES: Meduza — “Three cities of Moscow Oblast partially left without electricity” (Dec 30, 2025)https://meduza.io/news/2025/12/30/tri-goroda-moskovskoy-oblasti-chastichno-ostalis-bez-elektrichestvaReuters — “Ukraine targets Moscow with drones, Russia says” (Dec 30, 2025)https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-targets-moscow-with-drones-russia-says-2025-12-30/RBC (???) — “Drones downed on approach to Moscow increased to five” (Dec 30, 2025)https://www.rbc.ru/politics/30/12/2025/695410fb9a79477082f09d87The Moscow Times — “Ukrainian Drones Strike Energy Sites and Homes Across Russia, Officials Say” (Dec 31, 2025)https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/31/ukrainian-drones-strike-energy-sites-and-homes-across-russia-officials-say-a91592Reuters — “Ukrainians withstand days-long power cuts in crowded ‘resilience' shelters” (Dec 30, 2025)https://www.reuters.com/world/ukrainians-withstand-days-long-power-cuts-crowded-resilence-shelters-2025-12-30/Reuters — “Russian drones, missiles pound Ukraine ahead of Zelenskiy-Trump meeting” (Dec 27, 2025)https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-drones-missiles-pound-ukraine-before-zelenskiy-trump-meeting-2025-12-27/----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

Silicon Bites Ep281 | 2025-12-31 | “Putin Wants Ukraine to Succeed?” May be the most misguided, misinformed, and perverse phrase ever uttered by an American president, and it must have grated on Zelenskyy's ears, as he heard it in real-time, yet had to retain some sense of composure. Maybe he heard this phrase as being so at variance with reality, so contrary to history and any factual analysis, that it hit him as a pure absurdity, that could be dismissed out of hand. We just don't know.We could dismiss the phrase too, but unfortunately, I think it is indicative of something dark, which could get considerably darker in 2026 – and this is the strong narrative alignment between the US president and Russia stated objectives and ambitions. Strategic intent, and action may well follow in the wake of this narrative alignment, this convergence of worldview and transactional interests, to create substantial problems for Ukraine, in its resistance to Russian aggression in 2026, and even to the democratic world. ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters (Dec 28, 2025): Trump says US and Ukraine ‘a lot closer' on peace deal but thorny issues remainhttps://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-meet-trump-florida-talks-ukraine-peace-plan-2025-12-28/Reuters (Dec 30, 2025): Zelenskiy discusses US troop presence in Ukraine with Trumphttps://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/zelenskiy-discusses-us-troop-presence-ukraine-with-trump-2025-12-30/Reuters (Dec 28, 2025): Trump says he had “very productive” call with Putin ahead of Zelenskiy meetinghttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-had-very-productive-call-with-putin-ahead-zelenskiy-meeting-2025-12-28/ABC News (Dec 28, 2025): Trump says Russia and Ukraine are ‘maybe very close' after Zelenskyy meetinghttps://abcnews.go.com/Politics/volodymyr-zelenskyy-arrives-mar-lago-peace-talks-president/story?id=128736611Ukrainska Pravda (Dec 29, 2025): Trump says Putin claims he “wants to see Ukraine succeed”https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/12/29/8013774/----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

2026-01-04 | UPDATES #088 | Let's carve up the world. It's January 3rd, 2026, and the new year has arrived with the subtlety of guided bomb. In this episode we ask – Caracas today, possibly Taiwan, The Baltics and Greenland tomorrow? The new world disorder didn't wait for Christmas trees and lights to be taken down – it's impatient to assert its power and influence and rewire the world. Overnight, explosions hit Caracas. Power outages. Panic. And then the headlines that we had half expected, but which still feel surreal: The U.S. has invaded Venezuela full-scale, and President Trump claims President Nicolás Maduro — and his wife, Cilia Flores — were captured and flown out of the country. It's being during touted as a “large scale strike” but seems to be so much more than that. (The Washington Post)----------SOURCES: Reuters (Jan. 3, 2026) — U.S. strikes / Trump claim / Venezuela response. Associated Press (Jan. 3, 2026) — strikes, capture claim, legal reservations. Washington Post (Jan. 3, 2026) — live updates, official U.S. response status. The Guardian (Jan. 2–3, 2026) — Maduro interview; strike/capture reporting. Time (Jan. 3, 2026) — escalation context; casualty figure in prior strikes. CBS News (Jan. 3, 2026) — Petro quote calling for UN meeting. The Moscow Times (Jan. 3, 2026) — Russia MFA condemnation (“armed aggression”). Kyiv Independent (Jan. 3, 2026) — recap and framing for Eastern Europe audience. ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

2026-01-02 | UPDATES #087 | The New Year Address That Spawned a 1,000 Memes. Did Russian state media present an AI generated Putin? Is the real Putin glitching? Here a bit of random speculation about the long-awaited decline and fall of the tyrant in the Kremlin. Here's hoping the moment approaches. Russia entered 2026 with the same offer it's been sold for years now: a patriotic hymn to sacrifice… warfare and existential threats of the extinction of Russian civilisation, unless people are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. So, the same old song as last year.On December 31, 2025, Vladimir Putin delivered his annual New Year address — short, conventional in structure, and unmistakable in intent: normalize the war, sanctify the war, and keep the war going. Reuters reported he voiced confidence in eventual victory, praising unity and the “heroism” of those fighting — dressed in black, speaking solemnly. (Reuters) But it was hardly inspiring, hardly original, lacked energy and offered no real hopes for the future. ----------SOURCES: Reuters (Dec 31, 2025): Putin's New Year address, confidence in victory The Moscow Times (Dec 31, 2025): Address rallying Russians around war; key quotes The Kyiv Independent (Jan 1, 2026): No mention of peace; transcript excerpts; “normalizing” war narrative InformNapalm Telegram (Jan 1, 2026): Claim of two versions (black tie / red tie), provider interruption timing Focus.ua (Jan 1, 2026): Summary of incident, Ufanet explanation, circulation claims, possible cyberattack angle TSN (Jan 1, 2026): Summary of social media “AI” arguments (movement, sleeves, midnight timing) Glavred (Jan 1, 2026): Additional roundup of the rumor and claimed “visual tells” (Главред)Spectator Australia (Jan 1–2, 2026): Sarcastic “LLM-generated” framing of the speech's blandnessTelegraf (Jan 1, 2026): Asking AI (Grok) about likelihood; notes uncertainty (Телеграф)MosRegToday / cited interview coverage (Jan 2, 2026): Puchkov (“Goblin”) dismisses AI rumor as normal editing ([Подмосковье Сегодня)----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

2026-01-01 | UPDATES #086 | Iran in uproar – 2026 gets off to a volatile start. Could Putin be about to lose another ally, and the dictators' retirement home in Moscow gain a few new residents? It's January 1, 2026 — and Iran is experiencing its largest protest wave in roughly three years, triggered by a collapsing currency and a cost-of-living cliff edge, and now spilling into something darker: street clashes, reported deaths, and a regime trying to talk and threaten at the same time.Could this be a sign that 2026 is the year of regimes falling, dictatorships toppling like dominoes, as their ludicrous and aggressive global ambitions outstrip their resources and capabilities? The reality is that no credible reporting says the Islamic Republic is collapsing today — but the scale, composition, and economic origin of this uprising make it a serious stress test for Tehran's rulers. (Reuters) And let's not forget how suddenly and completely the regime in Syria collapsed after decades in power. Experts thought this was unassailable too.----------SOURCES: Reuters (Jan 1, 2026) — “Several reported killed in Iran protests over economic hardships”https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/one-person-killed-iran-protests-over-economic-woes-2026-01-01/Reuters (Dec 31, 2025) — “Iranians try to access local government building on fourth day of protests, state media says”https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranians-try-access-local-government-building-fourth-day-protests-state-media-2025-12-31/Reuters (Dec 30, 2025) — “Iran's government offers dialogue as protests spread to universities”https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-government-offers-dialogue-protesters-2025-12-30/Associated Press (Jan 1, 2026) — “At least 6 reported killed during widening protests in Iran sparked by ailing economy”https://apnews.com/article/8533eacbc3c502ccc5f5339ae4384399Al Jazeera (Dec 31, 2025) — “Iran's Pezeshkian urges unity as protests over economic woes turn deadly”https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/31/protests-in-iran-spread-amid-deep-discontent-over-economic-duress----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

Anna Danylchuk has been creating a war diary since the early days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022. Anna Danylchuk aims to tell the truth about Ukraine and Russia's war and cut through the noise and propaganda. Anna is passionate about the beauty and independence of her country, and communicates this powerfully in her videos, in a clear and honest way.----------LINKS: @AnnafromUkraine https://www.buymeacoffee.com/annafromukraineMy interview with Anna in Lviv - hosted on her excellent channel- https://youtu.be/daHcnsNQ1S0?si=yHbZ2kJZ3CTVRd8Z----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

Silicon Bites Ep280 | 2025-12-23 | Is Putin losing his grip? His press event last week has generated reams of commentary – and from those not well disposed towards him, the verdict has been brutal. In this episode we cover his “Results of the Year” press spectacle, the glitches, the gaslighting, the challenging questions, or rather lack of them — and the regime's widening reality gap.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters (Dec 19, 2025): Rogue texts, aliens and a marriage proposal - welcome to Vladimir Putin's phone-in - https://www.reuters.com/world/sarcastic-messages-flash-up-big-screen-russias-putin-speaks-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025): Russian central bank cuts key rate to 16% as Putin speaks - https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/russian-central-bank-cuts-key-rate-16-putin-speaks-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025): Russia's Putin says cooling of economy in 2025 is a 'conscious' decision - https://www.reuters.com/business/russias-putin-says-cooling-economy-2025-is-conscious-decision-2025-12-19/AP News (Dec 19, 2025): Putin tells his annual news conference that the Kremlin's military goals in Ukraine will be met - https://apnews.com/article/39fd3f2670227545a6f9e684038ed59dThe Washington Post (Dec 19, 2025): Putin says Europe out of step with an increasingly Moscow-friendly U.S. - https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/12/19/russia-putin-callin-show-ukraine-peace/----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

Silicon Bites Ep279 | 2025-12-22 | Moscow car bomb kills Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov: the covert war moves deeper into Russia. At least most analysts are suggesting this was a hit by Ukraine's fearsome intelligence services. But was it? Sarvarov may have had many more enemies than Ukraine only. This was not a drone strike at the front. This is a car bomb in Moscow — an operation in the capital — taking out a serving Russian lieutenant general, in daylight, on a weekday morning. It's the latest sign that the war Russia started in Ukraine is now fully metastasising into a shadow conflict on Russian soil.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters — “Car bomb kills Russian general in Moscow, investigators say” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-general-killed-car-bomb-moscow-investigators-say-2025-12-22/Associated Press — “Russian general killed by bomb under his car in Moscow” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://apnews.com/article/73413ae5936609832f706ab26f864b3cFinancial Times — “Russian general killed in Moscow car bomb” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://www.ft.com/content/2976e516-262b-4ac8-b99d-b2c7cc93ef95The Guardian — “Russian general Fanil Sarvarov killed by car bomb in Moscow, investigators say” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/22/russian-general-fanil-sarvarov-killed-car-bomb-moscow-investigators-sayMeduza — “Russian general killed by car bomb in Moscow” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://meduza.io/en/news/2025/12/22/russian-general-killed-by-car-bomb-in-moscowKyiv Independent — “High-ranking Russian general killed after car bombing in Moscow…” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://kyivindependent.com/high-ranking-russian-general-killed-after-car-bombing-in-moscow-russia-cites-possible-ukrainian-involvement/----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

Silicon Bites Ep276 | 2025-12-19 | Tonight, a single number with regime-shaking implications: Urals crude at roughly thirty-five dollars a barrel — miles below global benchmarks, and catastrophically below what the Kremlin needs to fund its war-state on schedule. This is Russia's flagship export grade trading like a sanctioned pariah — because it is. Let's break it into three parts: what's happening, why it's happening, and why Putin's war finances are now on the clock.According to Argus Media price assessments cited by RBC and reported by The Moscow Times, Urals shipped from Novorossiysk fell to $34.52 per barrel as of December 16, with Primorsk around $36.07. Same oil, different port — same story: distress rate pricing. (The Moscow Times)----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters (Dec 19, 2025) — Sanctions drive Russian Urals crude discounts to 2022 levels - https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com%2C2025%3Anewsml_L8N3XO0PN%3A0-sanctions-drive-russian-urals-crude-discounts-to-2022-levels-reuters-calculations-show/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025) — Russia's tax proceeds from oil may fall in January to the lowest since 2022, Reuters calculations show - https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russias-tax-proceeds-oil-may-fall-january-lowest-since-2022-reuters-calculations-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025) — Oil prices climb as US blocks Venezuelan tankers, eyes on Russia-Ukraine talks (includes Brent/WTI settlements) - https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-set-close-lower-second-straight-week-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025) — Surging barrels at sea spook oil markets more than Russia or Venezuela (Kpler “on water” data) - https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/surging-barrels-sea-spook-oil-markets-more-than-russia-or-venezuela-2025-12-19/The Moscow Times (Dec 19, 2025) — Russian Oil Prices Sink Below $35 Per Barrel (citing Argus/RBC; includes Kluge quote) - https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/19/russian-oil-prices-sink-below-35-per-barrel-a91496----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

2025-12-17 | UPDATES #081 | The clock is ticking for Abramovich and his Chelsea Billions. How much, why now and what it means. Three and a half years. That's how long £2.5 billion — money publicly promised for Ukraine — has sat frozen in a UK bank account after Roman Abramovich's forced sale of Chelsea. Today, Keir Starmer has finally stopped treating it like an awkward footnote and started treating it like what it is: a test of state power in a full-scale hybrid war. (Reuters)----------SOURCES: UK Government (GOV.UK), “Government gives Abramovich final chance…” (17 Dec 2025)Reuters, “UK tells Abramovich to give Chelsea sale cash…” (17 Dec 2025)Financial Times, “Starmer moves to transfer £2.5bn…” (17 Dec 2025)The Guardian, “UK gives Abramovich final warning…” (17 Dec 2025)UK Parliament written statements portal (Reeves statement referenced), licence/foundation description (17 Dec 2025)Sky News explainer, legal mechanics and delay risk (17 Dec 2025)Bond (UK NGO network) reaction statement (17 Dec 2025)Ben Jacobs (social post highlighting legal/sanctions context) (17 Dec 2025)----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

Olena Kuzhym is a representative of Brussels-based Ukrainian civil society and a member of the Ukrainian–European Civil Society Initiative Frozen Assets Action. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, she has been actively engaged in civic advocacy, public campaigning, and street actions in Brussels in support of Ukraine. An urbanist by training, Olena holds an MSc in Urban Studies from the Free University of Brussels.----------Serhiy Onyshchenko is a Ukrainian civic activist and IT professional, now active within Belgium's civil society in support of Ukraine. His engagement began as a schoolboy during the Orange Revolution and continued through the Euromaidan, where he was attacked in Kharkiv for his activism. After relocating to Lviv in 2015, he helped build and organise his residential community. Following the full-scale invasion in 2022, Serhiy moved to Brussels, where he has co-organised demonstrations and advocates for sustained European support for Ukraine.----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------WORKS NOMINATED BY: Olena Kuzhym and Serhiy Onyshchenko BOOKSIvan Bahriany - Tiger Trappers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_TrappersFILMSDmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk - Pamfirhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PamfirWORKS OF ARTMykola Pymonenko - Easter morning liturgy or Easter Matinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mykola_Pymonenko(Actually stolen by the Russian army from the Kherson Art Museum)----------LINKS:https://frozen-assets.eu/https://war-sanctions.gur.gov.ua/en/stolen/objects/1764----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

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/-----------