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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/-----------
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/-----------
2026-01-16 | 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----------
2026-01-14 | UPDATES #099 | Trump's “Two Weeks Carousel” — the circular mechanics of performative pressure, the illusion of strength and purpose, when nothing is being done by the U.S. to compel Putin to the negotiating table in any serious sense. Today, how this political theatre buys Putin time to continue killing Ukrainians and scale up his genocidal ambitions to erase it as a nation. Here's the structure of the appeasement loop that has been on repeat through 2025 and continues into 2026. Something is always about to happen but never does. When action is taken, it is performative and has little impact in bringing Russia to the negotiations table. Here are the six stages of Trump's performative political theatre, the Jerk circle with Putin: Stage 1: Deal-making signalling, hollow optics and confidence theatreStage 2: Shift blame onto Ukraine, dunk on the victim, underplay their strengthStage 3: Russia lashes out — muted surprise, and disappointment, no action Stage 4: Deadline extensions and ultimatums – action threatened, always deferred Stage 5: Distraction, agenda drift, deliberate silence as the deadline expiresStage 6: Performative talks with Ukraine — repeat loop – process over pressure----------SOURCES: Reuters, Jan 14, 2026 — Kushner/Witkoff Moscow meeting report (Bloomberg) Reuters, Jan 14, 2026 — Lavrov rejects ceasefire-only talk as not serious Reuters, Jan 12, 2026 — UN civilian casualties up sharply in 2025 vs 2024; quotes from Danielle BellUN HRMMU, Jan 12, 2026 — Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict The Guardian, Feb 19, 2025 — Trump remarks blaming Ukraine (“You should have never started it…”) Sky News, Apr 14, 2025 — Trump remarks: “You don't start a war…” Reuters, May 20, 2025 — Trump says sanctions could worsen things; “there could be a time…”Reuters, May 29, 2025 — reluctance on sanctions; Grassley social post urging stronger sanctions.Reuters, Aug 16, 2025 — Trump shifts away from ceasefire first; Truth Social “not a mere Ceasefire Agreement” Reuters, Aug 22, 2025 — renewed “two weeks” sanctions threatEuronews, Sept 2, 2025 — “two more weeks” reality-check analysis Reuters, Aug 5, 2025 — Kremlin sources: Putin doubts potency of ultimatum; sanctions seen as manageable Chatham House, July 15, 2025 — analysis arguing deadlines without costs give Putin more timeUN Ukraine, Aug 13, 2025 — July 2025 three-year monthly high in civilian casualties ----------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----------
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----------
Silicon Bites Ep284 | 2026-01-13 | Power has been restored in Berlin after the longest blackout since World War Two. An extraordinary coincidence, or the dress rehearsal for something far more threatening? In this episode we try to imagine the inconceivable – a moment when Russia, in the depths of hubris, desperation and resentment – launches a full-scale hybrid war on the continent, unleashing Europe's Hybrid Pearl Harbor. Was the attack on Berlin a dress rehearsal?Berlin went dark — tens of thousands of homes, freezing temperatures, and a city reminded that modern life depends on a handful of chokepoints – light, heat, food, transportation. Authorities say it was deliberate. The question is bigger than who lit the match – because those who are paying attention, will conclude that Russia was directly or indirectly behind it: but what does this tell us about Europe's exposure to hybrid war — especially as Russia's conventional war in Ukraine grinds, and Moscow looks for cheaper ways to impose pain, and to deter Europe from defending Ukraine, and even from defending themselves?----------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 — Berlin blackout investigation and officials' statements (Jan 4, 2026). Reuters — Power restoration and context on prior outages (Jan 7, 2026). Associated Press — Blackout scale, claim of responsibility, prosecutor takeover (Jan 2026).Washington Post — Infrastructure vulnerability analysis (Jan 10, 2026). Reuters — Suspected arson attack affecting ~50,000 households (Sept 9, 2025). Reuters — Dutch military intelligence warning on rising hybrid threat (Apr 22, 2025). EU Council/Consilium — EU statement condemning Russia's persistent hybrid campaigns (Jul 18, 2025). European Commission / EEAS — von der Leyen speech text including “hybrid warfare” framing (Oct 8, 2025). Reuters — EU response framing and quotes from von der Leyen (Oct 8, 2025). Reuters — Lithuania: prosecutors accuse Russian military intelligence in IKEA arson case (Mar 17, 2025).Reuters — Poland railway sabotage case and response measures (Nov 24, 2025). Guardian / FT — Europol framing on criminal proxies and hybridized organized crime (Mar 18, 2025).European Parliament / Euronews / Defense News — GNSS/GPS interference reporting and policy attention (2025). RUSI — “Time for Putin's 2026 Hybrid Escalation” (Dec 19, 2025). Reuters — Baltic maritime incident context (Dec 31, 2025). ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2026-01-12 | UPDATES #097 | Another Strategic Catastrophe for Putin? The Quiet Squeeze on Transnistria. A story has been ricocheting across some of the more strategic pro-Ukraine feeds and Signal chats but seems to have made barely a dent in the mainstream media coverage: Ukraine and Moldova “quietly” sealed every remaining supply route into Russian-controlled Transnistria at midnight on New Year's Day — cutting off Moscow's troops without firing a shot. It's been framed as a sudden, surgical chokehold. A clean geopolitical kill. It's bold but barely noticed. On a strategic level, Transnistria is a problem for Moscow. A trapped garrison. A propaganda lever. A pro-Russian militia force, and Russian aligned military base right on the edge of Europe but potentially becoming part of the EU with Moldova's accession. This surely cannot be allowed to pass. It should also be seen as a potential sabotage platform, in a year where Russian hybrid warfare operations against Europe are likely to expand dramatically. ----------SOURCES: Euromaidan Press — Correction/retraction on the “New Year's midnight blockade” claim (Jan 12, 2026). United24 Media — Report amplifying the “cut off” narrative (Jan 12, 2026). Ukrainian Pravda — Border closure reporting citing State Border Guard Service (Feb 27, 2022).Clingendael — Analysis noting Ukraine closed the border with Transnistria and the economic consequences (2022). U.S. Congressional Research Service — Moldova: Background and U.S. Policy (Aug 28, 2025).Carnegie Endowment — Moldova removing customs privileges / creeping pressure dynamics (Jan–Feb 2024). Balkan Insight — Protests over customs code; Moldova blocking Russian troop rotation (Jan 2024; Jul 2022). Reuters — Moldova/Russia troop and political tension background (Sept 2022; Feb 2024 explainer and related items). RFE/RL — Cobasna depot and troop figures context (Apr 2022). AP — Moldova/EU energy-security plan; Transnistria energy impacts (2025). Financial Times — Recean warning about Russia seeking larger troop presence via political interference (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/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----------
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----------
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----------
2026-01-07 | UPDATES #091 | “Recommendations drive a significant amount of the overall viewership on YouTube, even more than channel subscriptions or search.” That's according to YouTube's own engineers, who stress just how central this machinery is to what gets seen, when and by whom. It's clearly laid out on a transparency post on the YouTube blog site. (blog.youtube) But I can see it clearly in the stats of my two channels as well, Silicon Curtain and Silicon Wafers. What has resonance in the algorithm gets shown more, and videos that don't fall into a vacuum of obscurity, getting low view counts, fewer comments, no revenue and few subscribers.----------SOURCES: YouTube Help Center — “YouTube's Recommendation System” (no date shown)https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/16533387?hl=enYouTube Blog — “On YouTube's recommendation system” (15 Sep 2021)https://blog.youtube/inside-youtube/on-youtubes-recommendation-system/YouTube Help Center — “How YouTube recommendations work” (no date shown)https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/16089387?hl=enKnight First Amendment Institute (with paper on PMC / OUP) — Engagement ranking amplifies divisive content (2023/2024–2025 publication trail)https://knightcolumbia.org/content/engagement-user-satisfaction-and-the-amplification-of-divisive-content-on-social-mediahttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11894805/Yale News — “Likes” and “shares” teach people to express more outrage online (13 Aug 2021)https://news.yale.edu/2021/08/13/likes-and-shares-teach-people-express-more-outrage-onlineEuropean Commission (CORDIS) — “Social media making us angrier, study reveals” (2021)https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/430608-trending-science-social-media-making-us-angrier-study-revealsU.S. Surgeon General — “Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory” (2023)https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdfAP News — Oxford Word of the Year: “rage bait” (2025)https://apnews.com/article/oxford-word-rage-bait-biohack-aura-farming-205cad01227a75198aaebdea02f6409bThe Guardian — Fake anti-Labour YouTube videos viewed 1.2bn times (13 Dec 2025)https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/13/fake-anti-labour-video-billion-views-youtube-2025The Guardian — X “For You” feed experiment and polarization (27 Nov 2025)https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/nov/27/partisan-x-posts-increase-political-polarisation-among-users-social-media-researchInterface (EU policy) — “Auditing Recommender Systems” (DSA context)https://www.interface-eu.org/publications/auditing-recommender-systems----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Silicon Bites Ep282 | 2026-01-07 | The invasion of Venezuela was widely expected and predicted. It was no less shocking for all that, but perhaps what we did not foresee, is that it would embroil the Russian shadow fleet in a confrontation with US forces in its self-declared hemisphere of sovereign influence. A rusting shadow fleet tanker in the North Atlantic — being shadowed by a Russian submarine, was boarded by US forces anyway. In the past 24 hours, the United States seized the oil tanker now known as Marinera, formerly Bella-1, after what Reuters describes as a two-week pursuit across the Atlantic — part of Washington's pressure campaign to choke off sanctions-evasion oil flows linked to Venezuela. (Reuters)----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters (Jan 7, 2026) — “Exclusive: US seizes Venezuela-linked, Russian-flagged oil tanker after weeks-long pursuit”https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-seizing-venezuela-linked-oil-tanker-after-weeks-long-pursuit-2026-01-07/Reuters (Jan 7, 2026) — “UK supported US mission to seize Russian-flagged oil tanker, MoD says”https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/uk-supported-us-mission-seize-russian-oil-tanker-mod-says-2026-01-07/Reuters (Jan 7, 2026) — “US seizes Russian-flagged tanker tied to Venezuela as Trump widens oil push”https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-venezuela-oil-deal-angers-china-pushes-prices-down-2026-01-07/ABC News (Jan 7, 2026) — “US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker in North Atlantic and 2nd tanker”https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-seizes-russian-flagged-oil-tanker-north-atlantic/story?id=128976500The Guardian (Jan 7, 2026) — “UK helped US seize Russian-flagged tanker, defence ministry says”https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/07/uk-helped-us-seize-russian-flagged-tanker-defence-ministry-saysBloomberg (Jan 6, 2026) — “Chevron Lines Up 11 Oil Ships as Venezuela's Dark Fleet Vanishes”https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-06/chevron-lines-up-11-oil-ships-as-venezuela-s-dark-fleet-vanishes----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
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----------
2026-01-05 | UPDATES #089 | Odesa goes dark: Russia's winter energy war hits Ukraine's Black Sea lifeline Odesa. It is of course a deliberate use of terror and a war crime, but a core part of Russia's attritional and psychological strategy. Odesa is a frontline city without a frontline. In this part of Ukraine, it's a war of transformers, not of artillery, and this is the deliberate logic of an aggressor that cannot make significant gains on the battlefield, so tries to win advantages by freezing people in the winter darkness.Russia's sustained targeting of Ukrainian energy infrastructure is hammering cities across the country this winter, but Odesa may be taking some of the worst hits. Over the New Year period, Odesa and the surrounding region were hit by renewed drone attacks that struck not only residential buildings but also energy and logistics infrastructure. Reuters reported regional authorities saying: “Strike drones attacked residential, logistics and energy infrastructure in our region.”----------SOURCES: Kyiv Independent (Dec 31, 2025) — “'Russia is targeting civilians' … Odesa … outages reported”https://kyivindependent.com/russia-is-targeting-civilians-russian-drones-strike-residential-building-in-odesa-outages-reported/Reuters (Dec 31, 2025) — “Four injured, including three children in Russian attack on Odesa, Ukraine says” https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/four-injured-including-three-children-russian-attack-odesa-ukraine-says-2025-12-31/Reuters (Jan 1, 2026) — “Ukraine condemns Russian new year drone attack on power infrastructure” https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraine-condemns-russian-new-year-drone-attack-power-infrastructure-2026-01-01/Ukrinform (Jan 1, 2026) — “Russian attacks cause new power outages in three regions” (Ukrenergo statement) https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4075663-russian-attacks-cause-new-power-outages-in-three-regions.htmlUNN (Jan 5, 2026) — “Ukrainians face power outages on January 6” (Ukrenergo referenced)https://unn.ua/en/news/ukrainians-face-power-outages-on-january-6Ukrainska Pravda (Dec 31, 2025) — “Energy workers report significant power outages…” (Ukrenergo quotes) https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/12/31/8014130/----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
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----------
Silicon Bites Ep280 | 2025-12-23 | Is Putin losing his grip? His press event last week has generated reams of commentary – and from those not well disposed towards him, the verdict has been brutal. In this episode we cover his “Results of the Year” press spectacle, the glitches, the gaslighting, the challenging questions, or rather lack of them — and the regime's widening reality gap.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters (Dec 19, 2025): Rogue texts, aliens and a marriage proposal - welcome to Vladimir Putin's phone-in - https://www.reuters.com/world/sarcastic-messages-flash-up-big-screen-russias-putin-speaks-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025): Russian central bank cuts key rate to 16% as Putin speaks - https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/russian-central-bank-cuts-key-rate-16-putin-speaks-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025): Russia's Putin says cooling of economy in 2025 is a 'conscious' decision - https://www.reuters.com/business/russias-putin-says-cooling-economy-2025-is-conscious-decision-2025-12-19/AP News (Dec 19, 2025): Putin tells his annual news conference that the Kremlin's military goals in Ukraine will be met - https://apnews.com/article/39fd3f2670227545a6f9e684038ed59dThe Washington Post (Dec 19, 2025): Putin says Europe out of step with an increasingly Moscow-friendly U.S. - https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/12/19/russia-putin-callin-show-ukraine-peace/----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Liubov Velychko is a Ukrainian investigative journalist with over 15 years of experience uncovering corruption, crime, and human rights violations. She Specializes in exposing disinformation campaigns, and has conducted numerous investigations into Russian propaganda, revealing the networks behind its spread and dismantling the information operations orchestrated by Russian intelligence agencies.----------LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/v-press/ https://www.rusi.org/people/velychkohttps://x.com/VelychkoLiubovhttps://www.occrp.org/en/people/lyubov-velychkohttps://mind.ua/en/author/1158-liubov-velychko----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------
Silicon Bites Ep278 | 2025-12-21 | Russia has lost myriad aircraft and helicopters over Ukraine, in combat and on the ground in strikes, but it takes a very different kind of event to really grab the world's headlines. And the last Antonov An-22 “Antei” heavy military transport, breaking apart and falling out of the sky is just such a headline grabbing event. The An-22 heavy military transport is a Soviet-era aircraft, incredibly rare – in fact this was the last of its type that was considered airworthy. It broke apart mid-flight and crashed in Russia's Ivanovo region. And the implications go well beyond one wreck in a reservoir.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters (Dec 9, 2025) — Russian military transport plane crashes northeast of Moscow with seven on board - https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-military-transport-plane-crashes-northeast-moscow-with-seven-board-state-2025-12-09/Reuters (Dec 9, 2025) — Crew killed in crash of Russian An-22 military plane - https://www.reuters.com/world/crew-killed-crash-russian-an-22-military-plane-2025-12-09/UNITED24 Media (Dec 15, 2025) — Video shows Russia's last An-22 military giant breaking apart mid-air - https://united24media.com/latest-news/video-shows-russias-last-an-22-military-giant-breaking-apart-mid-air-14280The War Zone (Dec 9, 2025) — There's likely no way back for Russia's An-22 heavy transports after fatal crash - https://www.twz.com/air/theres-likely-no-way-back-for-russias-an-22-turboprop-heavy-transports-after-fatal-crashEuromaidan Press (Dec 19, 2025) — Analysis tying the crash to broader VKS/industry degradationhttps://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/19/russias-last-heavy-transport-plane-an-22-crash-signals-vks-decline/RUSI (PDF) — Vulnerabilities in Sukhoi Production: Clipping Russia's Wings (Staykov & Watling)https://static.rusi.org/vulnerabities-in-sukhoi-production.pdfReuters (Aug 8, 2025) — Russia's struggle to build commercial jets reflects deeper industrial malaisehttps://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/russias-struggle-build-commercial-jets-reflects-deeper-industrial-malaise-2025-08-08/Defense Express (Sep 3, 2025) — Il-76MD-90A delivery/production discussion - https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/what_is_going_on_with_russian_transport_aircraft_production_if_the_first_il_76md_90a_of_the_year_has_been_delivered_only_now-15691.html----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
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 Ep277 | 2025-12-20 | “Russia's Army Is Exhausted” — we examine some major articles that have come out that claim the Russian army is reaching a significant point of degradation in morale, cohesion and effectiveness. We unpack what that claim means, what the evidence is, and what it changes.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Euromaidan Press (Opinion) — Liubov Tsybulska, “I've monitored Russian soldiers for 3.5 years. The system is finally cracking” (Dec 14, 2025) - https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/14/ive-monitored-russian-soldiers-for-3-5-years-the-system-is-finally-cracking/Euromaidan Press — “ISW: Russia's army can't sustain multi-pronged offensives due to manpower and equipment strain” (Dec 15, 2025) - https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/15/isw-russias-army-cant-sustain-multi-pronged-offensives-due-to-manpower-and-equipment-strain/Reuters — “Ukraine says it controls 90% of Kupiansk, Russia denies it” (Dec 17, 2025) - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-it-controls-90-kupiansk-russia-denies-it-2025-12-17/Associated Press — Putin annual news conference recap (Dec 19, 2025) - https://apnews.com/article/39fd3f2670227545a6f9e684038ed59dThe Guardian — Frontline drone crews report (Dec 17, 2025) - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/17/east-of-zaporizhzhia-ukraines-drone-crews-face-endless-battle-to-hold-the-lineBusiness Insider — “10 Highlights From Russia's Annual Review of the Ukraine War” (Dec 2025) - https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-annual-review-ukraine-war-putin-highlights-drone-defense-10-2025-12RFE/RL — “Why Are Russian Regions Cutting Signing Bonuses For Volunteers?” (Oct 27, 2025) - https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-recruitment-soldiers-ukraine-war-personnel-bonuses/33572319.htmlRUSI — “Russia is Losing – Time for Putin's 2026 Hybrid Escalation” (2025) - https://my.rusi.org/resource/russia-is-losing-time-for-putins-2026-hybrid-escalation.htmlWall Street Journal — Putin remarks / war aims (Dec 17, 2025) - https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/putin-warns-he-will-achieve-aims-in-ukraine-through-negotiation-or-war-382d5d56Washington Post (Opinion) — narrative critique re: battlefield realities (Dec 17, 2025) - https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/12/17/russia-ukraine-battlefield-losses-stalemate/POLITICO (User-specified; not accessible to my web tool due to site restrictions, so not quoted directly) - https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/05/russia-planned-war-of-attrition-00672960----------
Dr Pär Gustafsson Kurki is a seasoned analyst who has worked in academia, civil service and in the private sector. He has 25+ years of experience as a Russia observer. Since February 2020, he has worked full-time for the Swedish Defence Research Agency as a researcher and analyst. His main area of expertise is Russian security policy. From September 2021 to February 2024, he was a Deacon Candidate in the Church of Sweden, and is still an active member of the Church and participates in parish life.----------LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustafssonpar/ https://en.kkrva.se/gangstervalde-blir-statskonst-i-rysslands-krigforing/----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
2025-12-19 | UPDATES #083 | Ukraine is expanding the maritime war — not just in the Black Sea, but now out into the Mediterranean. A tanker burns at Rostov-on-Don. A “shadow fleet” vessel gets hit off Libya. And then comes the rumour: that a senior GRU figure — Major General Andrei Averyanov — may have been on board. Could this be Ukraine's boldest move of the war so far? Start in southern Russia — Rostov-on-Don. Overnight into December 18, Ukrainian drones hit the region. Russian officials say three people were killed, including two crew members of a tanker that caught fire at the port. (Reuters)Reuters reports the vessel was the Russian-flagged tanker Valeriy Gorchakov — identification attributed to the British maritime risk firm Vanguard. (Reuters)----------SOURCES: Reuters (Dec 18, 2025) – Ukrainian drones kill three people in Russia's Rostov region, authorities say - https://www.reuters.com/world/ukrainian-drones-hit-tanker-russias-rostov-port-causing-deaths-mayor-says-2025-12-18/The Maritime Executive (Dec 18, 2025) – Ukrainian Long-Range Attack Kills Two Crew and Damages Tanker in Rostov - https://maritime-executive.com/article/ukrainian-long-range-attack-kills-two-crew-and-damages-tanker-in-rostovThe New Voice of Ukraine (Dec 18, 2025) – Oil tanker sinking in Russia's Rostov-on-Don after Ukrainian strike (reporting via Astra/MarineTraffic) - https://english.nv.ua/russian-war/oil-tanker-sinking-in-russia-s-rostov-on-don-50569696.htmlReuters (Dec 19, 2025) – Ukraine hits Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker in Mediterranean for first time, SBU source says - https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraine-hits-russian-shadow-fleet-tanker-mediterranean-first-time-sbu-source-2025-12-19/The Guardian (Dec 19, 2025) – Ukraine attacks Russian 'shadow' tanker off Libyan coast - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/19/ukraine-attacks-russian-shadow-tanker-off-libyan-coastLloyd's List (Dec 19, 2025) – Ukraine targets shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean - https://www.lloydslist.com/LL1155927/Ukraine-targets-shadow-fleet-tanker-in-MediterraneanThe War Zone / TWZ (Dec 19, 2025) – Ukraine Strikes Russia-Linked Tanker In The Mediterranean With ‘Bomber Drone' - https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-strikes-russia-linked-tanker-in-the-mediterranean-with-bomber-droneTradeWinds (Dec 19, 2025) – Video: Russia-trading tanker hit by fresh drone strike, Ukraine says - https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/video-russia-trading-tanker-hit-by-fresh-drone-strike-ukraine-says/2-1-1919744Reuters (Dec 10, 2025) – Ukraine disables 'shadow fleet' vessel with sea drones in Black Sea - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-disables-shadow-fleet-vessel-with-sea-drones-black-sea-2025-12-10/----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------
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----------
Silicon Bites Ep275 | 2025-12-18 | Trump shits on everything and everyone when they cease to be useful to him. We will go back to his first chaotic administration to understand the patterns and see what he's learned in his second to avoid dirty laundry in public and the revolving door of sacked and disgraced aids, supporters and sycophants. We'll also ask, what are the implications for Ukraine, and the Trump security guarantees, as well as for Venezuela and an incipient war, based on a repeated pattern of behaviour in Trump that seeks to avoid all accountability, responsibility or blowback from his mistakes, actions and inactions, and clear venality that is happening in plain sight. There's a particular kind of political nihilism that doesn't merely break norms — it gobbles them up and splits the bones out in your face. It doesn't build coalitions or alliances; it burns them in a test of fealty and subservience. That demands conformity, obeyance and obsequiousness. It doesn't govern, but dominates through humiliation, coercion and bribery, and cycles through people, institutions, and alliances like disposable diapers.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Brookings – Tracking turnover in the Trump administrationhttps://www.brookings.edu/articles/tracking-turnover-in-the-trump-administration/Reuters (Dec 16, 2025) – Trump sues the BBC for $10 billion over speech edithttps://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/trump-sues-bbc-defamation-over-editing-january-6-speech-2025-12-16/AP (Dec 16, 2025) – Trump sues BBC for defamation over editinghttps://apnews.com/article/a9fd196c4f242decd8f28e8d0ce74442Reuters (Dec 16, 2025) – UK PM Starmer's office response to Trump BBC lawsuithttps://www.reuters.com/world/uk-pm-starmers-office-trump-legal-action-is-matter-bbc-2025-12-16/CPJ (Dec 2025) – CPJ statement on Trump BBC lawsuit and press freedomhttps://cpj.org/2025/12/cpj-trumps-bbc-lawsuit-is-yet-another-attack-on-us-media-freedom/PEN America (Dec 16, 2025) – Statement on Trump exporting anti-press tactics via BBC lawsuithttps://pen.org/press-release/trump-exports-anti-press-tactics-abroad/Reuters (Dec 17, 2025) – Judge allows Trump's ballroom project to proceed for nowhttps://www.reuters.com/world/judge-allows-trumps-ballroom-project-proceed-now-2025-12-17/Reuters (Dec 16–17, 2025) – Judge unlikely to immediately halt Trump White House ballroom projecthttps://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/trumps-300-million-white-house-ballroom-makeover-faces-day-court-2025-12-16/Reuters (Apr 24, 2025) – 100 days of DOGE: lots of chaos, not so much efficiencyhttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/100-days-doge-lots-chaos-not-so-much-efficiency-2025-04-24/----------
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----------
Livestream with Jonathan MS Pearce. ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyslhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/-----------
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/-----------
2025-12-16 | UPDATES #080 | A post on X caught my eye, the gist of which was “Only a Russian official can invade and bomb you while simultaneously calling themselves a peacemaker and the victim a warmonger.” The author is referring to Kiril Dmitriev, one of the key so-called ‘negotiators' from the Russian side, and it highlights the absurdity of trying to build a peace process with the same regime that initiated the aggression and committed untold war crimes in Ukraine. Any such process pre-supposes that the aggressor has seen the error of their ways, in some sense recanted for their mistakes, even if not admitting culpability for the crimes themselves or any contrition. But the reality is so far from this. Russia seems to want a temporary “ceasefire,” because it is exhausted, and needs time to rearm and internalise the lessons of failure – the failure of its military strategy, that is, so it can come back again with greater lethality and success. As we'll see in this episode, Russia has disavowed none of its maximalist aims, and indeed keeps adding to the list of demands, and when the regime minions are honest with us, they are clearly saying that they do not want peace, but the capitulation and humiliation of Ukraine. ----------SOURCES: Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-leaders-agree-ukraine-security-guarantees-should-include-european-led-2025-12-15/Financial Times - https://www.ft.com/content/24b9f90f-ee39-4fde-9efb-559c0cc8596cThe Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/16/ukraine-russia-peace-plans-zelenskyy-berlin-talks-putinReuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/vast-majority-ukrainians-reject-major-peace-concessions-poll-finds-2025-12-15/Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/eu-foreign-ministers-adopt-sanctions-targeting-russian-shadow-fleet-eu-official-2025-12-15/AP News - https://apnews.com/article/d80d64aa719ddc60575866f2c29e868eAP News - https://apnews.com/article/6a4c78360c51021bdb8c251bc230de38----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2025-12-15 | UPDATES #079 | “Pax Americana is over.” We've known this for a while, but Chancellor Merz's speech still dropped like a bomb going off. And it was a warning flare from the centre of Europe's security architecture. In this episode we cover Chancellor Merz's speech, the Berlin peace push, and the emerging European fear that Washington is no longer an ally — possibly even adversary.This weekend, Chancellor Friedrich Merz told a party congress in Munich that Europe must brace for a fundamental shift in its relationship with the United States — because the American-guaranteed peace that defined Europe's postwar order is, in his words, “largely over.” (Reuters)----------SOURCES: Reuters (Dec 13–14, 2025): Merz “Pax Americana” quote; Berlin ceasefire talks; U.S. plan terms.Reuters (Dec 9, 2025): U.S. NSS attack on European democracies; “cultivating resistance” inside EU; Merz response. Reuters (Dec 14, 2025): AfD lawmaker calls for U.S.–German nationalist alliance at MAGA gala.The Guardian (Dec 15, 2025): Berlin summit framing; European fears U.S. plan favours Russia. Ulrich Speck (Substack, Dec 14, 2025): European reaction, “shock” and hostility perception.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2025-12-14 | UPDATES #078 | A Russian drone hits Turkish cargo vessel VIVA in the Black Sea. This matters for Turkey, maritime security, and Ukraine's campaign against Russia's “shadow fleet.” We look at the increased risk for shipping in the black sea, both those that serve Ukraine's legitimate and legal export needs, and those that form part of Russia grey fleet trading illegally in oil. Ukraine says Russia hit a Turkish civilian cargo ship with a drone — a vessel carrying sunflower oil to Egypt — inside what Ukraine describes as a protected coastal “grain corridor.” And it happened within hours of Erdoğan raising port strikes with Putin. On Saturday, 13 December 2025, Ukraine's navy accused Russia of a deliberate drone strike on the Turkish vessel VIVA, describing it as a “targeted strike” on a civilian ship heading to Egypt with sunflower oil. (Reuters)----------SOURCES: Reuters (Dec 13, 2025): Ukraine says Russian drone attack hit civilian Turkish vessel The Moscow Times / AFP (Dec 14, 2025): Ukraine says Russian drone hit Turkish cargo vessel VIVAReuters (Dec 12, 2025): Vessel on fire after Russian attack on Ukraine's Odesa region, sources sayReuters (Dec 13, 2025): Erdoğan comments after Putin meeting; calls to protect ports/energy facilities Turkey MFA statement (Dec 12, 2025): Chornomorsk port attack; maritime security/freedom of navigation Ukrinform (Dec 13, 2025): Turkey urges halt to attacks on energy and port infrastructureKyiv Independent (Dec 14, 2025): Mentions *VIVA* incident amid broader strikes Ukrainian Pravda (Dec 13, 2025): Ukraine Navy statement on “targeted strike” against VIVAReuters (Dec 10, 2025) background: Ukraine disables “shadow fleet” tanker Dashan with sea dronesBackground (outside 48h): Beşiktaş Shipping halts Russia-linked voyages after explosions----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Sir Richard Shirreff is Co-founder and Managing Partner at Strategia Worldwide. After graduating from Oxford, he served in the British Army for 37 years commanding soldiers on operations or in combat at every level from platoon to division and rising to the highest rank before retiring from the Army as NATO's Deputy Supreme Commander Europe. In 2016 his novel ‘2017: War with Russia' was published in the UK, USA, and Poland. He is an honorary Fellow of Exeter College, Oxford.----------LINKS:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Shirreff https://twitter.com/RichardShirreff https://www.strategiaworldwide.com/our-people/sir-richard-shirreffhttps://www.globsec.org/who-we-are/our-people/gen-ret-sir-richard-shirreff https://www.brookings.edu/events/is-armed-conflict-with-russia-a-real-possibility/ ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------DESCRIPTION:Critical Analysis: European Security in the Face of Rising Russian AggressionIn this episode, co-founder and managing partner at Worldwide and former NATO Deputy Supreme Commander Europe, Sir Richard Shirreff, discusses the evolving geopolitical landscape with host Jonathan. The conversation dives into Russian strategies and the apparent shift in the U.S. stance on European security under Trump's administration. Shirreff and Jonathan analyse the recently released U.S. National Security Strategy, highlighting its lack of emphasis on China and Russia as threats and its focus on European institutions. They discuss how Trump's policies may be inadvertently aiding Putin's objectives by decoupling U.S. support from European security and undermining NATO. The episode underscores the need for Europe to bolster its resilience and unity independently. Shirreff emphasizes the necessity of leadership and clear strategies to face these challenges. They also delve into the implications of cognitive warfare, societal resilience, and the broader necessity for Europe to mobilize and prepare for potential threats. In the concluding segment, they highlight a fundraiser aimed at supporting Ukrainian soldiers by providing crucially needed vehicles.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:21 Russian Strategy and US National Security Policy03:36 NATO's Current State and Challenges06:09 Europe's Need for Self-Reliance10:07 Resilience and National Defense13:37 Potential Future Scenarios28:54 Call to Action and Conclusion----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Today I'm speaking with Operator Starsky, a former Ukrainian National Guardian, blogger, and inspiration for everyone who is following the war, and supporting a Ukrainian victory. He has created one of the most popular and original YouTube channels dedicated to the international community. I'm not sure you need an introduction – I'm sure most people watching this channel will have seen your videos! ----------LINKS:https://www.youtube.com/@PropagandaStudyInstitutehttp://psi-eu.org/https://www.youtube.com/@StarskyUA----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I'm proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent' interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur first live events this year in Lviv and Kyiv were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. We may add more venues to the program, depending on the success of the fundraising campaign. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------
2025-12-12 | UPDATES #076 | The financial battlefield is intensifying — the hidden front where the Kremlin is taking blow after blow, and where Europe may finally, belatedly, be rediscovering its spine. Talk about leaving it to the last minute as well. We must ask whether it's Ukraine's financial issues, their budgetary gap, that spurred Europe on, or the prospect of Trump getting his hands on the Russian Central Bank assets. Because this week, the European Union has done something extraordinary — something that has Vladimir Putin rattled. The EU has triggered emergency powers to permanently immobilize Russian state assets, edging toward using them to arm and rebuild Ukraine. Meanwhile, Moscow's central bank is screaming “illegal!”, Russia threatens to sue Euroclear, Japan backs away, France hesitates, Orbán obstructs, and Washington quietly manoeuvres for leverage. Meanwhile Moscow is activating all its embedded assets, agents and useful idiots to try and fight the permanent seizure of its former assets. ----------SOURCES: https://kyivindependent.com/https://www.kyivpost.com/https://meduza.io/enhttps://www.themoscowtimes.com/https://www.theguardian.com/ukhttps://theins.ru/enPublic statements by:European Commission, Russian Central Bank, Vladimir Putin, EuroclearAdditional reporting from:Politico EU, Reuters, Bloomberg (paraphrased references)----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
2025-12-11 | DAILY UPDATES #075 | Russia's war economy is running out of road. It helps explains why such pressure is coming from the Kremlin, via Donald Trump, to find a deal that can be sold as a humiliation of Ukraine that temporarily gets Putin off the hook. Are they intent on a stable and sustainable peace? Has the Kremlin disavowed its ambitions of hegemony over Europe and initiating more wars? Absolutely not. But they need a breather to regroup, rearm and replenish their war chest, stabilise their teetering economy and war industries, as well as reinflate the army. And Trump is dutifully obliging to try and enforce this ‘so-called' peace deal on Ukraine and Europe. Today's theme is simple and brutal: examining the impending crisis within the Russian economy, which one regime friendly economist has said will be ‘huge and inevitable.”So, these dire warning are not coming from “Western propagandists”, or the usual pro-Ukraine “Russophobes”, but is a true reflection of the looming crisis according to pro-Kremlin economists, Z-patriots, state bankers and regime-adjacent think tanks who are now openly talking about a big, inevitable crisis in 2026.----------SOURCES: Майкл Наки – YouTube & Telegram: “«КРИЗИС БУДЕТ БОЛЬШОЙ И НЕИЗБЕЖНЫЙ». Экономисты в России фиксируют обвал. И боятся 2026го”, and posts on Z-economists and war economy.Free Russia Foundation / Vladimir Milov – “Russia's Budget Crisis, Explained”. The Moscow Times – “Pro-Kremlin Economists Warn of Banking Crisis by 2026” & coverage of wage arrears and tax hikes.CMACP / Expert.ru – analysis of systemic banking-crisis risks in 2026.Reuters – reporting on Russia's industrial slowdown, fuel crisis, oil revenues, interest rates and tax proposals. Meduza – “Long lines and empty pumps. Russia's gasoline crisis in photos”; coverage of wage-debt crisis and Saratov recruitment payments. Kyiv Independent – coverage of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries and resulting fuel shortages. Wikipedia & aggregated sources – “2025 Russian fuel crisis” (for chronology and refs to Reuters, BBC, Forbes). FT – “Russia's coal miners buckle under sanctions, weak prices and war”. Jamestown Foundation – “Russian Firms Rapidly Falling Behind in Paying Workers”. UDF – “«Продолжать в 2026-м смертельно опасно». Z-патриот анонсировал скорое сворачивание «СВО»” (Maxim Kalashnikov).----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------
Glen Grant worked as a defence and reform expert in Ukraine working for the Ukrainian Institute for the Future. He is also a Senior Fellow in the UK Institute for Statecraft on Building Integrity Initiative countering Russian influence. Glen graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the Junior Staff Course Warminster and the Joint Staff Defence College at the Royal Naval College Greenwich. ----------LINKS:https://balticsecurity.eu/https://defence-blog.com/ukraines-defense-gaps-threaten-war-effort-says-expert/https://glenhoward.substack.com/p/episode-16-ukraine-at-war-military ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------DESCRIPTION:Glenn Grant on Ukraine's War: An In-Depth Analysis of Current Geopolitical DynamicsIn this episode, we revisit a conversation with Glen Grant, a defense and reform expert in Ukraine. The discussion highlights the current critical juncture in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, exploring the perceived flip-flopping of U.S. policy favoring Russia under the Trump administration. Glen shares insights on Trump's consistent pro-Russian stance, the potential oligarchic influences guiding global politics, and the effectiveness of Zelensky's leadership. The conversation delves into the operational and strategic challenges facing Ukraine, including issues in human resources, technology adoption, and military procurement. The episode emphasizes the role of civic society in Ukraine's defense efforts and the broader implications for Western defense strategies. Finally, the video includes a segment encouraging donations for purchasing life-saving vehicles for Ukrainian forces.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:12 Current State of the War and US Policy02:16 Trump's Influence and Russian Strategy05:52 Global Oligarchy and Political Manipulation20:19 Ukraine's Internal Challenges25:48 Western Military Preparedness and Drone Warfare37:18 Conclusion and Fundraising Appeal----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------
Keir Giles has spent his career watching, studying, and explaining Russia. Keir's work has appeared in a wide range of academic and military publications across Europe and in North America, and he is a regular contributor and commentator on Russian affairs for international print and broadcast media. He is a Senior Consulting Fellow at the UK's Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), and also works with the Conflict Studies Research Centre (CSRC), a group of deep subject matter experts on Eurasian security formerly attached to the British Ministry of Defence. He is a regular contributor to research projects on Russian security issues in the U.S., UK, and Europe.----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------BOOKS:Who Will Defend Europe? An Awakened Russia and a Sleeping Continent (2024)Order Keir's new book: https://amzn.to/4cFI1b6Russia's War on Everybody: And What it Means for You (2022)Moscow Rules: What Drives Russia to Confront the West (2019)The Turning Point for Russian Foreign Policy (2017)The State of the NATO-Russia Reset (2011)Potential Challenges to Public Order and Social Stability in the Russian Federation (2011)----------LINKS:Order Keir's new book: https://amzn.to/4cFI1b6https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/keir-gileshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keir_Gileshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/keir-giles-499a489/https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/keir-gileshttps://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=7Bs89WMAAAAJhttps://bsky.app/profile/keirgiles.bsky.social----------DESCRIPTION:Understanding the Russia-West Geopolitical Conflict with Keir GilesIn this insightful episode, Keir delves into his extensive experience studying Russia, sharing knowledge from his academic and military publications. He discusses the persistent misunderstandings regarding Russia's intentions by Western diplomats, driven by a cycle of short-term postings and differing diplomatic experiences. Johnson also highlights the ideological alignments between Russian and current U.S. policies, underscoring the troubling implications for Europe. The conversation touches on the complexities of international relations, the failures of economic appeasement with authoritarian regimes, and the stark realities of Russia's long-standing messianic geopolitical behavior. The episode concludes with a call to support Ukrainian armed forces in their epic battle for survival, reflecting on the tangible impact of international solidarity.----------
Ben Hodges is a retired United States Army officer, who became commander of United States Army Europe in November 2014, and held that position for three years until retiring from the United States Army in January 2018. Until recently he was the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies, at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, specialising in NATO, Transatlantic relationship and international security. ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------DESCRIPTION: ----------CHAPTERS:----------LINKS:https://twitter.com/general_benhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Hodges https://cepa.org/author/ben-hodges/ https://warsawsecurityforum.org/speaker/hodges-ben-lt-gen/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hodges-1674b1172/ ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/-----------
In this second Bonus Episode to end Season 8 of the podcast we look at the subject of Great War veterans and in particular Malcolm Vyvyan who served as a Siege Battery officer in the Royal Garrison Artillery on the Somme, Arras and Flanders, and was awarded the Military Cross in 1917. Sign up for the free podcast newsletter here: Old Front Line Bulletin.Got a question about this episode or any others? Drop your question into the Old Front Line Discord Server or email the podcast.Send us a textSupport the show
This episode contains discussions of trauma, war, and emotional challenges faced by those in the military. If you or someone you know is affected by anything mentioned in this podcast and needs support, please search for "British Army Ask for Help." Listener discretion is advised. In this special two-parter, we're thrilled to welcome Brian Wood MC, a decorated British Army veteran, bestselling author, and motivational speaker. In part one, Brian shares his powerful journey through the British Army, offering a candid look at his time on operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known for his heroic actions during the Battle of Danny Boy in Iraq in 2004, Brian's exceptional leadership and courage earned him the Military Cross. He takes us through key moments in combat, detailing the values and lessons he learned while leading his team under extreme pressure, and how those experiences shaped him as a leader. His reflections on his military service highlight the importance of doing the basics well, maintaining composure in chaos, and leading by example. Brian's service spans multiple operational tours, where he quickly rose to leadership roles, becoming a trusted figure among his peers. In this episode, he talks about how his upbringing and his family's influence shaped his approach to leadership and the early mentors who guided him. His memoir, Double Crossed, delves deeper into these experiences, including his involvement in the public inquiry following the Iraq conflict and his personal journey through resilience. In part two, Brian will dive into life after the Army, including his work with veterans, mental health awareness, and the impact of the Al-Sweady Inquiry on his life. But for now, join us as we explore his incredible military career and the leadership lessons that continue to inspire him today.
The Tibble family are in Faenza, Italy commemorating their ancestor Te Rauwhiro Tibble, who received a Military Cross for bravery with his platoon of men from Rongowhakaata and Te Aitanga a Mahaki. He took a single shot to his body to stop a tiger tank and get his men to safety across the river. Thirteen members of his family over five generations are there for Anzac Day, including Paora Tibble, who speaks with Mihi.
fWotD Episode 2906: Edgar Towner Welcome to Featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia’s finest articles.The featured article for Saturday, 19 April 2025 is Edgar Towner.Edgar Thomas Towner, VC, MC (19 April 1890 – 18 August 1972) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. A lieutenant in the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War, Towner was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 1 September 1918, during an attack on Mont St. Quentin on the Western Front.Born in Queensland to a farming family, Towner enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1915. Posted to the transport section of the 25th Battalion, he served in Egypt until his unit was sent to the Western Front. He then transferred to the 2nd Machine Gun Battalion where he was commissioned as a lieutenant and twice mentioned in despatches for his leadership. During June 1918, Towner led a machine gun section in attack near Morlancourt and assisted the infantry in reaching its objectives under heavy fire, for which he was awarded the Military Cross. In September, again commanding a machine gun section, he was involved in the Allied counteroffensive that broke the German lines at Mont St. Quentin and Péronne. Fighting for thirty hours after being wounded, his "conspicuous bravery, initiative and devotion to duty" earned him the Victoria Cross, which was presented by King George V in April 1919.Discharged in August, Towner returned to Australia. He was appointed a director of the Russleigh Pastoral Company, and briefly re-enlisted during the Second World War, when he was promoted to major. A keen geographer, he was awarded the Dr Thomson Foundation Gold Medal in 1956 for his geographical work. Unmarried, he died in 1972 at the age of 82.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:30 UTC on Saturday, 19 April 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Edgar Towner on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Kajal.
fWotD Episode 2862: Les Holden Welcome to Featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia’s finest articles.The featured article for Thursday, 6 March 2025 is Les Holden.Leslie Hubert Holden, MC, AFC (6 March 1895 – 18 September 1932) was an Australian fighter ace of World War I and later a commercial aviator. A South Australian, he joined the Light Horse in May 1915, serving in Egypt and France. In December 1916, he volunteered for the Australian Flying Corps and qualified as a pilot. As a member of No. 2 Squadron on the Western Front, he gained the sobriquets "Lucky Les" and "the homing pigeon" after a series of incidents that saw him limping back to base in bullet-riddled aircraft. He was awarded the Military Cross, and went on to achieve five aerial victories flying Airco DH.5s and Royal Aircraft Factory S. E.5s.Promoted to captain, Holden finished the war as an instructor with No. 6 (Training) Squadron in England, where his work earned him the Air Force Cross. After leaving the Australian Flying Corps in 1919, he became a manager at the family firm of Holden's Motor Body Builders and joined the part-time Citizen Air Force, before setting up as a commercial pilot and establishing his own air service. In 1929, he located Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm in the north-west Australian desert after the pair were reported missing on a flight to England in the Southern Cross. Holden began transport operations in New Guinea in 1931. He was killed the following year in a passenger plane crash in Australia.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:45 UTC on Thursday, 6 March 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Les Holden on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm long-form Patrick.
The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics and Leadership.
This episode is the second of a two part interview with retired LTCOL Gary McKay, who was a Platoon Commander in Vietnam, in D Coy, 4 RAR. He fought in Op Ivanhoe at the battle of Nui Le, where he was wounded. For his awarded the Military Cross for his performance during the battle. He was later the Commanding Officer of 8/9 RAR between 1988 and 1990. This episode continues our Kokoda Campaign Podcast series. The training, doctrine and tactics used in Vietnam are a legacy of the expensive lessons learnt in the jungles of New Guinea. Gary discusses the Battle of Nui Le, a part of Op Ivanhoe. Gary shares his reflections on leadership, with some excellent thoughts for Junior Officers and SNCOs. Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics and Leadership.
This episode is the first of a two part interview with retired LTCOL Gary McKay, who was a Platoon Commander in Vietnam, in D Coy, 4 RAR. He fought in Op Ivanhoe at the battle of Nui Le, where he was wounded. For his awarded the Military Cross for his performance during the battle. He was later the Commanding Officer of 8/9 RAR between 1988 and 1990. This episode continues our Kokoda Campaign Podcast series. It specifically looks at how Australian soldiers were prepared for combat in the jungle and also looks at what makes jungle combat one of the most difficult types of terrain to fight in. As you are listening to Gary's story, compare that with the soldiers from the Second World War fighting the early jungle battles. The legacy of those hard won lessons on the Kokoda Track can clearly be heard in Gary's story. Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
>Join Jocko Underground< former soldier in the Princess of Wale's Royal Regiment who was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the Battle of Danny Boy.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content
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