Podcasts about Moscow

2025-11-15 | Silicon Wafers 056 | DAILY UPDATES | We follow the full spectrum of stories today, from Ukraine's legal and righteous fight to eject the invader and gain dominance of the Black Sea, to the unfolding illegality in the Caribbean, and examine whether war is becoming a likely option for an embattled US president, to deflect and distract from his domestic woes and scandals. In this episode we range from Odesa to Caracas, from Kyiv to Washington, and investigate the startling withdrawal of some intelligence support by the British for the US, once considered an staunch ally, fearing they'd become implicated in illegal and arbitrary acts of murder in the Caribbean as Trump's war against so-called traffickers and gangs ramps up in international waters. Today's episode is about three converging storms:1. The UK has quietly paused some intelligence sharing with the United States over lethal “drug boat” strikes near Venezuela.2. Moscow is talking about parking its new Oreshnik hypersonic missiles in Venezuela – “Americans may be in for surprises,” as one Russian lawmaker put it.3. And in Washington, the Epstein files scandal is detonating around Donald Trump – raising the grim question: would a weakened president start a foreign war as a distraction?All this loops back to Ukraine, Russia, and – lurking in the background – China.----------SOURCES: The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/nov/11/uk-suspends-intelligence-sharing-with-us-amid-airstikes-in-the-caribbeanFinancial Times - https://www.ft.com/content/4aa29d63-2daf-4cf8-aec4-dc6eb7b5f1efThe Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/11/11/britain-intelligence-sharing-boat-strikes-venezuela/Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/rubio-denies-reporting-that-uk-cut-intel-sharing-over-boat-strikes-2025-11-12/Business Insider - https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-lawmaker-send-pantsir-buk-venezuela-air-defenses-ilyushin-2025-11El País - https://elpais.com/america/2025-11-08/venezuela-recibe-mas-ayuda-militar-rusa-en-medio-de-las-tensiones-con-washington.htmlThe Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/13/epstein-files-key-takeawaysAP News - https://apnews.com/article/db7df1042a73e610fb5deddf2f90bd3aPolitico - https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/12/jeffrey-epstein-donald-trump-emails-00647447----------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----------

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 3: 5:05pm- A new DNA analysis suggests that Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler likely suffered from a genetic disorder known as Kallman syndrome—meaning there was a 10% chance he had a micro penis! 5:10pm- Artificial Intelligence: China-based UBTECH Robotics has unveiled its new industrial humanoid robots—standing at 5'9” tall and costing nearly $180,000 each. Thanks to a dual-battery/autonomous swap feature the robots are capable of working 24/7. Meanwhile, a Russian produced humanoid robot took three steps prior to collapsing during its debut in Moscow. 5:20pm- Is Jasmine Crockett the future of the Democratic Party? Charlamagne Tha God insists she is—though, polling data says otherwise. 5:30pm- Coast to Coast Commies! The next mayor of Seattle will be Katie Wilson—a self-described socialist who openly admits that her parents subsidize her lifestyle at age 43! She has held jobs as a barista, boatyard worker, apartment manager, lab technician, baker, construction worker, and legal assistant, but didn't work a full-time job until her late 30's despite attending Oxford University!

The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Show (11/14/2025): 3:05pm- While appearing on The Wide Awake podcast, Hunter Biden baselessly claimed that Charlie Kirk's assassin is a MAGA supporter. He also said horrific things about New York Post journalist Miranda Devine—who notably broke the Hunter Biden laptop story. Hunter called Devine “horrendously ugly” and exclaimed: “I don't know anybody that is going to be mourning her when she's gone." 3:20pm- Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) baselessly insisted that “violence doesn't come from Democrats. It's MAGA. The assassination attempts with Donald Trump were Trump supporters.” 3:30pm- Brooke Singman—Political Correspondent & Reporter for Fox News—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss her latest report, “Jack Smith targeted then-House Speaker McCarthy's private phone records in J6 probe, FBI docs reveal.” You can find the full article here: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/jack-smith-targeted-then-house-speaker-mccarthys-private-phone-records-j6-probe-fbi-docs-reveal. 4:05pm- Dr. Wilfred Reilly—Professor of Political Science at Kentucky State University & Author of “Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me”—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss Seattle mayor-elect Katie Wilson, a self-described socialist who openly admits that her parents subsidize her lifestyle at age 43! Plus, Hillary Clinton downplays the threat of communism in the United States. 4:30pm- Dr. Victoria Coates—Former Deputy National Security Advisor & the Vice President of the Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at The Heritage Foundation—joins The Rich Zeoli Show from Madrid, Spain! She reacts to a story about Chinese hackers using artificial intelligence to automate cyberattacks, targeting corporations and governments. Dr. Coates is author of the book: “The Battle for the Jewish State: How Israel—and America—Can Win.” 5:05pm- A new DNA analysis suggests that Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler likely suffered from a genetic disorder known as Kallman syndrome—meaning there was a 10% chance he had a micro penis! 5:10pm- Artificial Intelligence: China-based UBTECH Robotics has unveiled its new industrial humanoid robots—standing at 5'9” tall and costing nearly $180,000 each. Thanks to a dual-battery/autonomous swap feature the robots are capable of working 24/7. Meanwhile, a Russian produced humanoid robot took three steps prior to collapsing during its debut in Moscow. 5:20pm- Is Jasmine Crockett the future of the Democratic Party? Charlamagne Tha God insists she is—though, polling data says otherwise. 5:30pm- Coast to Coast Commies! The next mayor of Seattle will be Katie Wilson—a self-described socialist who openly admits that her parents subsidize her lifestyle at age 43! She has held jobs as a barista, boatyard worker, apartment manager, lab technician, baker, construction worker, and legal assistant, but didn't work a full-time job until her late 30's despite attending Oxford University! 6:05pm- Several college athletes in New Jersey have been charged in a mob-affiliated sports betting scheme. 6:25pm- Richard Marianos—Head of the Tobacco Law Enforcement Network—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss illegal vapes being imported to the United States from China. Marianos served more than 27 years at the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives fighting violent crime. 6:40pm- According to a new report, Chinese hackers used artificial intelligence to automate cyberattacks—targeting corporations and governments.

Russian drones and missiles hit an apartment block in eastern Kyiv, killing at least six people. President Zelensky has accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilians. Also: The UN approves a formal investigation into allegations that the Rapid Support Forces massacred 2,000 people in the Sudanese city of El Fasher; Japan summons the Chinese ambassador, as a row over Taiwan escalates; high blood pressure in children has doubled in 20 years; and the Japanese woman who 'married' her AI boyfriend.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment.Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

2/2 Anatol Lieven details UK Prime Minister Starmer's genuine political troubles concerning domestic policy drift and significant potential losses in upcoming regional elections. Starmer maintains prestige supporting Ukraine, though funding remains a question. A back channel to Moscow has been opened by Jonathan Powell to discuss peace, dropping the prior insistence on a ceasefire, indicating a shift in London. Guest: Anatol Lieven. 2/2

SHOW 11-13-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT BUNDESTAG COHESION AND  STABILITY. FIRST HOUR 9-915 1/2 Anatol Lieven discusses the war in Ukraine, noting the new Russian unit RubiKon hunting drone operators and the slow Russian advance on Pakovsk, aided by both innovation and old factors like fog. The conversation also covers Germany's military rearmament plans and the significant, rising influence of the populist right AFD party in German politics, which is strongly anti-immigrant and largely anti-rearmament. Guest: Anatol Lieven. 1/2 915-930 2/2 Anatol Lieven details UK Prime Minister Starmer's genuine political troubles concerning domestic policy drift and significant potential losses in upcoming regional elections. Starmer maintains prestige supporting Ukraine, though funding remains a question. A back channel to Moscow has been opened by Jonathan Powell to discuss peace, dropping the prior insistence on a ceasefire, indicating a shift in London. Guest: Anatol Lieven. 2/2 930-945 Chris Riegel, CEO of SCALA.com, states that Chinese claims of matching Nvidia's high-end chip success are largely propaganda, though China mandates domestic chip use. The US holds the AI "pole position." AI is a genuine profit driver, worth trillions to GDP, with material workforce impact expected by 2026. Guest: Chris Riegel 945-1000 Mary Anastasia O'grady reports on the assassination of Mayor Carlos Monzo in Michoacán, killed after leaving President Sheinbaum's Morena party and aggressively confronting cartels and their agricultural extortion. Sheinbaum has cooperated smartly with the US, allowing surveillance flights, and hired credible security chief García Haruch. The main challenge is whether Sheinbaum has the political will to confront the cartels, especially given the widespread belief in Morena's complicity. Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Cliff May discusses severe Christian persecution in Nigeria, which President Tinubu claims guarantees religious liberty. Attacks are carried out by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and powerful Fulani militias. May suggests jihadism acts as theological justification for Fulani nomadic herders to seize land from Christian farmers. The US could provide assistance, training, and advice to the Nigerian military to protect communities. Guest: Cliff May. 1015-1030 Sadanand Dhume examines the shift in US foreign policy, where President Trump now favors Pakistan and its military chief, General Munir. This followed intense combat between India and Pakistan after a horrific terrorist attack. When the US mediated a ceasefire, Trump took credit, which embarrassed Indian Prime Minister Modi. Pakistan cleverly thanked Trump and nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize, securing his favor over India. India now needs a trade deal. Guest: Sadanand Dhume. 1030-1045 Professor Matthew Graham discusses the most powerful black hole flare ever recorded, which shone like 10 trillion suns from an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN). Material falling into the supermassive black hole forms an accretion disc, releasing intense radiation. This 10-billion-year-old event was detected using computer cameras. Graham explains that these black holes are ancient "seeds" of galaxies, acting as cosmic vacuum cleaners, such as when a large star gets shredded. Guest: Professor Matthew Graham. 1/2 1045-1100 Professor Matthew Graham details his needs for future black hole research, prioritizing a network of space telescopes with large fields of view, like the Roman space telescope, for perpetual, multi-wavelength monitoring of the sky. This "audit of the cosmos" will improve detection speed and timing. Graham encourages students to pursue black hole work, noting it is a vibrant growth area, viewing black holes as the enduring future product of the universe. Guest: Professor Matthew Graham.2/2 THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Veronique de Rugy discusses the cost of living, critiquing the administration's claims that Thanksgiving dinner is cheaper, citing the use of shrinkflation and item removal. She criticizes the proposal to send $2,000 checks, noting this Keynesian approach boosts demand, which, without increased supply, risks raising prices further. De Rugy advocates for deregulation and the elimination of tariffs (which she confirms are a tax) as the necessary supply-side solution to the affordability crisis. Guest: Veronique de Rugy. 1115-1130 Conrad Black assesses Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's new budget as anti-climactic, failing to deliver promised growth or definitive decisions on controversial policies like pipelines. However, the budget was sensible and conciliatory, avoiding conflict with the opposition, Washington, and Alberta. Carney, adopting a diplomatic style akin to a central banker, did offer serious encouragements to alleviate the housing shortage. Guest: Conrad Black. 1130-1145 Scott Winship analyzes 50 years of US median earnings, preferring the MACPI to accurately adjust for cost of living. He finds that the middle class is better off: women's earnings are up 120%, and men's are up 40–50%. Winship disputes populist theories that income inequality or the China shock are the main villains, noting that the worst period for young men was 1973–1989, predating those factors. Guest: Scott Winship.1/2 1145-1200 Scott Winship investigates the mystery of the decline in young men's earnings between 1973 and 1989. He concludes this period was not caused by accelerated immigration or women entering the workforce, as men's earnings continued to rise. The actual explanation is the unique economic combination of stagflation—high unemployment and very high inflation—that occurred until the early 1980s recession. This severe economic dynamic has not been matched since 1989. Guest: Scott Winship. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 The arrival of the US carrier Gerald Ford signals an escalating commitment to possible military solutions against Maduro's regime in Venezuela. Maduro has ordered a Cuban-style guerrilla defense, but analysts worry more about "anarchization"—wreaking havoc—if he falls. Removing Maduro and lifting sanctions could lead to necessary refinancing of Venezuela's $170 billion debt. Guest: Evan Ellis. 1/4 1215-1230 Peru faces severe political instability, evidenced by six presidents in two years and detentions for corruption. Transitional leader José Heresi is tackling rising organized crime, including a 36% jump in homicides, through a state of emergency. Meanwhile, China maintains deep-seated influence, controlling key sectors like mining, oil, and the deep-water port of Chancay. Guest: Evan Ellis.2/4 1230-1245 Honduras is holding a high-stakes, single-round election where the outcome could determine if the country returns to alignment with Taiwan or shifts to China. Election observers noted improper pressure and concerns about meddling by the ruling Libre Party. Separately, Argentina's economy under Milei is strengthening, backed by a significant US currency swap and political support. Guest: Evan Ellis. 3/4 1245-100 AM COP 30 is largely "political theater" with commitments insufficient to address climate change. Estimates suggest the crucial 1.5-degree global temperature increase will be reached by 2030. While there is increased international attention, funding remains inadequate; Brazil secured only $5.5 billion toward its $125 billion forest preservation goal. The plight of Amazonian indigenous peoples continues unaddressed. Guest: Evan Ellis.4/4 | 

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Pressure is building inside Iran, as political repression, public defiance, and a deepening water crisis collide. I'll explain why these forces are feeding off one another and creating one of the most volatile moments the regime has faced in decades. More bad news for Russia's chief export: nearly a third of Moscow's seaborne oil is now stuck in tankers under U.S. sanctions. Plus—the U.S. hits companies, including one in Ukraine, accused of helping supply parts for Iran's Shahed drones. And in today's Back of the Brief—China agrees to tighten controls on chemicals used to make fentanyl after a visit by FBI Director Kash Patel, marking a rare moment of cooperation as America's opioid crisis worsens. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.  YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold TriTails Premium Beef: Feed your legacy. Visit https://trybeef.com/pdb  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:  First—Ukraine is once again hitting Moscow where it hurts most—its oil revenue. A precision drone and missile strike on Friday crippled the second-largest oil export hub in Russia, forcing closures at a facility that moves millions of barrels of crude a day.  Later in the show—The Pentagon unveils Operation Southern Spear, a task force aimed at dismantling narco-terrorist networks across the Western Hemisphere. The announcement comes as President Trump receives an updated menu of military options against Venezuela. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold TriTails Premium Beef: Feed your legacy. Visit https://trybeef.com/pdb  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“She said, ‘This isn't the koan you wanted.' And I thought about that. What do you do with a koan you don't want? Usually, if it's a koan, you didn't want it.” - Resa Alboher   Long time sangha stalwart and dear friend Resa Alboher brings us the epic adventure of what brought her to ACZC across continents, decades of earth shaking world events, and moments of life altering personal ones as well. What do we with the koan we didn't want? How do we sit still when lying down is all we can actually manage? And just what was the Buddhist scene in Moscow like at the fall of the USSR?? Find out here!

Send me a DM here (it doesn't let me respond), OR email me: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.comToday I'm honored to have back on the show once again: MK ULTRA, satanic ritual abuse, and organized abuse survivor, overcomer and thriver, loving mother, published writer and author, content creator and podcaster, Physician and Radiologist turned activist, Founder of the Angel Coalition and Co-Founder of Women and Children First and the Babushka Brigade, Star Fort enthusiast, award winner of the University of Washington School of Medicine's prestigious Humanitarian Award, podcast regular, and one of my dearest friends: Dr. Juliette Engel In the dark heart of 1950s America, where the CIA's MK ULTRA program spun mind control, sexual torment, and satanic ritual abuse through hidden annexes, six-year-old Juliette Engel was sold by her OSS-CIA-NSA-linked father. Raped before him as he took payment and sneered, "This is what I raised you for," her innocence shattered in a crucible of torture meant to break her mind for evil ends. Yet a divine spark endured.As a teenager, barefoot and amnesic from trauma, she escaped. With unbreakable will, she earned her medical degree, built a thriving radiology practice in Seattle, and won acclaim for her compassion. In 1992, founding the Miramed Institute in Moscow to advance women's and children's rights, she uncovered state orphanages trafficking girls - triggering memories of her own "sex magic" abuse and igniting a lifelong war on the modern slave trade.From pain rose purpose. Her ground-breaking memoir Sparky: Surviving Sex Magic, sequel Angels Over Moscow, and thriller Moscow Traffic expose truth and organized crime. Anchored by her grandmother's Lord's Prayer and faith in Christianity's power against darkness, she launched Protect Our Children, rallying communities to fight U.S. child sex trafficking - the world's top consumer - through local action and transparency.Juliette's revelations extend to star forts - ancient, star-shaped bastions engineered with sacred geometry, harmonic acoustics, and telluric energy amplification. These structures, scattered across the United States, Russia, and worldwide, were not mere defenses but thought to be advanced energy nodes in a pre-reset global grid. And this fascinating topic is what we will be discussing today - the history and relevance of star forts and how they've intertwined into Juliette's life, memories, art and advocacy. This is a topic that has never been discussed in-depth on this podcast before and I'm very excited for Juliette to do a deep dive with us on this hidden history that is a piece to the puzzle and, unexpectedly, has ties directly related to mind control and advanced technology - things we hear about often in survivor testimonies. You'll want to stick around for this groundbreaking episode!RECOMMENDED READING: -Star Forts: http://www.starforts.com/-MK ULTRA Docs https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/dnsa-intelligence/2024-12-23/cia-behavior-control-experiments-focus-new-scholarlyCONNECT WITH JULIETTE: Website: https://julietteengel.com/CONNECT WITH EMMA: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationpodcastofficialEMAIL: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.com OR standbysurvivors@protonmail.comMy Substack: https://emmakatherine.substack.com/BUY ME A COFFEE: Support the show

2025-11-14 | Silicon Wafers 055 | Flamingo Over Novorossiysk: Ukraine's Long-Range Energy War. In the early hours of November 14, Russia's biggest Black Sea oil hub, Novorossiysk, went dark in a way that brings a thrill to pro-Ukraine activists on social media. Giant fireballs, and mobile phone footage of Russian's exclaiming and swearing in the entertaining we have become familiar with. But is the strike of strategic importance, and does it tell us anything about how Ukraine's deep strike capabilities are changing? Drones over the water, fire at the Sheskharis terminal, and something Moscow really hates to see, which is tankers not loading oil.The next night, hundreds of kilometres to the north, explosions roll across the Russian city of Oryol. Local Telegram channels film glowing debris raining into courtyards. And for the first time, Ukraine officially says it's using its new home-grown deep-strike weapon: the Flamingo cruise missile. Tonight, we're going to connect those two things — the burning oil terminal and the cute-sounding missile with a 3,000-kilometre reach — and ask: How is Ukraine's second front of the war unfolding — not the territorial war, but the one against Russian energy, logistics, and the regime's balance sheet?----------SOURCES: Kyiv Post – “Novorossiysk Oil Shipments Suspended After Ukraine Drone Strike Sets Key Terminal Ablaze” (Nov. 14, 2025)Kyiv Post – “Explosions Rock Russia's Oryol – Ukraine's Use of ‘Flamingo' Long-Range Missiles Confirmed” (Nov. 13, 2025)Kyiv Post – “ANALYSIS: Ukraine's Bombardment of Russia – Not Just Oil Refineries, Warships Any More” by Stefan Korshak (Nov. 5, 2025)The Kyiv Independent – “Ukraine confirms use of Flamingo missiles in strikes on Crimea, Zaporizhzhia, targets inside Russia” (Nov. 13, 2025)Reuters – “Storms, drone attacks and record oil exports pile pressure on Russian port of Novorossiisk” (Oct. 15, 2025)Reuters – coverage on Novorossiysk oil export suspension after attack (Nov. 14, 2025) AP News – “Ukraine's long-range strikes cut Russia's oil refining capacity by 20%, Zelenskyy says” (late Oct. 2025)Chatham House – “Ukraine's best defence against Putin's energy war is more attacks on Russia's oil refining sector” (2025)Foundation for Defense of Democracies – “Ukraine conducts strikes on Russian targets using domestically produced missiles and drones” (Nov. 2025)The Guardian – “Ukraine war briefing: Flamingo flies into battle, Zelenskyy defers to commanders over Pokrovsk” (Nov. 14, 2025) ----------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----------

Harley Schlanger, a historian and national spokesman with expertise in the financial industry since the 1980s, offers insights through The LaRouche Organization, where followers can access his analyses on geopolitics and economics. The recent government shutdown, orchestrated by Senate Democrats in a bid to extend Obamacare subsidies set to expire, brutally exposed the fragility of their socialist welfare empire, with SNAP benefits for millions of low-income Americans abruptly halted as leverage in the standoff. Critics highlighted how Democrat-controlled states exploit loopholes in the Affordable Care Act to divert federal funds toward healthcare for undocumented immigrants, turning taxpayer dollars into a slush fund for illegal border crossers while insurance giants like Blue Cross rake in billions in subsidies. This cynical tactic, which risked starving families reliant on food stamps just past Election Day, underscored the Ponzi-like nature of these programs, where Democrats prioritized bailing out their failing healthcare scheme over essential services, forcing Republicans to vote repeatedly for full funding that was repeatedly blocked. NATO and EU leaders are accelerating Europe's slide toward direct conflict with Russia through unprecedented military pacts, including France and Britain's coordination of nuclear forces and missile systems, framing the continent as a militarized frontline in a broader anti-Russian strategy. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused the alliance of already declaring war via Ukraine proxies, with NATO's creeping expansion into the Arctic and Pacific designed to isolate Moscow and provoke escalation, echoing long-suspected Western plots dating back to 1993 documents advocating offensive operations against Russia using Eastern European buffers. As EU elites dismiss peace talks as "more dangerous than war" and ramp up hybrid defenses against perceived Russian threats, voices warn that this desperation masks internal failures on debt and energy, pushing the bloc into a suicidal confrontation that could doom the continent.

The National Security Hour with Brandon Weichert – Despite sanctions from more than fifty nations, Russia's economy hasn't cracked. The Kremlin has avoided full mobilization and kept daily life surprisingly normal. That's restraint, whether the West wants to admit it or not. Moscow's internal hawks grow louder with every new Western weapons shipment. If that restraint collapses, no one should be shocked when...

2025-11-13 | Silicon Wafers 054 | DAILY UPDATES | In today's episode we turn our focus to the Eastern front and try to tease out the truth from the tangled narratives emerging from the battle for Pokrovsk. This is a grinding struggle that seems to be entering its final stages, but the ever-shifting balance of the fight seems to be as much about controlling the narrative as it is about occupying territory. We're zeroing in on the contested city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast — still under Ukrainian control, but also still under relentless Russian pressure — and we'll cover the neglected frontline, in the neighbouring Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which is simultaneously seeing a push by Moscow's forces.These two theatres matter: because while all eyes are drawn to Pokrovsk, where Russia hopes to punch a breakthrough and Ukraine hopes to hold the line, Moscow is quietly advancing elsewhere, threatening to exploit the distraction. What, then, counts as “victory” for Russia when so much manpower and materiel is being expended to lay claim to a city that has essentially been reduced to rubble? In a way of attrition, can one side claim any kind of victory, when the price of defence is so high and the cost of attack so monstrously and irrationally large? ----------SOURCES: “Pokrovsk is not captured but remains Russia's main offensive target, Syrskyi says”, Kyiv Independent, 13 Nov 2025“Analysis: With all eyes on Pokrovsk, Russia drives forward in Zaporizhzhia Oblast”, Kyiv Independent, 12 Nov 2025“Ukraine withdraws from another settlement in Zaporizhzhia Oblast amid ongoing Russian offensive”, Kyiv Independent, 11 Nov 2025“Ukrainian forces pull back under fierce Russian pressure in Zaporizhzhia”, Al Jazeera, 12 Nov 2025“The situation is quite difficult — Russia captures 3 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast amid ‘intense fighting'”, Kyiv Independent, 11 Nov 2025“War in Ukraine: Battle for Pokrovsk enters final phase”, Le Monde, 6 Nov 2025“Russia makes gains in southern Ukraine as it expands front-line attacks”, Associated Press, 12 Nov 2025“Ukraine deploys special forces to Pokrovsk in effort to hold key city”, The Guardian, 2 Nov 2025“Ukraine's top general denies encirclement claims in battle for Pokrovsk”, The Moscow Times, 13 Nov 2025“Ukraine withdraws from positions near five settlements in Zaporizhzhia region”, Ukrinform, 11 Nov 2025----------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----------

Day 1,358.As Ukrainian forces struggle against overwhelming Russian manpower in the Zaporizhzhya region, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko calls for the conscription age to be lowered. We bring the latest on a corruption scandal inside Ukraine's state nuclear power company, and assess the geopolitical significance of Kazakhstan joining the Abraham Accords. Meanwhile, in Russia, Sergey Lavrov appears to have fallen out of favour with the Kremlin once again and officials have cut off internet access around military sites.ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.James Kilner (Former Russia Correspondent). @jkjourno on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Ukrainian minister implicated in nuclear power corruption scandal suspended (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/minister-implicated-suspended/ Ukraine faces ‘huge problems' finding soldiers as men flee abroad, says Kyiv mayor (POLITICO):https://www.politico.eu/article/war-in-ukraine-draft-age-russia-vitali-klitschkoUK's Jonathan Powell contacted Moscow in bid to build back channel to Vladimir Putin (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/f06920c2-94f6-49b8-89df-82ace669cf25?shareType=nongift Trump Admin Pushes to Weaken Ukraine Resolution on Russian Occupation at UN, Sources Tell Kyiv Post (Kyiv Post):https://www.kyivpost.com/post/63999 Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The goal of political art is to ask uncomfortable questions. The price was prison.Vitaly Shevchenko speaks to Maria Alyokhina, founding member of the Russian punk activist group Pussy Riot, about the power and the price of protest.Pussy Riot came to the world's attention with its Punk Prayer, an angry anti-Putin anthem performed in a Moscow church. Maria Alyokhina spent two years incarcerated in a penal colony as a result. It was worth it, she says, to show the world what life under President Putin was like. She was freed under an amnesty ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, but her ongoing activism saw her living under surveillance and then house arrest, eventually fleeing Russia in a dramatic escape. Today, she continues to challenge Putin's regime from outside her home country. Thank you to the Ukrainecast team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: Vitaly Shevchenko Producer: Lucy Sheppard Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Maria Alyokhina. Credit: INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

Start Artist Song Time Album Year FEATURED ARTIST 0:00:57 Retreat From Moscow The Illusion of Choice 7:24 The Illusion of Choice 2025 0:09:33 Retreat From Moscow Earth-Stepper 8:19 The Illusion of Choice 2025 0:19:23 Retreat From Moscow Navigators of the Trym 8:10 The Illusion of Choice 2025 0:30:11 Retreat From Moscow Polina 9:09 The Illusion […]

In 2022, Bryan Kohberger murdered University of Idao students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle at a home in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger pled guilty and received four life sentences. He was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims' families for funeral expenses. On November 5, 2025, Kohberger's defense team, Latah County prosecutor Bill Thompson, and Judge Steven Hippler had a hearing about further expenses. Find discounts for Murder Sheet listeners here: https://murdersheetpodcast.com/discountsCheck out our upcoming book events and get links to buy tickets here: https://murdersheetpodcast.com/eventsOrder our book on Delphi here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/shadow-of-the-bridge-the-delphi-murders-and-the-dark-side-of-the-american-heartland-aine-cain/21866881?ean=9781639369232Or here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Shadow-of-the-Bridge/Aine-Cain/9781639369232Or here: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Bridge-Murders-American-Heartland/dp/1639369236Join our Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/c/murdersheetSupport The Murder Sheet by buying a t-shirt here: https://www.murdersheetshop.com/Check out more inclusive sizing and t-shirt and merchandising options here: https://themurdersheet.dashery.com/Send tips to murdersheet@gmail.com.The Murder Sheet is a production of Mystery Sheet LLCSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

PREVIEW. Russia Attacks Ukraine's Energy Nodes: Expecting a Hard Winter. John Hardie discusses Russia's attacks on Ukrainian energy nodes, meaning large cities like Kyiv may only have about 12 hours of electricity daily. This lack of power will put extreme pressure on Ukrainian civilian life during the winter. Moscow hopes freezing the population will break Ukrainian will and add leverage to their negotiating position, though this tactic has not worked in the past two winters. 1940 UKRAINE

A cyber-crime kingpin in a US prison speaks for the first time. How did he dodge the FBI when they came to his home? And how did he and his alleged crime gang steal millions of dollars from their victims? We learn that Jabber Zeus boss Tank had friends in high political places in Ukraine – and a budding young business associate in Russia.Hosted by Joe Tidy, the BBC's cyber correspondent – one of the few Western journalists to have met an alleged member of Evil Corp – and the BBC's Eastern and Southern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford, who spent more than two decades reporting from Moscow.

Day 1,356Today, after weekend strikes on energy facilities in both countries left blackouts in Russia and Ukraine, we report how Moscow now seems to be deliberately targeting Ukrainian nuclear plants well away from the front line, how Britain is sending military personnel to defend Belgian skies, and later we have an interview with Dr Jack Watling, Senior Research Fellow for Land Warfare at the Royal United Services Institute, in which he describes Ukraine's adaptation of battlefield tactics.ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Dr Jack Watling, Senior Research Fellow for Land Warfare at the Royal United Services Institute. @Jack_Watling on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Dr Jack Watling's New RUSI Report - 'Emergent Approaches to Combined Arms Manoeuvre in Ukraine':https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/insights-papers/emergent-approaches-combined-arms-manoeuvre-ukrainePokrovsk: Where Putin Shattered His Teethhttps://cepa.org/article/pokrovsk-where-putin-shattered-his-teeth/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=emailLISTEN TO THIS PODCAST IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last time we spoke about the Changsha fire. Chiang Kai-shek faced a brutal choice: defend Wuhan to the last man or flood the land to slow the invaders. He chose both, pushing rivers and rallying a fractured army as Japanese forces pressed along the Yangtze. Fortresses at Madang held long, but the cost was high—troops lost, civilians displaced, a city's heart burning in the night. Wuhan fell after months of brutal fighting, yet the battle did not break China's will. Mao Zedong urged strategy over martyrdom, preferring to drain the enemy and buy time for a broader struggle. The Japanese, though victorious tactically, found their strength ebbing, resource strains, supply gaps, and a war that felt endless. In the wake of Wuhan, Changsha stood next in the Japanese crosshairs, its evacuation and a devastating fire leaving ash and memory in its wake. Behind these prices, political currents swirled. Wang Jingwei defected again, seeking power beyond Chiang's grasp, while Chongqing rose as a western bastion of resistance. The war hardened into a protracted stalemate, turning Japan from an aggressive assailant into a wary occupier, and leaving China to endure, persist, and fight on.   #175  The Soviet-Japanese Border Conflicts Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. So based on the title of this one, you probably can see we are taking a bit of a detour. For quite some time we have focused on the Japanese campaigns into China proper 1937-1938. Now the way the second sino-japanese war is traditionally broken down is in phases. 1937-1938, 1939-1942 and 1942-1945. However there is actually even more going on in China aside from the war with Japan. In Xinjiang province a large full blown Islamic revolution breaks out in 1937. We will be covering that story at a later date, but another significant event is escalating border skirmishes in Manchukuo. Now these border skirmishes had been raging ever since the USSR consolidated its hold over the far east. We talked about some of those skirmishes prior to the Sino-Soviet war in 1929. However when Japan created the puppet government of Manchukuo, this was a significant escalation in tensions with the reds. Today we are going to talk about the escalating border conflicts between the Soviets and Japan. A tongue of poorly demarcated land extends southeast from Hunchun, hugging the east bank of the Tumen River between Lake Khasan to the east and Korea to the west. Within this tongue stands Changkufeng Hill, one of a long chain of highlands sweeping from upstream along the rivers and moors toward the sea. The twin-peaked hill sits at the confluence area several miles northwest of the point where Manchuria, Korea, and the Russian Far East meet. The hill's shape reminded Koreans of their changgo, which is a long snare drum constricted at the center and tapped with the hands at each end. When the Manchus came to the Tumen, they rendered the phonetic sounds into three ideographic characters meaning "taut drum peaks" or Chang-ku-feng. The Japanese admired the imagery and preserved the Chinese readings, which they pronounce Cho-ko-ho. From their eastern vantage, the Russians called it Zaozernaya, "hill behind the lake." Soviet troops referred to it as a sugar-loaf hill. For many years, natives and a handful of officials in the region cultivated a relaxed attitude toward borders and sovereignty. Even after the Japanese seized Manchuria in 1931, the issue did not immediately come to a head. With the expansion of Manchukuo and the Soviet Far East under Stalin's Five-Year plans, both sides began to attend more closely to frontier delimitation. Whenever either party acted aggressively, force majeure was invoked to justify the unexpected and disruptive events recognized in international law. Most often, these incidents erupted along the eastern Manchurian borders with the USSR or along the 350-mile frontier south of Lake Khanka, each skirmish carrying the seeds of all-out warfare. Now we need to talk a little bit about border history. The borders in question essentially dated to pacts concluded by the Qing dynasty and the Tsardom. Between the first Sino-Russian Treaty of Nerchinsk in 1689 and the Mukden Agreement of 1924, there were over a dozen accords governing the borders. Relevant to Changkufeng were the basic 15-article Convention of Peking, supplementing the Tientsin Treaties of November 1860, some maps made in 1861, and the eight-article Hunchun Border Protocol of 1886. By the 1860 treaty, the Qing ceded to Tsarist Russia the entire maritime province of Siberia, but the meaning of "lands south of Lake Khanka" remained rather vague. Consequently, a further border agreement was negotiated in June 1861 known as "the Lake Khanka Border Pact", by which demarcations were drawn on maps and eight wooden markers erected. The border was to run from Khanka along ridgelines between the Hunchun River and the sea, past Suifenho and Tungning, terminating about 6 miles from the mouth of the Tumen. Then a Russo-Chinese commission established in 1886 drew up the Hunchun Border Pact, proposing new or modified markers along the 1860–1861 lines and arranging a Russian resurvey. However, for the Japanese, in 1938, the Chinese or Manchu texts of the 1886 Hunchun agreement were considered controlling. The Soviets argued the border ran along every summit west of Khasan, thereby granting them jurisdiction over at least the eastern slopes of all elevations, including Changkufeng and Shachaofeng.  Since the Qing dynasty and the house of Romanov were already defunct, the new sovereignties publicly appealed to opposing texts, and the Soviet side would not concede that the Russian-language version had never been deemed binding by the Qing commissioners. Yet, even in 1938, the Japanese knew that only the Chinese text had survived or could be located.    Now both the Chinese and Russian military maps generally drew the frontier along the watershed east of Khasan; this aligned with the 1861 readings based on the Khanka agreement. The Chinese Republican Army conducted new surveys sometime between 1915 and 1920. The latest Chinese military map of the Changkufeng area drew the border considerably closer to the old "red line" of 1886, running west of Khasan but near the shore rather than traversing the highland crests. None of the military delimitations of the border was sanctified by an official agreement. Hence, the Hunchun Protocol, whether well known or not, invaluable or worthless, remained the only government-to-government pact dealing with the frontiers.  Before we jump into it, how about a little summary of what became known as the Soviet-Japanese border conflicts. The first major conflict would obviously be the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-1905. Following years of conflict between the Russian Empire and Japan culminating in the costly Battle of Tsushima, Tsar Nicholas II's government sought peace, recognizing Japan's claims to Korea and agreeing to evacuate Manchuria.  From 1918 to 1920, the Imperial Japanese Army, under Emperor Taishō after the death of Meiji, assisted the White Army and Alexander Kerensky against the Bolshevik Red Army. They also aided the Czechoslovak Legion in Siberia to facilitate its return to Europe after an Austrian-Hungarian armoured train purportedly went astray. By 1920, with Austria-Hungary dissolved and Czechoslovakia established two years earlier, the Czechoslovak Legion reached Europe. Japan withdrew from the Russian Revolution and the Civil War in 1922. Following Japan's 1919-1920 occupations and the Soviet intervention in Mongolia in 1921, the Republic of China also withdrew from Outer Mongolia in 1921. In 1922, after capturing Vladivostok in 1918 to halt Bolshevik advances, Japanese forces retreated to Japan as Bolshevik power grew and the postwar fatigue among combatants increased. After Hirohito's invasion of Manchuria in 1931–1932, following Taishō's death in 1926, border disputes between Manchukuo, the Mongolian People's Republic, and the Soviet Union increased. Many clashes stemmed from poorly defined borders, though some involved espionage. Between 1932 and 1934, the Imperial Japanese Army reported 152 border disputes, largely tied to Soviet intelligence activity in Manchuria, while the Soviets accused Japan of 15 border violations, six air intrusions, and 20 cases of "spy smuggling" in 1933 alone. Numerous additional violations followed in the ensuing years. By the mid-1930s, Soviet-Japanese diplomacy and trust had deteriorated further, with the Japanese being openly labeled "fascist enemies" at the Seventh Comintern Congress in July 1935. Beginning in 1935, conflicts significantly escalated. On 8 January 1935, the first armed clash, known as the Halhamiao incident, took place on the border between Mongolia and Manchukuo. Several dozen cavalrymen of the Mongolian People's Army crossed into Manchuria near disputed fishing grounds and engaged an 11‑man Manchukuo Imperial Army patrol near the Buddhist temple at Halhamiao, led by a Japanese military advisor. The Manchukuo Army sustained 6 wounded and 2 dead, including the Japanese officer; the Mongols suffered no casualties and withdrew after the Japanese sent a punitive expedition to reclaim the area. Two motorized cavalry companies, a machine‑gun company, and a tankette platoon occupied the position for three weeks without resistance. In June 1935, the first direct exchange of fire between the Japanese and Soviets occurred when an 11‑man Japanese patrol west of Lake Khanka was attacked by six Soviet horsemen, reportedly inside Manchukuo territory. In the firefight, one Soviet soldier was killed and two horses were captured. The Japanese requested a joint investigation, but the Soviets rejected the proposal. In October 1935, nine Japanese and 32 Manchukuoan border guards were establishing a post about 20 kilometers north of Suifenho when they were attacked by 50 Soviet soldiers. The Soviets opened fire with rifles and five heavy machine guns. Two Japanese and four Manchukuoan soldiers were killed, and another five were wounded. The Manchukuoan foreign affairs representative lodged a verbal protest with the Soviet consul at Suifenho. The Kwantung Army of Japan also sent an intelligence officer to investigate the clash. On 19 December 1935, a Manchukuoan unit reconnoitering southwest of Buir Lake clashed with a Mongolian party, reportedly capturing 10 soldiers. Five days later, 60 truck‑borne Mongolian troops assaulted the Manchukuoans and were repulsed, at the cost of three Manchukuoan dead. On the same day, at Brunders, Mongolian forces attempted three times to drive out Manchukuoan outposts, and again at night, but all attempts failed. Further small attempts occurred in January, with Mongolians using airplanes for reconnaissance. The arrival of a small Japanese force in three trucks helped foil these attempts; casualties occurred on both sides, though Mongolian casualties are unknown aside from 10 prisoners taken. In February 1936, Lieutenant-Colonel Sugimoto Yasuo was ordered to form a detachment from the 14th Cavalry Regiment to "drive the Outer Mongol intruders from the Olankhuduk region," a directive attributed to Lieutenant-General Kasai Heijuro. Sugimoto's detachment included cavalry guns, heavy machine guns, and tankettes. They faced a force of about 140 Mongolians equipped with heavy machine guns and light artillery. On February 12, Sugimoto's men drove the Mongolians south, at the cost of eight Japanese killed, four wounded, and one tankette destroyed. The Japanese began to withdraw, but were attacked by 5–6 Mongolian armored cars and two bombers, which briefly disrupted the column. The situation was stabilized when the Japanese unit received artillery support, allowing them to destroy or repel the armored cars. In March 1936, the Tauran incident occurred. In this clash, both the Japanese Army and the Mongolian Army deployed a small number of armored fighting vehicles and aircraft. The incident began when 100 Mongolian and six Soviet troops attacked and occupied the disputed village of Tauran, Mongolia, driving off the small Manchurian garrison. They were supported by light bombers and armored cars, though the bombing sorties failed to inflict damage on the Japanese, and three bombers were shot down by Japanese heavy machine guns. Local Japanese forces counter-attacked, conducting dozens of bombing sorties and finally assaulting Tauran with 400 men and 10 tankettes. The result was a Mongolian rout, with 56 Mongolian soldiers killed, including three Soviet advisors, and an unknown number wounded. Japanese losses were 27 killed and 9 wounded. Later in March 1936, another border clash occurred between Japanese and Soviet forces. Reports of border violations prompted the Japanese Korean Army to send ten men by truck to investigate, but the patrol was ambushed by 20 Soviet NKVD soldiers deployed about 300 meters inside territory claimed by Japan. After suffering several casualties, the Japanese patrol withdrew and was reinforced with 100 men, who then drove off the Soviets. Fighting resumed later that day when the NKVD brought reinforcements. By nightfall, the fighting had ceased and both sides had pulled back. The Soviets agreed to return the bodies of two Japanese soldiers who had died in the fighting, a development viewed by the Japanese government as encouraging. In early April 1936, three Japanese soldiers were killed near Suifenho in another minor affray. This incident was notable because the Soviets again returned the bodies of the fallen servicemen. In June 1937, the Kanchazu Island incident occurred on the Amur River along the Soviet–Manchukuo border. Three Soviet gunboats crossed the river's center line, disembarked troops, and occupied Kanchazu Island. Japanese forces from the IJA 1st Division, equipped with two horse-drawn 37 mm artillery pieces, quickly established improvised firing positions and loaded their guns with both high-explosive and armor-piercing shells. They shelled the Soviet vessels, sinking the lead gunboat, crippling the second, and driving off the third. Japanese troops subsequently fired on the swimming crewmen from the sunken ships using machine guns. Thirty-seven Soviet soldiers were killed, while Japanese casualties were zero. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested and demanded the Soviet forces withdraw from the island. The Soviet leadership, apparently shocked by the incident and reluctant to escalate, agreed to evacuate their troops. By 1938 the border situation had deteriorated. The tangled terrain features, mountain, bog, stream, forest, and valley, would have complicated even careful observers' discernment of the old red line drawn in 1886. Fifty years later, the markers themselves had undergone a metamorphosis. Japanese investigators could find, at most, only 14 to 17 markers standing fairly intact between the Tumen estuary and Khanka—roughly one every 25 miles at best. The remainder were missing or ruined; five were found in new locations. Marker "K," for example, was 40 meters deeper inside Manchuria, away from Khanka. Japanese military experts noted that of the 20 markers originally set along the boundaries of Hunchun Prefecture alone, only four could be found by the summer of 1938. The rest had either been wrecked or arbitrarily moved and discarded by Russian or Chinese officials and inhabitants. It is even said that one missing marker could be seen on display in Khabarovsk. The Chinese had generally interpreted the boundary as the road line just west of Khasan, at least in practice. Free road movement, however, had become a problem even 20 years before the Japanese overran Manchuria in 1931–1932 during the so-called Manchurian Incident. The Japanese adopted, or inherited, the Chinese interpretation, which was based on the 1886 agreement on border roads; the key clause held that the frontier west of Khasan would be the road along the lake. Japanese sources emphasize that local residents' anger toward gradual Soviet oppression and penetrations westward into Manchurian territory fueled the conflict. Many natives believed the original boundaries lay east of the lake, but the Soviets adjusted the situation to suit their own convenience. In practice, the Russians were restricting road use just west of Khasan by Manchurian and Korean residents. There was speculation that this was a prelude to taking over the ridgelines, depending on the reaction of the Manchukuoan–Japanese side. Villagers who went to streams or the lake to launder clothing found themselves subjected to sniper fire. Along a 25-mile stretch of road near Shachaofeng, farmers reported coming under fire from new Soviet positions as early as November 1935. Nevertheless, Japanese and Koreans familiar with the Tumen area noted agrarian, seasonal Korean religious rites atop Changkufeng Hill, including fattened pigs sacrificed and changgo drums beaten. Village elders told Japanese visitors in 1938 that, until early the preceding year, no Russians had come as far as Changkufeng Hill. Looking only at the border sector around Changkufeng, the easy days were clearly behind us. In the summer of 1938, Gaimusho "Foreign Ministry" observers described the explosive situation along the Korea–Manchuria–USSR borders as a matter of de facto frontiers. Both sides pressed against each other, and their trigger-happy posture was summed up in the colloquial refrain: "Take another step and we'll let you have it." Near dawn on 13 June 1938, a Manchurian patrol detected a suspicious figure in the fog swirling over Changlingtzu Hill on the Siberian–Manchurian frontier. Challenged at 15 feet, the suspect hurled two pistols to the ground and raised his hands in surrender. At headquarters, the police soon realized this was no routine border-trespassing case. The man was a defector and he was a Russian general, in fact he was the director of all NKVD forces in the Soviet Far East. Beneath a mufti of spring coat and hunting cap, he wore a full uniform with medals. His identification card No. 83 designated him as G. S. Lyushkov, Commissar 3rd Class, countersigned by Nikolai Yezhov, NKVD head in Moscow. Lyushkov was promptly turned over to the Japanese military authorities, who transferred him to Seoul and then to Tokyo under close escort. On 1 July, the Japanese press was permitted to disclose that Lyushkov had sought refuge in Japan. Ten days later, to capitalize on the commissar's notoriety and to confound skeptics, the Japanese produced Lyushkov at a press conference in Tokyo. For the Japanese and foreign correspondents, who met separately with him, Lyushkov described Soviet Far East strength and the turmoil wracking the USSR, because for those of you unfamiliar this was during the Stalinist purges. Clearly, the Japanese had gained a unique reservoir of high-level intelligence and a wealth of materials, including notes scratched in blood by suspects incarcerated at Khabarovsk. A general tightening of Russian frontier security had recently been reported. Natives of Fangchuanting asserted that a Soviet cavalry patrol appeared in June, seemingly for the first time. Contact with Yangkuanping, northwest of Khasan, was severed. More importantly, Japanese Army Signal Corps intelligence detected a surge of Soviet message traffic from the Posyet Bay district. After Lyushkov's defection, a drastic reshuffle in the local Russian command apparently occurred, and responsibility for border surveillance seems to have been reallocated. Japanese records indicate that the Novokievsk security force commander was relieved and the sector garrison replaced by troops from Vladivostok. Gaimusho intelligence also received reports that a border garrison unit had been transferred from Khabarovsk or Chita to the Tumen sector. The Kwantung Army signal monitors also intercepted two significant frontline messages on 6 July from the new Russian local commander in the Posyet region, addressed to Lieutenant General Sokolov in Khabarovsk. Decoded, the messages suggested (1) that ammunition for infantry mortars amounted to less than half the required supply; and  (2) a recommendation that higher headquarters authorize Russian elements to secure certain unoccupied high ground west of Khasan.  The commander noted terrain advantages and the contemplated construction of emplacements that would command Najin and the Korean railway. As a start, at least one Russian platoon should be authorized to dig in on the highest ground (presumably Changkufeng) and deploy four tons of entanglements to stake out the Soviet claim. Korea Army Headquarters received a telegram from the Kwantung Army on 7 July conveying the deciphered messages. On the same day, the 19th Division in North Korea telephoned Seoul that, on 6 July, three or four Soviet horsemen had been observed reconnoitering Manchurian territory from atop a hill called Changkufeng. The alarming intelligence from the Kwantung Army and the front warranted immediate attention by the Korea Army. Some Kwantung Army officers doubted the significance of the developments, with one intelligence official even suggesting the Russian messages might be a deliberate ploy designed to entrap the Japanese at Changkufeng. On 7–8 July, all staff officers in Seoul convened at army headquarters. The name of Changkufeng Hill was not well known, but maps and other data suggested that neither the Japanese nor the Russians had previously stationed border units in the ridge complex west of Khasan. As early as March 1936, Army Commander Koiso Kuniaki had distributed maps to subordinate units, indicating which sectors were in dispute. No patrol was to enter zones lacking definitive demarcation. Until then, the only Japanese element east of the Tumen was a Manchurian policeman at Fangchuanting. Ownership of the high ground emerged as an early issue. A number of other points were raised by  the Kwantung Army: At present, Soviet elements in the area were negligible. The intrusion must not be overlooked. The Russians could be expected to exploit any weakness, and half-measures would not suffice, especially regarding the Japanese defense mission along a 125-mile frontier. In Japanese hands, Changkufeng Hill would be useful, but two excellent observation posts already existed in the neighboring sector of the Manchurian tongue. With dissidence and purges underway, the Russians may have judged it necessary to seal border gaps, particularly after Lyushkov's defection. They may also have sought to control Changkufeng to offset Japanese dominance of the high ground to the north. Soviet seizure of Changkufeng would upset the delicate status quo and could provoke a contest for equivalent observation posts. In broader terms, it mattered little whether the Russians sought a permanent observation post on Changkufeng Hill, which was of relatively minor strategic value. Japan's primary concern lay in the China theater; Changkufeng was peripheral. The Japanese should not expend limited resources or become distracted. The matter required consultation with the high command in Tokyo. In the absence of more comprehensive intelligence, the assembled staff officers concluded that the Korea Army should, at a minimum, ignore or disregard Soviet actions for the time being, while maintaining vigilant observation of the area. The consensus was communicated to Major General Kitano Kenzo, the Korea Army chief of staff, who concurred, and to Koiso. Upon learning that the recommendation advocated a low posture, Koiso inquired only whether the opinion reflected the unanimous view of the staff. Having been assured that it did, he approved the policy. Koiso, then 58, was at the threshold of the routine personnel changes occurring around 15 July. He had just been informed that he would retire and that General Nakamura Kotaro would succeed him. Those acquainted with Koiso perceived him as treating the border difficulties as a minor anticlimax in the course of his command tour. He appeared unemphatic or relaxed as he prepared to depart from a post he had held for twenty-one years. Although neither Koiso nor his staff welcomed the Soviet activities that appeared under way, his reaction likely reflected a reluctance to make decisions that could constrain his soon-to-arrive successor. On 8 July Koiso authorized the dispatch of warnings to the 19th Division at Nanam, to the Hunchun garrison, and to the intelligence branch at Hunchun. These units were instructed to exercise maximum precautions and to tighten frontier security north of Shuiliufeng. In response to the initial appearance of Soviet horsemen at Changkufeng, the Kucheng Border Garrison Unit of the 76th Infantry Regiment maintained close surveillance across the Tumen. By about noon on 9 July, patrols detected approximately a dozen Russian troops commencing construction atop Changkufeng. Between 11 and 13 July, the number of soldiers on the slopes increased to forty; there were also thirty horses and eleven camouflaged tents. Operating in shifts on the western side, thirty meters from the crest, the Russians erected barbed wire and firing trenches; fifty meters forward, they excavated observation trenches. In addition to existing telephone lines between Changkufeng, Lake Khasan, and Kozando, the Russians installed a portable telephone net. Logistical support was provided by three boats on the lake. Approximately twenty kilometers to the east, well within Soviet territory, large forces were being mobilized, and steamship traffic into Posyet Bay intensified. Upon learning of the "intrusion" at Changkufeng on 9 July, Lt. General Suetaka Kamezo, the commander of the 19th Division, dispatched staff officers to the front and prepared to send elements to reinforce border units.  The special significance of Suetaka and his division stemmed from a series of unusual circumstances. Chientao Province, the same zone into which Lyushkov had fled and the sector where Soviet horsemen had appeared, fell within Manchukuo geographically and administratively. Yet, in terms of defense, the configuration of the frontier, the terrain, and the transportation network more closely connected the region with North Korea than with southeastern Manchuria. Approximately 80% of the population was of Korean origin, which implied Japanese rather than Manchukuoan allegiance. Consequently, the Korea Army had been made operationally responsible for the defense of Chientao and controlled not only the three-battalion garrison at Hunchun but also the intelligence detachment located there. In the event of war, the Korea Army's mission was defined as mobilization and execution of subsidiary operational tasks against the USSR, under the control and in support of the Kwantung Army.  The Korea Army ordinarily possessed two infantry divisions, the 19th in North Korea and the 20th stationed at Seoul, but the 20th Division had already departed for China, leaving only the 20th Depot Division in the capital. Beyond sparse ground units, devoid of armor and with weak heavy artillery, there were only two air regiments in Korea, the nearest being the unit at Hoeryong. The Korea Army was designed to maintain public security within Korea as well as fulfill minimal defensive responsibilities. Such an army did not require a full-time operations officer, and none was maintained. When needed, as in mid-1938, the task fell to the senior staff officer, in this case Colonel Iwasaki Tamio. In peacetime, training constituted the primary focus.  Thus, the 19th Division was entrusted with defending northeastern Korea. Its commander, Suetaka, a seasoned infantryman, resented the fact that his elite force had never engaged in combat in China. He intensified training with zeal, emphasizing strict discipline, bravery, aggressiveness, and thorough preparation. Japanese veterans characterized him as severe, bullish, short-tempered, hot-blooded, highly strung, unbending, and stubborn. Nonetheless, there was widespread respect for his realistic training program, maintained under firm, even violent, personal supervision. His men regarded Suetaka as a professional, a modern samurai who forged the division into superb condition. Privately, he was reputed for sensitivity and warmth; a Japanese phrase "yakamashii oyaji" captures the dual sense of stern father and martinet in his character. At the outset, however, Suetaka displayed little aggression. Although not widely known, he did not welcome the orders from army headquarters to deploy to the Tumen. Until late July, he remained somewhat opposed to the notion of dislodging the Soviets from the crest, a proposition arising from neither the division staff nor, initially, Suetaka himself. Colonel Sato noted that, for a week after reports of Soviet excavation at Changkufeng, the division's response was limited to preparations for a possible emergency, as they perceived the matter as a local issue best settled through diplomacy. Korea Army officers acknowledged that, around the time the Soviets consolidated their outpost strength at Changkufeng, an informal and personal telegram arrived in Seoul from a Kwantung Army Intelligence field-grade officer who specialized in Soviet affairs. If the Korea Army hesitated, the Kwantung Army would be obliged to eject the Russians; the matter could not be ignored. While the telegram did not demand a reply and struck several officers as presumptuous and implausible, the message was promptly shown to Koiso. Koiso was driven to immediate action, he wired Tokyo asserting that only the Korea Army could and would handle the incident. One staff officer recalled "We felt we had to act, out of a sense of responsibility. But we resented the Kwantung Army's interference." The Korea Army staff convened shortly after receipt of the unofficial telegram from Hsinking. Based on the latest intelligence from the division dated 13 July, the officers prepared an assessment for submission to the army commander. The hypotheses were distilled into three scenarios: The USSR, or the Far East authorities, desires hostilities. Conclusion: Slightly possible. The USSR seeks to restrain Japan on the eve of the pivotal operations in China: the major Japanese offensive to seize Hankow. Conclusion: Highly probable. The Posyet district commander is new in his post; by occupying the Changkufeng ridges, he would demonstrate loyalty, impress superiors, and seek glory. Conclusion: Possible. Late on 13 July or early on 14 July, Koiso approved the dispatch of a message to the vice minister of war, and the Kwantung Army chief of staff:  "Lake Khasan area lies in troublesome sector USSR has been claiming . . . in accordance with treaties [said Secret Message No. 913], but we interpret it to be Manchukuoan territory, evident even from maps published by Soviet side. Russian actions are patently illegal, but, considering that area does not exert major or immediate influence on operations [Japan] is intending and that China Incident is in full swing, we are not going to conduct counterattack measures immediately. This army is thinking of reasoning with Soviets and requesting pullback, directly on spot. . . . In case Russians do not accede in long run, we have intention to drive Soviet soldiers out of area east of Khasan firmly by use of force."  The message concluded with a request that the Tokyo authorities lodge a formal protest with the USSR, on behalf of Manchukuo and Japan, and guide matters so that the Russians would withdraw quickly. Dominant in Japanese high command thinking in 1938 was the China theater; the Changkufeng episode constituted a mere digression. A sequence of Japanese tactical victories had preceded the summer: Tsingtao fell in January; the Yellow River was reached in March; a "reformed government of the Republic of China" was installed at Nanking several weeks later; Amoy fell in early May; Suchow fell on the 20th. With these gains, northern and central fronts could be linked by the Japanese. Yet Chinese resistance persisted, and while public statements anticipated imminent Chinese dissension, private admissions acknowledged that the partial effects of Suchow's fall were ominous: control might pass from Chiang Kai-shek to the Communists, Chinese defiance might intensify, and Soviet involvement could ensue. A Hankow drive appeared desirable to symbolize the conclusion of the military phase of hostilities. The Japanese and their adversaries were in accord regarding the importance of the summer and autumn campaigns. Even after Suchow's fall, the government discouraged public insinuations that enemy resistance was collapsing; when Chiang addressed the nation on the first anniversary of hostilities, Premier Konoe prophetically proclaimed, "The war has just begun." Colonel Inada Masazum served as the Army General Staff's principal figure for the Changkufeng affair, occupying the position of chief of the 2nd Operations Section within the Operations Bureau in March 1938. A distinguished graduate of the Military Academy, Inada completed the War College program and held a combination of line, instructional, and staff assignments at the War College, the Army General Staff, and the War Ministry. He was recognized as a sharp, highly capable, and driveful personality, though some regarded him as enigmatic. Following the capture of Suchow, Imperial General Headquarters on 18 June ordered field forces to undertake operational preparations for a drive to seize the Wuhan complex. Inada favored a decisive move aimed at achieving a rapid political settlement. He acknowledged that Soviet intervention in 1938, during Japan's involvement in China, would have been critical. Although Japanese forces could still defeat the Chinese, an overextended Japanese Army might be fatally compromised against the Russians. Soviet assistance to China was already pronouncedly unwelcome. The Soviets were reported to possess roughly 20 rifle divisions, four to five cavalry divisions, 1,500 tanks, and 1,560 aircraft, including 300 bombers with a range of approximately 3,000 kilometers, enabling reach from Vladivostok to Tokyo. Soviet manpower in Siberia was likely near 370,000. In response, Japanese central authorities stressed a no-trouble policy toward the USSR while seeking to "wall off" the border and bolster the Kwantung Army as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, the envisaged correction of the strategic imbalance could not occur before 1943, given shortages in ammunition, manpower, and materiel across existing theaters in China. By the end of 1937 Japan had committed 16 of its 24 divisions to China, bringing the standing force to roughly 700,000. Army General Staff planners reallocated three ground divisions, intended for a northern contingency, from north to central China, even as the Kwantung Army operated from a less favorable posture. Attitudes toward the northern problem varied within senior military circles. While concern persisted, it was not universal. As campaigns in China widened, planning at the high command level deteriorated, propagating confusion and anxiety to field armies in China. The Japanese Navy suspected that the Army general staff was invoking the USSR as a pretext for broader strategic aims—namely, to provoke a more consequential confrontation with the USSR while the Navy contended with its own strategic rivalries with the Army, centered on the United States and Britain. Army leaders, however, denied aggressive intent against the USSR at that time. The Hankow plan encountered substantial internal opposition at high levels. Private assessments among army planners suggested that a two-front war would be premature given operational readiness and troop strength. Not only were new War Ministry officials cautious, but many high-ranking Army general staff officers and court circles shared doubts.  Aggressive tendencies, influenced by subordinates and the Kwantung Army, were evident in Inada, who repeatedly pressed Tada Shun, the deputy army chief of staff, to endorse the Wuhan drive as both necessary and feasible, arguing that the USSR would gain from Japan's weakening without incurring substantial losses. Inada contended that Stalin was rational and that time favored the USSR in the Far East, where industrial buildup and military modernization were ongoing. He argued that the Soviet purges impeded opportunistic ventures with Japan. He posited that Nazi Germany posed a growing threat on the western front, and thus the USSR should be avoided by both Japan, due to China and Russia, due to Germany. While most of the army remained engaged in China, Tada did not initially share Inada's views; only after inspecting the Manchurian borders in April 1938 did he finally align with Inada's broader vision, which encompassed both northern and Chinese considerations. During this period, Inada studied daily intelligence from the Kwantung Army, and after Lyushkov's defection in June, reports suggested the Soviets were following their sector commander's recommendations. Russian troops appeared at Changkufeng, seemingly prepared to dig in. Inada recollects his reaction: "That's nice, my chance has come." I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The simmering Soviet–Japanese border clashes centered on Changkufeng Hill near Lake Khanka, set within a broader history of contested frontiers dating to Qing and Tsarist treaties. Japan, prioritizing China, considered Changkufeng peripheral but ready to confront Soviet encroachment; Moscow aimed to consolidate border gains, with high-level war planning overlaying regional skirmishes. Conflict loomed over Manchuria.

2025-11-10 | Silicon Wafers 052 | DAILY UPDATES | Russia hurls one of the biggest mixed salvos of the war at Ukraine's power system; Kyiv is hit by emergency blackouts; Ukraine says Russia hit substations that feed nuclear plants; and Moscow pushes a fresh Zaporizhzhia “nuclear plot” narrative. We'll separate facts from threats, fearmongering from the terrifying reality.The strike: one of the largest against Ukraine's energy grid. Overnight into Nov 8, Russia launched 45 missiles and 450 drones at Ukrainian targets, damaging energy infrastructure across multiple regions and sparking fires in Kyiv. At least seven people were killed overall, including in Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia, with widespread outages reported. (The Guardian)----------SOURCES: Kyiv Independent — “Kyiv faces over 12 hours of emergency power cuts…” (Nov. 8, 2025)Kyiv Independent — “Russia targeted substations powering nuclear plants…” (Nov. 8, 2025)The Guardian — “Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities kill at least seven” (Nov. 8, 2025)Reuters — “Russia hits several key Ukraine energy facilities…” (Nov. 8, 2025)Financial Times — “Ukraine accuses Russia of targeting nuclear substations” (Nov. 9, 2025)Kyiv Post — “Moscow Claims Ukraine, NATO Plot Nuclear Disaster…” (Nov. 6, 2025)IAEA — Updates on ZNPP safety status, power vulnerability (Updates 308–310)Reuters — “Repairs begin on Zaporizhzhia power plant lines…” (Oct. 18, 2025)----------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----------

2025-11-09 | Silicon Wafers 051 | DAILY UPDATES | Despite the profusion of stories we've covered, the battle for Pokrovsk, energy sanctions, and so on, the most important strategic angle on the war this winter is the attritional energy war. And it's unlike the Western attitude to the war throughout all these four years – to cede the escalation dominance to Russia, always pulling punches, in support for Ukraine, and never allowing its ally to land a decisive blow on Russia. Now Ukraine is takin off the gloves, because below the nuclear threshold, there is nothing holding back Russia's viciousness and violence. Ukraine is seeking to inflict greater costs on Russia in the energy war, than it can impose upon Ukraine. This ‘escalation' is the only way to make it clear to Putin he cannot win and is the only way to inflict economic and social costs that start to make Putin's brittle regime appear vulnerable to its internal audience. Nothing else will get through to Putin. Nothing at all. Ukraine's “doomsday lever”? Hitting the Yamal network — myth vs. math. There is an inescapable logic to the course of this existential escalation for Ukraine's existence. It starts with testing the theory of imposing blackouts and heating denial to smaller, non-strategic Russian towns. Belgorod, Vladimir, Voronezh. And this is happening now. The next stage is to test supporting infrastructure around Moscow – electricity substations, energy supply routes for fuel, gas and oil products. This is happening. Beyond that, are substantial and extended blackouts in smaller towns, then Moscow and St. Petersburg. But that's not the final arrow in Ukraine's quiver. It has a doomsday option – hitting Yamal Cross. If none of the other escalatory steps lead to an unconditional ceasefire, then I suggest it's a near certainly that we'll reach the doomsday stage for Moscow by end of this winter. ----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------SOURCES: Ukrainian attacks in Russia's Belgorod, Kursk oblasts leave ≥20,000 without power — The Moscow Times/AFP, Nov. 9, 2025‘A powerful secondary detonation' — Donetsk airport Shahed hub strike — Kyiv Independent, Nov. 6, 2025Volgograd refinery halted after drone strike — Reuters, Nov. 6, 2025Crimea oil depot fire (Simferopol/Hvardiiske) after drone attacks — Ukrinform, Nov. 6, 2025Bashkortostan: Sterlitamak petrochemical plant struck — Kyiv Independent, Nov. 7, 2025Russian rebel group sabotages locomotives — Kyiv Post, Nov. 6, 2025ORLEN–Naftogaz: three U.S. LNG cargoes in Q1 2026 (≥300 mcm) — ORLEN press release; Naftogaz release; Polish Radio; Kyiv Independent, Nov. 7–8, 2025Energy attrition context: Reuters refinery capacity tally, Sept. 1, 2025. (Reuters)Gas flows & the Yamal reality check — Bruegel (end of transit via Ukraine, Jan. 1, 2025); Gas Strategies (financial impact); Oxford Energy (transit mechanics)Operational/tech framing of the strike campaign — CSIS analyses, 2025----------

We need to talk about post-Putin. It's fruitless at this point to try and come up with names of potential successors -- but maybe we can identify potential archetypes, the kinds of people who might succeed him, depending on the perceived needs of the day.The Julian Waller article I mention is here.The podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials including the (almost-) weekly Govorit Moskva news briefing right here. Support the show

The National Security Hour with Major Fred Galvin – Fred Galvin exposes how foreign and domestic actors wage a coordinated soft power war to divide Americans and weaken trust in institutions. From Beijing to Tehran to Moscow, adversaries use media, education, and digital propaganda to reshape beliefs, erode unity, and weaponize culture — all to undermine America from within...

The National Security Hour with Major Fred Galvin – Fred Galvin exposes how foreign and domestic actors wage a coordinated soft power war to divide Americans and weaken trust in institutions. From Beijing to Tehran to Moscow, adversaries use media, education, and digital propaganda to reshape beliefs, erode unity, and weaponize culture — all to undermine America from within...

Eighty years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the shadow of nuclear weapons has re-emerged on the world stage. Once thought to be relics of a bygone era, they are again the subject of fierce rhetoric between Washington, Moscow and Beijing.

A.M. Edition for Nov. 7. A federal judge mandated that the administration release full SNAP funds by Friday, but officials are appealing the order, even as millions of Americans await aid. Plus, we look at what nuclear testing looks like in 2025, as WSJ correspondent Thomas Grove explains what recent threats between Washington and Moscow mean. And air passengers brace for chaos as flight cancellations across the U.S. take hold. Caitlin McCabe hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Day 1,353.Today, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visits President Trump in Washington, a few weeks after the collapse of the Budapest meeting with Russia. Meanwhile, we look at reports claiming that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov may have fallen out of favour with President Putin, and the UN Commission of Inquiry accuses Russia of committing crimes against humanity and torture. Finally, our regular contributor Jade McGlynn shares the latestContributorsAdélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjzon X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:United Nations Human Rights Council: Independent International Commission of Inquiry reporthttps://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/11/commission-visits-kyiv-reiterating-its-findings?sub-site=HRCOrbán to visit US to try to broker another Putin summit but questions raised over motiveshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/07/orban-hungary-white-house-visit-trumpWhat's the truth about South Africa's ‘genocide' of white farmers?https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/whats-the-truth-about-south-africas-genocide-of-white-farmers/Fact-checking Trump's claims of white farmer ‘genocide' in South Africahttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-checking-trumps-claims-of-white-farmer-genocide-in-south-africaSouth Africa crime statistics debunk 'white genocide' claims - ministerhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgr5xe7z0y0oIs there a genocide of white South Africans as Trump claims?https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wg5pg1xp5oKilling of White Farmer Becomes a Flash Point in South Africahttps://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/16/world/africa/South-Africa-murder-protests.html‘Kill the Boer' Song Fuels Backlash in South Africa and U.S.https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/02/world/africa/south-africa-kill-boer-song.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 65 Gary shares his takeaways and summary of the recent discussion/debate he had with Douglas Wilson in Moscow, Idaho. It was a rare occasion for honest discussion on a topic that remains hotly contested among Christians of all types. 

President Donald Trump is set to meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the White House on Friday. It is the first bilateral meeting between the two leaders since Trump's return to office in January. The two leaders are expected to discuss Hungary's reliance on Russian oil. Trump has insisted that European nations stop buying Russian petroleum products as a way of slashing Moscow's funding for its war in Ukraine.Some 40 airports across the United States are being forced to decrease the number of flights, starting on Friday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the decision on Wednesday, as it struggles with personnel shortages due to the ongoing government shutdown.

2025-11-07 | Silicon Wafers 050 | Is Sergei Lavrov on the way out? After that embarrassment of the non-summit in Budapest, and the cold treatment of Kirill Dmitriev in Washington, it looks like Lavrov is falling out of favour with the Kremlin. But will he also be falling out with those square shaped and glazed objects, designed to let light into tall buildings? Budapest blows up, G20 gets awkward – it looks like Lavrov's star is waning. How we will miss his disingenuous horse-face. Not. Plans for the Budapest were a bust. Washington bailed on the Trump–Putin summit after a hardline Russian approach to the negotiations. The inflexibility of the Kremlin and its main foreign policy minion Lavrov went down badly with Secretary of State Rubio. Now it seems Lavrov is taking the blame, or so it seems from Moscow's rumour mill, as the Kremlin quietly swaps him out for the upcoming G20 summit. There are few confirmed facts but let that not stop us from diving into the fevered world of Kremlinology. It might also help to have a jocular reminder of happens to officials who fall from Putin's grace — from soft landings to prison cells, to altitude cancer and very hard landings.----------SOURCES: “The U.S. then cancelled the summit following a call between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.” — Reuters, Oct 31, 2025“radically changed under European influence” — The Moscow Times, Oct 27, 2025“will be led by Presidential Administration Deputy Chief of Staff Maxim Oreshkin.” — TASS, Nov 4, 2025“has ordered government officials to evaluate the feasibility of restarting Russia's own nuclear tests.” — AP News, Nov 5, 2025“was demoted but remains an advisor in the Kremlin.” — RAND, Jun 27, 2024“removed Sergei Surovikin… as head of the air force” — Reuters, Aug 23, 2023“sentenced to eight years in jail” — Reuters, Dec 15, 2017 (Ulyukayev)----------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----------

Silicon Bites Ep266 - Day 1,353 - 2025-11-07 | Civil War is Kremlin's #1 Fear, according to the Kremlin's own chief sociologist. If I was asked this question, I'd have said it's a low probability, as is the fragmentation of Russia into myriad smaller states. Not impossible, but very unlikely, even after the conclusion of Putin's disastrous war in Ukraine. On this channel, we have speculated extensively that a palace coup is more likely, or a kind of oligarch civil war, for a limited period and with limited scope. But Alexander Kharichev has put in black and white what Moscow usually whispers— the number one threat to Russia is… civil war, he writes. So, do they know something we don't? Or is this classic paranoia from the minion of a tyrannical and geriatric dictator? Is this Kremlin syndrome that sees enemies and calamity around every corner? Let's explore this question. “Who Are We?”: The Kremlin's early warning system. Alexander Kharichev, the powerful head of the Presidential Directorate for Monitoring and Analysis of Social Processes, published an essay called “Кто мы?” (Who Are We?) in the journal Gosudarstvo. In it, he lists five “civilizational challenges,” facing Russia, and more specifically the Kremlin, and tops the list with civil war / internal split. Russian business daily Vedomosti reviewed the piece and confirmed the framing and source.----------SOURCES: Michael Naki: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn1HBcsrwDA&t=941s https://www.gazeta.ru/social/news/2025/11/05/27105038.shtml https://sia.ru/?section=410&action=show_news&id=16821490 https://www.moscowtimes.ru/2025/11/05/v-kremle-uvideli-ugrozu-grazhdanskoi-voini-v-rossii-a179190 https://deita.ru/article/577119 https://charter97.org/ru/news/2025/11/5/661891/----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------DESCRIPTION:Is Russia Facing Civil War? Kremlin's Top Threat RevealedIn this episode of Silicon Bites, the host discusses a recent article by Alexander Karachi, a senior Kremlin sociologist, which reveals that the Kremlin's number one fear is civil war in Russia. The episode delves into the five civilizational challenges listed in the article and argues that a palace coup or elite conflict over resources is a more likely scenario than a full-blown civil war. The script also examines the economic strains, rising living costs, and extreme military spending that are exacerbating Russia's vulnerabilities. The episode ends by highlighting the Kremlin's flawed solutions of increased militarization and ideological indoctrination, which may accelerate the fragmentation and collapse of the Russian state.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Gratitude00:58 The Kremlin's Greatest Fear: Civil War02:17 Analyzing the Article: Five Civilizational Challenges11:59 Economic Strain and War Spending18:25 Corruption and Internal Conflict23:44 Potential Regime Collapse and Future Outlook26:27 Conclusion: The Kremlin's Paranoia and Future----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

Founding member of Pussy Riot and one of the most high-profile political activists in Russia imprisoned by Vladimir Putin's government - in this Ways to Change the World Podcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy speaks to Masha Alyokhina.She became internationally known after the group's protest performance in Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in 2012, which led to her arrest and two years in prison. Since her release, Masha has continued to challenge Putin's regime and fight for freedom of expression through her art, writing and activism. And her new book, Political Girl, is an account of protest, prison and her thoughts about Russia today.

After a two-month absence, Patrick Bishop returns to the Battleground microphone to join Saul David, offering a fresh, big-picture perspective on the war in Ukraine. Looking beyond the daily headlines, Patrick characterises the current state of the conflict—across military, diplomatic, economic, and political fronts—as an "uncertain stasis." While the war seems outwardly frozen, the hosts discuss whether powerful undercurrents could soon force a significant breakthrough. They dive into the battlefield reality, analysing the potential fall of Pokrovsk and debating its true strategic significance for both Kyiv and Moscow. Is this the long-awaited Russian breakthrough, or just a costly, rubble-filled victory that simply sets the stage for more stalemate? If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:  First—The deputy chairman of Russia's parliamentary defense committee claims the Kremlin has sent advanced air defense systems to the Maduro regime, while floating the possibility of also sending cruise and hypersonic missiles to Venezuela. Later in the show—Ukraine's intensifying drone campaign against Russian energy continues. Kyiv says Ukrainian drones struck a major oil refinery in Russia's Volgograd region for the second time in almost three month, while a separate strike set ablaze a major power plant deep in Russia's northeast. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting ⁠PDBPremium.com⁠. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: ⁠youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief⁠ American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org . APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Rugiet: Ready to give Rugiet a try? Get 15% off your first order by going tohttp://rugiet.com/PDB and using code PDB. Rugiet prescriptions are compounded medications, available only if prescribed following an online consultation with a licensed clinician. Compounded drugs can be prescribed by federal law, but are not FDA-approved and have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing. Individual results may vary. Full safety information available at Rugiet.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Макс рассказывает о своей поездке в Стамбул — город, который когда-то назывался Константинополем и оказал огромное влияние на формирование Руси. В подкасте вы узнаете, как Византия повлияла на русскую культуру, религию и письменность, и почему Москву потом стали называть «Третьим Римом». История, язык и личные впечатления в одном выпуске — идеальная практика аудирования уровня B1–B2.Max talks about his trip to Istanbul — the city once known as Constantinople that deeply influenced the formation of ancient Rus. Learn how Byzantium shaped Russian culture, religion, and writing, and why Moscow was later called “the Third Rome.” A mix of history, language, and personal impressions — perfect B1–B2 listening practice.

In this episode of the Westminster Effects podcast, I sit down with Toby Sumpter to talk about joy and gratitude being the heart of the Moscow Mood. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of justification by faith alone and the ongoing advancement of the kingdom despite challenges and detractors.Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iTunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠X⁠.Join the discussion at the Westminster Effects Green Room.Buy your guitar effects at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠westminstereffects.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Day 1,351.Today, as reports from Pokrovsk indicate Russian troops now hold positions across nearly the entire city, prosecutors in Kharkiv launch a new war crimes investigation after footage emerged of an alleged Russian FPV drone strike on two civilians carrying a white flag near Kharkiv. We also examine today's Joint Expeditionary Force meeting in Norway – asking whether it's wise for the group to brand itself as “NATO's first responders” – before doing a deep dive into recent cases of Ukrainian and Russian spycraft. Later, we speak with the commander of a Ukrainian drone unit who helped destroy Russian forces following the so-called “breakthrough” in Dobropillya.ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Dimko Zhluktenko.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Learn more about Dimko's charity, Dzyga's Paw:https://dzygaspaw.com/ Dom's story on MI5 chief's warnings (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/16/sir-ken-mccallum-mi5-china-spy-scandal-national-security/ The Ukrainian double-agent playing Russia at its own game (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/01/ukraine-russia-war-double-agent-security-services/ A champion like no other: The curious life of a Unit 29155 operative (The Insider):https://theins.ru/en/inv/286477 Russia moves to year-round conscription from 2026 (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/putin-signs-law-allowing-year-round-conscription-in-russia/?mc_cid=fb29c7d440&mc_eid=08d0680a95 Is there a risk of encirclement in Pokrovsk and what awaits Myrnohrad? Soldiers explain (Hromadske):https://hromadske.ua/en/war/254005-ti-khto-v-pokrovsku-na-peredovykh-pozytsiiakh-vze-v-pryntsypi-v-otochenni-z-iakoho-malo-shansiv-vyyty Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryan Kohberger appeared in court once again — this time, for a hearing focused on restitution for the victims' families. While the main trial still looms ahead, the court discussed compensation tied to the tragic murders that shook Moscow, Idaho. Here's what happened and why it matters. #BryanKohberger, #IdahoMurders, #TrueCrime, #CrimeTalk, #JusticeForVictims, #CourtUpdate

Silicon Bites Ep265 - Day 1,351 - 2025-11-05 | Donetsk, the contested Donetsk rail-and-road hub has become the most consequential urban fight since Avdiivka, and the outcome of that fight may turn out to be instrumental for the outcome of the war, not only against Ukraine, but Russia's war against Western democracy. In today's episode, we are zooming in on the battle for Pokrovsk. We'll explain why Russia is so desperate to take it, what Ukraine is doing to hold it, the claims and counterclaims on the ground, and what happens next if Russia's offensive stalls — or if it succeeds.On Sunday, Valery Gerasimov, Russian chief of staff, told President Vladimir Putin his 2nd and 51st Combined Arms Armies were "advancing along converging axes" and "have completed the encirclement of the enemy" in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. He claimed 5,500 Ukrainian troops were surrounded. But Russian military reporters contradicted these claims, with one named "Military Informant" telling 621,000 Telegram subscribers, "There is simply no encirclement". Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi was categorical last Saturday: while the situation in Pokrovsk remains "hardest" for Ukrainian forces, there is no encirclement or blockade as Russia has claimed. He insisted a comprehensive operation to destroy and dislodge enemy forces from Pokrovsk is ongoing.----------SOURCES: The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy visits troops near embattled Pokrovsk (Nov 5, 2025) The Guardian — Ukraine deploys special forces to Pokrovsk in effort to hold key city (Nov 2, 2025)Reuters — Ukraine says its troops still holding out in Pokrovsk as Moscow says pincer closing (Nov 1, 2025)The Moscow Times/AFP — Zelensky Visits Troops Near Threatened Pokrovsk (Nov 4, 2025)Kyiv Independent — Russia claims HUR special forces raid… Ukraine denies, Syrskyi insists ‘no encirclement' (Nov 1, 2025)Kyiv Independent — Russian ‘sabotage' unit that killed civilians in Pokrovsk later eliminated (Oct 20, 2025)----------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----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/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----------

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:   Signs of a breaking point inside Russia's economy. A new intelligence report warns of systemic collapse across the country's corporate sector—a fact that even Moscow's official statistics can no longer hide.   Mexico erupts in anger. The murder of an anti-cartel mayor has triggered chaos in the streets and a vow of justice from the country's president.   A looming disaster in Iran. Tehran's main water supply is nearly gone, and officials warn the taps could run dry within days.   And in today's Back of the Brief: Russia rolls out its latest “doomsday weapon”—a new nuclear submarine purpose-built to carry a torpedo capable of triggering radioactive tsunamis.   To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com.   Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.   YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybriefStash Financial: Don't Let your money sit around. Go to https://get.stash.com/PDB to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase.Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danny and Derek welcome journalist and author John Lechner to discuss his book, Death is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries in the New Era of Warfare. The conversation cuts through the mainstream narrative of the Wagner Group to explore the true history of Yevgeny Prigozhin, from his start as a product of post-Soviet "gangster capitalism" in 1990s St. Petersburg to his ascent as Vladimir Putin's de facto military entrepreneur. They analyze how Prigozhin leveraged the Russian state's grand ambitions with limited resources to create a self-funding war machine in Syria and across Africa, ultimately turning his own military success in Bakhmut into a fatal political challenge to the decadent Moscow bureaucracy—a challenge that ended with a suspiciously accidental plane crash.

Danny and Derek welcome journalist and author John Lechner to discuss his book, Death is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries in the New Era of Warfare. The conversation cuts through the mainstream narrative of the Wagner Group to explore the true history of Yevgeny Prigozhin, from his start as a product of post-Soviet "gangster capitalism" in 1990s St. Petersburg to his ascent as Vladimir Putin's de facto military entrepreneur. They analyze how Prigozhin leveraged the Russian state's grand ambitions with limited resources to create a self-funding war machine in Syria and across Africa, ultimately turning his own military success in Bakhmut into a fatal political challenge to the decadent Moscow bureaucracy—a challenge that ended with a suspiciously accidental plane crash.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/THENATIONAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Monday, November 3rd, 2025Today, three more people were murdered by the United States in a Caribbean boat strike; Venezuela seeks help from Russia as the US inches closer to war; two judges order Trump to pay SNAP benefits because it's the law; a Senate report says detainees face neglect in immigration prisons; Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declares a state of emergency over the Republican shutdown; Obama called Mamdani to praise his campaign and offer support; the Netherlands elected its first gay and youngest prime minister; Nancy Mace has a meltdown at an airport; Trump pushes to end medical care for transgender youth nationally; a judge tosses Darrell Issa and Ronny Jackson's lawsuit over prop 50; and Allison and Dana delivers your Good News.Thank You, DeleteMeGet 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/DAILYBEANS and use promo code DAILYBEANS at checkout. Thank You, WildGrainGet $30 off your first box + free Croissants in every box. Go to Wildgrain.com/DAILYBEANS to start your subscription.Guest: Martin SheenThe Martin Sheen Podcast - MSW MediaThe Martin Sheen Podcast (@themartinpod.bsky.social) The Martin Sheen Podcast (@themartinpod) / Posts / TwitterMartin Sheen - IMDbDana Goldberg Outrageous Tour - November 14th ChicagoStoriesThree killed in US military strike on alleged drug vessel in the Caribbean | US news | The GuardianAs U.S. ramps up pressure, Venezuela pleads with Moscow and Beijing for help | The Washington PostSenate report details dozens of cases of medical neglect in federal immigration detention centers | AP NewsWisconsin Gov. Tony Evers declares state of emergency over shutdown | Milwaukee Journal SentinelTexas federal judge dismisses Rep. Issa's Prop. 50 lawsuit | Times of San DiegoPolice report: Nancy Mace cursed and berated officers in airport altercation | NBC NewsTrump says he has asked court to 'clarify' SNAP ruling with funding set to lapse | ABC NewsTrump pushes an end to medical care for transgender youth nationally | NPRObama Calls Mamdani to Praise His Campaign and Offers to Be Sounding Board | The New York TimesDutch centrist Jetten claims victory in vote where far right lost ground | Elections News | Al JazeeraGood TroubleQuestions shall be directed to the Contracting Officer, Shayla Wray, via e-mail at shayla.b.wray@ice.dhs.gov, and the Contract Specialist, Jason Boudreaux, via e-mail at jason.boudreaux@ice.dhs.gov. Questions must be received no later than November 3rd, 2025, by 2:00 pm Eastern Time (ET).→Warigia Bowman for APS District 6 NM→NOVEMBER 4TH Taylor Rehmet For Texas→ Sign up to phone bank in Virginia.**Group Directory - The Visibility Brigade: Resistance is Possible**California! YOU have your prop 50 ballots. Fill them out and return them ASAP.**Yes On Prop 50 | CA Special Election Phone Banks - mobilize.us, Sign up to call voters in California**Vote Yes 836 - Oklahoma**How to Organize a Bearing Witness Standout**Indiana teacher snitch portal - Eyes on Education**Find Your Representative | house.gov, Contacting U.S. SenatorsFrom The Good NewsCentral Ohio sees ‘No Kings' protests against Trump administration - Columbus DispatchTrauma Survivors NetworkFind a Grocery BuddyThe Martin Sheen Podcast - MSW MediaImperial Mach Sync Web AppDana Goldberg Outrageous Tour - November 14th Chicago Our Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - Donate, MSW Media, Blue Wave CA Victory Fund | ActBlue, WhistleblowerAid.org/beansFederal workers - email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. Find Upcoming Actions 50501 Movement, No Kings.org, Indivisible.orgDr. Allison Gill - Substack, BlueSky , TikTok, IG, TwitterDana Goldberg - The 2025 Out100, BlueSky, Twitter, IG, facebook, danagoldberg.comMore from MSW Media - Shows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, The Breakdown | SubstackReminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Our Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - DonateMSW Media, Blue Wave California Victory Fund | ActBlueWhistleblowerAid.org/beansFederal workers - feel free to email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. Find Upcoming Actions 50501 Movement, No Kings.org, Indivisible.orgDr. Allison Gill - Substack, BlueSky , TikTok, IG, TwitterDana Goldberg - BlueSky, Twitter, IG, facebook, danagoldberg.comCheck out more from MSW Media - Shows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, The Breakdown | SubstackShare your Good News or Good TroubleMSW Good News and Good TroubleHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?The Daily Beans | SupercastThe Daily Beans & Mueller, She Wrote | PatreonThe Daily Beans | Apple Podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:   As pressure builds on Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's looking east for salvation. A new report shows the embattled strongman pleading with Moscow and Beijing for help—even asking for missiles and radar systems to shore up his crumbling defenses.   President Trump puts Nigeria on notice. He's ordered the Pentagon to “prepare for possible action” after reports the government there has been targeting Christians.   Ukraine's campaign against Russian energy continues. Kyiv says its forces hit a key fuel pipeline near Moscow and launched a drone strike on a major oil port along the Black Sea.   And in today's Back of the Brief—a possible thaw between Washington and Beijing. After the Xi-Trump summit, the U.S. and China have agreed to open a direct military hotline to prevent future clashes.   To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com.Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybriefTax Relief Advocates: End your tax nightmare today by visiting us online at https://TRA.comTriTails Premium Beef: Feed your legacy. Visit https://trybeef.com/pdb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The net tightens on the Jabber Zeus crew. Police and intelligence services across borders are poised to synchronise raids, but cops in London are thrown a last-minute curveball that could see the whole operation implode. Meanwhile, tales of Tank's past emerge - and his former life as club DJ Slava Rich. But as FBI agents working in Ukraine brace to break down doors and make arrests, are the hackers already aware of what's coming?Hosted by Joe Tidy, the BBC's cyber correspondent – one of the few Western journalists to have met an alleged member of Evil Corp – and the BBC's Eastern and Southern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford, who spent more than two decades reporting from Moscow.

In the UK, counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation into a mass stabbing on a train near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. Nine people are in critical condition after an attack described by witnesses as ‘like a horror film' with passengers trying to flee through carriages and barricading themselves in bathrooms. Armed officers boarded the train and arrested two men at the scene. Also: President Donald Trump threatens military action in Nigeria, saying an attack would be ‘fast, vicious and sweet', after accusing the government there of allowing mass killings of Christians. Spain's foreign minister has offered one of the country's clearest acknowledgements yet of the brutality of the sixteenth-century conquest of Mexico, and we hear from Jamaica, where Hurricane Melissa has killed at least nineteen people and left hundreds of thousands without food, power or clean water. Plus, the Pushkin Institute in Moscow unveils what it says is the longest word in the Russian language.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: The U.S. military expands its campaign against drug traffickers, launching a new series of strikes in the Pacific that killed fourteen suspected narco-terrorists and left one survivor. We'll break down the operation—and what it reveals about Washington's growing war on the cartels. Later, Russia's economy is feeling the sting as Western oil sanctions cut deeper into the Kremlin's finances, threatening to drain Putin's war chest. We'll speak with Reuben Johnson from the National Security Journal for insight into how Moscow is scrambling to cope. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Debt Relief Advocates: Learn what debt reduction you may qualify for. Go online and visit https://DRA.com TriTails Premium Beef: Build the kind of tradition your family will remember. Visit https://trybeef.com/pdb American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices