Silicon Curtain

2025-09-27 | Silicon Wafers 012 | Wafers daily is a round-up of news over the last 1-2 days, with a particular focus on the resurgence of authoritarian regimes in the 21st century, great power competition, democracy on the defensive, the Russian imperial project, and how Ukraine is leading the fightback for values and freedom. In this short video format, I hope to bring some light to dark times.Topics covered less than they deserve, and on topics that are more terrifying than most care to acknowledge. Nuclear coercion, torture, drones, and blackmail. We ask: how far will Russia push in weaponizing nuclear infrastructure? And what does that say about the terroristic logic of Putinism?We’ll break the episode into four segments:1. Zaporizhzhia’s external power outage — brinkmanship with reactors2. The imprisonment and torture of Ukrainian nuclear workers3. Drones striking the protective shell around Chernobyl4. Russia’s use of nuclear blackmail — is it a modern ISIS with missile codes?----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph teamhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeottihttps://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovayahttps://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Michael Naki - https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel - https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel - https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov - https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Vladimir Milov - https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Hosted by Sternenko channel - https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO ----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

Live stream with Yuri Rashkin. ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

Go to https://ground.news/Silicon for a better way to stay informed. Subscribe for 40% off unlimited access to world-wide coverage through my link. ----------Ben Hodges is a retired United States Army officer, who became commander of United States Army Europe in November 2014, and held that position for three years until retiring from the United States Army in January 2018. Until recently he was the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies, at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, specialising in NATO, Transatlantic relationship and international security.----------DESCRIPTION: Geopolitical Tensions: Russia's Aggression and Strategic Implications - With Ben HodgesIn this episode, Jonathan interviews Ben Hodges, retired United States Army officer and former commander of United States Army Europe. The discussion covers a range of geopolitical issues, including Russia's recent attacks on EU, UK, and US assets in Ukraine, and the potential consequences of perceived US disengagement under the Trump administration. Hodges shares insights on the likelihood of Russia feeling emboldened to act against NATO countries and the strategic importance of Europe acting collectively as a superpower. The conversation also delves into the tactical behaviors of both Putin and Trump, the risks of inadvertent escalation into a larger conflict, and the necessity for Europe to defend itself and support Ukraine in the absence of consistent US backing.----------LINKS:https://twitter.com/general_benhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Hodges https://cepa.org/author/ben-hodges/ https://warsawsecurityforum.org/speaker/hodges-ben-lt-gen/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hodges-1674b1172/ ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------DESCRIPTION:Western Response to Russian Aggression: Challenges and StrategiesIn this episode, the speaker discusses the current state of Western opposition to Russian aggression, focusing on various strategies and challenges. Key topics include Russian sabotage in the Baltic region, the use of shadow fleet vessels, and potential responses such as seizing these vessels and strengthening air defense systems. The conversation touches on the technological and strategic capabilities needed to counter Russia, including the integration of air defenses with Ukrainian forces. The discussion also covers the broader geopolitical landscape, including European unity, U.S. policy under Trump, and the global implications of Russian actions. The speaker stresses the necessity for decisive leadership and coherent strategic objectives to effectively counter Russia and avoid prolonged conflict.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction: Russia's Covert War Tactics00:50 Western Response and Consequences02:23 Air Defense Strategies and Challenges04:39 European Leaders' Stance on Trump and Ukraine10:07 Media Consumption and Bias14:04 Trump's Admiration for Authoritarian Leaders18:28 Russia's Strategic Objectives and Vulnerabilities24:12 Historical Parallels and Western Industrial Capacity----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

2025-09-26 | Silicon Wafers 011 | Wafers daily is a round-up of news over the last 1-2 days, with a particular focus on the resurgence of authoritarian regimes in the 21st century, great power competition, democracy on the defensive, the Russian imperial project, and how Ukraine is leading the fightback for values and freedom. In this short video format, I hope to bring some light to dark times.“The Shadow War is Becoming more overt: Russia’s Hybrid Attacks on Europe”— this episode dives deep into Moscow’s covert operations across the continent. Operations that are becoming implausibly deniable as the scale and scope of them increases. We’ll map the sabotage, the plots, the attempted assassinations, and the creeping provocations. We’ll ask: Why do so many of these go unanswered? And how must the West change posture if it hopes to deter the hybrid war, and prevent it becoming a fully kinetic one?We’ll structure the episode in five parts:1. A historical baseline: Russia’s covert hits on foreign soil (pre-2022)2. The surge since February 2022: sabotage, subversion, assassination attempts3. What’s new in September 2025: recent grey zone provocations4. Why the West is slow to respond—and what critics call weak deterrence5. The hawks’ prescription: what we should do now----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph teamhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeottihttps://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovayahttps://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Michael Naki - https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel - https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel - https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov - https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Vladimir Milov - https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Hosted by Sternenko channel - https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO ----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

Nataliya Bugayova is a non-resident Russia Fellow at ISW. Nataliya previously led ISW’s Russia research team where she helped build the analytical framework that serves as the foundation for ISW’s in-depth reporting on Russia. Her analytical work focuses on the Kremlin’s decision-making, information operations, and global campaigns from Ukraine to Africa. She also serves as the Director of Strategic Intelligence at Babel Street – a US OSINT technology company and an ISW technology partner. At Babel Street, Nataliya optimizes data and technology for national security analysis of key capabilities of US adversaries. Before ISW, she worked on reform efforts in Ukraine in several roles. She was the Chief Executive Officer of the Kyiv Post, then Ukraine’s only independent English-language publication. She also served as the adviser on international technical cooperation to a former Ukrainian Economy Minister, appointed after the pro-democracy Euromaidan Revolution in February 2014.Ms. Bugayova is the author of “How We Got Here with Russia: The Kremlin’s Worldview” and “Putin’s Offset: The Kremlin’s Geopolitical Adaptations Since 2014.” She has been a trusted voice on Russia’s war on Ukraine and Russia’s operations globally. Her insights have been featured in Foreign Policy, Fox News, PBS NewsHour, CNN, NBC News, The Hill, BBC. She has testified in the US Congress and the European Parliament. She regularly briefs US military and civilian leaders. Ms. Bugayova holds a master’s in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School, where she was a student fellow at the Belfer Centre for Science and International Affairs.----------LINKS: https://understandingwar.org/people/nataliya-bugayova/https://x.com/nataliabugayova?lang=enhttps://hertogfoundation.org/staff/nataliya-bugayovahttps://www.thecipherbrief.com/experts/nataliya-bugayovaBRAVE1Defense Tech Innovations - Defense and Space Manufacturing https://x.com/BRAVE1uahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/brave1ukraine/posts/?feedView=all----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

Go to https://ground.news/Silicon for a better way to stay informed. Subscribe for 40% off unlimited access to world-wide coverage through my link. ----------ABOUT: Edward Lucas was one of the first journalists to raise the alarm about Putin’s actions and motivations. While most of the world still thought of Putin as ‘someone we could do business with’, Edward published a prescient and insightful book in 2008 called “The New Cold War – Putin’s threat to Russia and the West”. He is a columnist for The Times and has been a Senior Editor on the Economist. Edward is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis. ----------LINKS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Lucas_(journalist)https://cepa.org/author/edward-lucas/https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-lucas-65a0a21b/https://x.com/edwardlucas?lang=enhttps://edwardlucas.substack.com/https://foreignpolicy.com/author/edward-lucas/----------BOOKS:The New Cold War: Putin's Threat to Russia and the WestDeception: Spies, Lies and How Russia Dupes the WestThe Snowden Operation: Inside the West’s Greatest Intelligence DisasterSpycraft Rebooted: How Technology is Changing EspionageCyberphobia: Identity, Trust, Security and the Internet----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------DESCRIPTION:Edward Lucas Discusses Russia's Sub-threshold Warfare and Western ResponseIn this insightful episode, veteran journalist Edward Lucas, an expert on Russian affairs, discusses the increasing intensity of Russian sub-threshold warfare, exemplified by drone incursions and other disruptive actions. Lucas argues that these actions are not new but represent a continuance of tactics used by the Kremlin to destabilize and challenge Western decision-making and social cohesion. Despite the clear evidence of Russia’s aggressive maneuvers, he believes that the West is not adequately prepared, displaying a peacetime mentality even in the face of ongoing threats. The conversation also highlights the importance of accurately interpreting these threats without falling into paranoia and emphasizes the need for a strategic, calibrated response rather than reactive measures. Lucas calls for stronger support for Ukraine and argues for seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukrainian defense. He concludes with a powerful message about the necessity of shifting from a reactive to a proactive stance in dealing with Russia's multifaceted threats.----------CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Edward Lucas and His Insights on Putin00:36 Current Issues: Drone Flights and Kremlin Denials01:06 Historical Context: Kremlin's Pattern of Denial02:07 Analyzing the Scale and Intensity of Incursions02:53 Sweden's Experience with Sabotage and Disruption04:48 Psychological Warfare and Cognitive Resilience06:20 Media Consumption and Bias Detection09:15 NATO's Response and Strategic Considerations13:32 Escalation Dominance and Political Attacks19:08 Reflexive Control and US Politics20:44 Urgency in Re-Arming and Defense Strategies25:25 Conclusion: Supporting Ukraine and Final Thoughts----------

2025-09-25 | Silicon Wafers 010 | Ukrainian strikes are reaching deeper into Russian territory, a Russian fuel crisis is brewing on occupied territory, and the Kremlin expands censorship as the war’s frontline shifts. We’ll dig into what these events tell us about Russia’s imperial logic, it’s failures to exert control over Ukraine, vulnerabilities in the war economy, and the intensifying global contest between authoritarian states and forces of resistance.We’ll break this episode into five parts:1. Strike on Novorossiysk and Tuapse2. Sea-drone paralysis of Black Sea oil hubs3. Destruction of An-26s and radar in Crimea4. Fuel crisis in occupied Crimea & export bans5. Moscow’s censorship expansion & internal suppression----------SOURCES: “HUR naval drones strike oil facilities in Novorossiysk, Tuapse – source,” Ukrinform, Sept. 25, 2025‘Everyone Leave the Water!’ – Ukraine’s Sea Drones Hit Russian Hubs in Novorossiysk, Tuapse,” Kyiv Post, Sept. 25, 2025 “Ukraine’s sea drones 'paralyze' Russian Black Sea oil hubs, HUR source says,” Kyiv Independent, Sept. 25, 2025 “Russia Considers Extending Gasoline Export Ban As Fuel Crisis Worsens,” OilPrice, Sept. 23, 2025 “Russia to partially ban diesel exports, extend gasoline export ban until end-2025,” Reuters, Sept. 25, 2025 “Refinery shutdowns hurt fuel supply in several Russian regions,” Reuters, Sept. 25, 2025 “Russian fuel exports drop as Ukraine intensifies its strikes on oil refineries,” Financial Times “Frustrated Russians grapple with fuel crisis as Ukraine attacks oil refineries,” The Guardian, Aug. 2025“Fuel crisis in occupied Crimea predicted for winter 2025/2026,” Me Zha.net (Bukvy), Sept. 2025“No octane 92 and 95 gasoline is on sale at a fuel station in the Russian-occupied region Crimea,” Kyiv Post, recent ----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------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----------

Edition No248 | 25-09-2025 - Has Trump Flipped? After his high-profile meeting with President Zelenskyy and a bold post on Truth Social, the rhetoric around Ukraine has changed. But is this a real pivot — or another rhetorical flourish? We’ll examine the substance behind the words, hear from analysts, activists, and journalists, and try to imagine the scenarios that could play out next.What Just Happened? Let’s begin with the immediate facts. On September 23, 2025, President Trump met bilaterally with Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the U.N. General Assembly in New York. In the aftermath, Trump posted on Truth Social:“After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation … I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.” (The Guardian)----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Reuters, “Trump, in rhetorical shift, says Ukraine can retake all its land” (Sept 2025) Washington Post, “Trump says Ukraine poised to defeat Russia with NATO support” AP News, “In his words: Trump’s rhetoric about Zelenskyy and Putin has evolved” AP/Twitter, “Ukrainians cautious after Trump shifts his stance” Reuters, “Kremlin rejects Trump claims on war in Ukraine” Russian Analytical Report* (RussiaMatters), “Russia significantly increased state spending … that boom is over” The Atlantic, “The Simple Explanation for Why Trump Turned Against…”ABC News, “On Ukraine, Trump turns to hardball tactics: Analysis” Brookings, “China and Russia’s strategic relationship amid a shifting geopolitical landscape” USCC, “China’s Position on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine” Academia, “Global Supply Chain Reallocation and Shift under Triple Crises” (arXiv)----------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----------

2025-09-24 | Silicon Wafers 009 | DAILY UPDATES | Wafers daily is a round-up of news over the last 1-2 days, with a particular focus on the resurgence of authoritarian regimes in the 21st century, great power competition, democracy on the defensive, the Russian imperial project, and how Ukraine is leading the fightback for values and freedom. In this short video format, I hope to bring some light to dark times.Today: we’re tracking Trump’s dramatic change of tone, Russia’s strategic gambits, Ukraine’s defiant countermoves, China’s balancing act, and the cracks forming in Russia’s war economy. We examine how these moves fit longer arcs — authoritarian slide, the undoing of norms, imperial ambition, and great power competition.Trump Shifts Tone — Says Ukraine Can Win Back All Territory President Trump publicly stated that he now believes Ukraine can reclaim all territory lost to Russia, with NATO and EU support. (AP News) This marks a departure from prior suggestions of negotiated land compromises – the morally vacuous and strategically unworkable ‘land swap’ proposal.----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO The Power Vertical with Brian Whitmore https://www.powervertical.org/ ----------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----------

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.” ----------Welcome to our monthly conversation with Konstantin, who is one of the most respected voices on YouTube about what is happening Inside Russia. Konstantin Samoilov is a well-known YouTuber whose channel ‘Inside Russia’ comments insightfully on Russia’s decent into authoritarianism over the last few years. But now, like many others, he’s outside Russia, with no idea of when he can return there. ----------DESCRIPTION:Unveiling Russian Propaganda and the Ukraine Crisis with ConstantineIn this episode, Jonathan hosts Constantine, a renowned YouTube commentator on Russian affairs, for an in-depth discussion on the ongoing situation inside Russia and its broader implications. They explore the powerful influence and historical context of Russian propaganda, particularly its portrayal of strength despite systemic weaknesses. The conversation delves into the recent escalation involving attacks on Poland and other European air spaces, highlighting the strategic goals behind these actions. The duo also examines Ukraine's effective strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, the dire state of the Russian economy, and the impact of Chinese support on Russia’s war efforts. Insights are provided into the potential unrest within Russia due to economic hardships and the government's tightening control over information and dissent. Finally, a personal recommendation for the documentary series 'Kyiv of Mine,' which sheds light on Ukraine's resilience and challenges, is shared.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Support Requests01:06 The Role of Russian Propaganda03:38 Escalation and Strategic Moves06:59 Personal Recommendation: Kiev of Mine09:25 Impact of Ukrainian Strikes on Russia21:19 Gasoline Shortages in Russia25:36 Potential for Civil Unrest in Russia30:49 The Impact of Moscow's Decisions32:11 Economic Struggles and Political Dynamics33:31 The Role of Russian Officials40:11 The Carrot and Stick Approach42:52 Business Seizures and Economic Decline53:17 China's Support for Russia56:16 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook----------LINKS: @INSIDERUSSIA https://www.patreon.com/insiderussiaINSIDE RUSSIA is a source of current news on Russia - Konstantin carefully selects 9 news stories that are important and really matter, with commentaries and analyses by Konstantin delivered daily to channel patrons at Patreon.comGet your access to daily news updates at patreon.com/INSIDERUSSIA----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

Edition No247 | 23-09-2025 - The moment of truth has arrived for Europe. It’s no longer just about defending values, but about its sovereign airspace, its territory and its people. Russia is a danger to the free world. When the Skies Break: Poland, Estonia & Europe’s Air Defense Reckoning. When Russian drones penetrate Poland, Romania and Moldova. When MiG-31s cross into Estonian airspace. When alliances are tested not by war declarations but by quiet overflights, coded provocations, and ambiguous threats, then the resolve of European countries is also tested. And found wanting. Trump posted: “Here we go!” after Poland shot down Russian drones. What does that mean? It hints at a kind of expectation that something like this was in the offing. How did President Trump expect such a confrontation, yet European leaders have once more been caught on the hop, seemingly unprepared? Tonight: we map the incursion story from Poland to Estonia, the proposals to close the skies, and what Europe must do when its neighbors fly into its backyard, in a way that is calculated and aggressive.----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. General campaign progress:We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive a limited collection pin.For €2,500 we will place your custom sticker on one side of a truck. The average cost of an armored pickup we deploy to the front-line is €11,000. If you contribute with that amount all the custom branding options will be yours. Plus you'll receive a personalized reporting about the truck, where it ends up as well as some surprise gifts from us.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAbout Car for Ukraine - As of Summer 2025 they have provided: - 715 Vehicles Delivered to the front-line, mainly armored pickups- 2,000,000+ Kilometers Covered Across Europe- €6,000,000+ worth of vehicles delivered to the front-line Thank you for your support. Together to our shared victory! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: https://kyivindependent.com/europe-scrambles-for-ukrainian-interceptor-drones-following-russias-polish-attack/https://kyivindependent.com/a-day-after-russian-attack-poland-shows-unity-but-also-anxiety/https://kyivindependent.com/in-largest-drone-breach-into-nato-territory-russia-appears-to-be-probing-polish-resolve/https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drones-have-entered-several-nato-countries-airspace-far-more-are-within-its-range/https://kyivindependent.com/natos-response-to-russian-drones-reveals-glaring-issue-with-europes-air-defenses/----------

On his YouTube channel Talk4Ukraine, Christoph Müller conducts deep conversations with experts, politicians and activists about the current situation in Ukraine and its geopolitical importance.----------LINKS: @Talk4Ukraine https://www.youtube.com/@Talk4Ukrainehttps://x.com/weplay4ukrainehttps://bsky.app/profile/chris-mueller64.bsky.socialhttps://4ukraine.info/https://weplay4ukraine.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph-m%C3%BCller-267302129/https://www.instagram.com/talk4ukraine----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. General campaign progress:We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive a limited collection pin.For €2,500 we will place your custom sticker on one side of a truck. The average cost of an armored pickup we deploy to the front-line is €11,000. If you contribute with that amount all the custom branding options will be yours. Plus you'll receive a personalized reporting about the truck, where it ends up as well as some surprise gifts from us.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAbout Car for Ukraine - As of Summer 2025 they have provided: - 715 Vehicles Delivered to the front-line, mainly armored pickups- 2,000,000+ Kilometers Covered Across Europe- €6,000,000+ worth of vehicles delivered to the front-line Thank you for your support. Together to our shared victory! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

2025-09-23 | Silicon Wafers 008 | DAILY UPDATES | Wafers daily is a round-up of news over the last 1-2 days, with a particular focus on the resurgence of authoritarian regimes in the 21st century, great power competition, democracy on the defensive, the Russian imperial project, and how Ukraine is leading the fightback for values and freedom. In this short video format, I hope to bring some light to dark times.Ukraine’s $65 Billion Financing Gap and the War Economy - Ukraine is facing a painful truth: the scale of external financing it needs through 2027 is far beyond previous estimates. The International Monetary Fund has forecast a $65 billion financing gap, almost double what Ukraine had earlier estimated — $38 billion. (Reuters)----------Autumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal €22,000)This is super important. We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO ----------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----------CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Overview00:34 Ukraine's $65 Billion Financing Gap04:24 China's Cargo Ship in Occupied Crimea07:47 Trump and Zelenskyy Meet at the UN09:58 Moscow Under Drone Barrage12:26 Denmark and Norway Close Airports After Drone Sightings15:55 Moldova's Election Under Threat18:53 Escalation at NATO's Borders21:57 Conclusion and Strategic Observations----------

2025-09-22 | Silicon Wafers 007 | DAILY UPDATES | Wafers daily is a round-up of news over the last 1-2 days, with a particular focus on the resurgence of authoritarian regimes in the 21st century, great power competition, democracy on the defensive, the Russian imperial project, and how Ukraine is leading the fightback for values and freedom. In this short video format, I hope to bring some light to dark times.Today is September 22, 2025. Over the past two days we’ve seen sharp escalations in the Russia-Ukraine war, new moves from Moscow on arms control, and rumbles in the clash between great powers. We’ll walk through what’s new, what it reveals, and what it tells us about tyranny, imperial ambitions, and the long arc of global authoritarianism. Let’s begin.Russia’s Massive Drone & Missile Assaults — Civilian Terror as Strategy. On September 20, Russian forces launched what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called a “massive” coordinated attack: over 580 drones and around 40 missiles fired overnight at nine regions across Ukraine — including Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy and Kharkiv. (Reuters)The targets: infrastructure, residential buildings, civilian manufacturing. In Dnipro, for example, a cluster munition struck a multi-story residential building. At least three people were killed, dozens injured. (Reuters)----------SOURCES: Ukraine: The Latest by The Telegraph team ---https://open.spotify.com/show/6cnkk1J0I1UqtxTYVUL4Fe?si=fb9c151d2f21405a In Moscow's Shadows, hosted by Mark Galeotti ---https://open.spotify.com/show/1NKCazxYstY6o8vhpGQSjF?si=4215e2d786a44d64 Russian Roulette hosted by Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya ---https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/russian-roulette/id1112258664?l=en-GB Hosted by Michael Naki ---https://www.youtube.com/@MackNack Faygin Live channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@FeyginLive Hromadske channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@hromadske_ua Hosted by Vitaly Portnikov ---https://www.youtube.com/@portnikov Hosted by Vladimir Milov ---https://www.youtube.com/@Vladimir_Milov Sternenko channel ---https://www.youtube.com/@STERNENKO ----------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----------

Joe Lindsley is a traveller and a writer, and American who was reporting on Chicago's WGN Radio from Ukraine each and every weekday of Russia's full-scale war until earlier this year. He once was protégé to Fox News founder Roger Ailes, but Lindsley escaped that frenzied world where power mattered more than truth. He came to Lviv for a Ukrainian Catholic University journalism conference on Information Overload, AI, and Responsibility. Then the Coronavirus shut down world travel, and he stayed to build a better vision for the media industry.----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. General campaign progress:We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive a limited collection pin.For €2,500 we will place your custom sticker on one side of a truck. The average cost of an armored pickup we deploy to the front-line is €11,000. If you contribute with that amount all the custom branding options will be yours. Plus you'll receive a personalized reporting about the truck, where it ends up as well as some surprise gifts from us.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAbout Car for Ukraine - As of Summer 2025 they have provided: - 715 Vehicles Delivered to the front-line, mainly armored pickups- 2,000,000+ Kilometers Covered Across Europe- €6,000,000+ worth of vehicles delivered to the front-line Thank you for your support. Together to our shared victory! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------LINKS:https://www.ukrainianfreedomnews.com/donation/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Lindsleyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-lindsley-60087618/https://www.youtube.com/@jplindsleyhttps://twitter.com/JPLindsleyhttps://www.instagram.com/jplindsley/https://www.facebook.com/josephlindsleyhttps://www.ukrainianfreedomnews.com/ ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. General campaign progress:We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive a limited collection pin.For €2,500 we will place your custom sticker on one side of a truck. The average cost of an armored pickup we deploy to the front-line is €11,000. If you contribute with that amount all the custom branding options will be yours. Plus you'll receive a personalized reporting about the truck, where it ends up as well as some surprise gifts from us.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAbout Car for Ukraine - As of Summer 2025 they have provided: - 715 Vehicles Delivered to the front-line, mainly armored pickups- 2,000,000+ Kilometers Covered Across Europe- €6,000,000+ worth of vehicles delivered to the front-line Thank you for your support. Together to our shared victory! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------Simon Woodiwiss obtained a degree in history and classics from Surrey University, after which he joined the British Army and attended RMAS. He served six years as an Infantry Officer in numerous countries, leaving as a Captain. The next five years he spent in security risk management and from there a career in private wealth and investment management. Simon is the founder of Objective Ukraine, and is well connected to the MoD, AFU, government, ministries and commercial bodies. His invaluable network of connections helps businesses develop in Ukraine, covering specialist areas such as project management, subcontracting, security risk management and so on. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/company/objective-ua/https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-woodiwiss-75844975/https://www.intelligenceonline.com/corporate-intelligence/2024/02/20/objective-ukraine-linking-kyiv-s-special-forces-with-uk-security-providers,110161757-artBritish Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce:https://bucc.uk/UBN Network:https://ubn.network/----------

This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. General campaign progress:We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive a limited collection pin.For €2,500 we will place your custom sticker on one side of a truck. The average cost of an armored pickup we deploy to the front-line is €11,000. If you contribute with that amount all the custom branding options will be yours. Plus you'll receive a personalized reporting about the truck, where it ends up as well as some surprise gifts from us.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAbout Car for Ukraine - As of Summer 2025 they have provided: - 715 Vehicles Delivered to the front-line, mainly armored pickups- 2,000,000+ Kilometers Covered Across Europe- €6,000,000+ worth of vehicles delivered to the front-line Thank you for your support. Together to our shared victory! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------David Kirichenko is one of the sharper voices reporting on Ukraine’s war, especially where warfare is changing—drones, cyber, robotics. He blends vivid front-line storytelling with policy and strategic insight, especially around how Ukraine’s innovations force changes in how nations defend, think, and remember. He places moral stakes at the centre: not just victory, but memory, justice, identity.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------LINKS:https://x.com/dvkirichenko?lang=enhttps://kyivindependent.com/author/david-kirichenko/https://euromaidanpress.com/author/davidkirichenko/https://www.kyivpost.com/authors/228----------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----------

Samuel Ramani is an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank in London and the CEO of Pangea Geopolitical Risk. Samuel is the author of Russia in Africa: Resurgent Great Power or Bellicose Pretender and Putin's War on Ukraine: Russia's Campaign for Global Counter-Revolution, which were published by Oxford University Press and Hurst in 2023. Samuel frequently advises the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, US Department of State, US Department of Defence, and NATO on defense and security issues, and is a regular contributor to the BBC World Service, Al Jazeera, CNN International, and Foreign Policy magazine.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------LINKS:https://www.mei.edu/profile/samuel-ramani----------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----------DESCRIPTION: Russia's Global Counter-Revolution: In-Depth Analysis with Samuel RamaniIn this episode, Jonathan interviews Samuel Ramani, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and CEO of Pangea Geopolitical Risk. Ramani, author of books such as 'Russia in Africa' and 'Putin's War on Ukraine: Russia's campaign for Global Counter-Revolution,' discusses the overarching narrative behind Russia's global resurgence and counter-revolutionary efforts. They delve into the ideological and pragmatic motivations of Vladimir Putin, Russia's historical sense of humiliation, and Putin's strategic alignment with global far-right movements. The conversation also covers the implications of a potential post-war period in Ukraine and the future of Russian imperialism in regions like the Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and South Caucasus. Through detailed analysis, Ramani elucidates the complexities of Russia's domestic politics, its international strategies, and the sociopolitical forces that sustain Putin's regime.----------CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Samuel Ramani and His Work00:21 Overview of Russia's Global Counter-Revolution02:06 Putin's Historical Ambitions and Russian Identity05:06 Russian Ideology and the Invasion of Ukraine08:50 Generational Divide in Support for the War13:40 Economic Stability and Rising Ultra-Nationalism20:46 Putin's Pragmatism vs. Ideology25:57 Reconciling Contradictions and Promoting Sovereign Democracy27:14 Russia's Multipolar World and Sovereignty Contradictions29:45 Russian Propaganda and Anti-Western Sentiment32:08 The Evolution of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict36:04 Russia's Global Influence and Counter-Revolutionary Strategy41:10 Putin's Grip on Power and Potential Threats44:54 The Future of Russian Aggression and Global Stability50:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------

Edition No246 | 14-09-2025 - When Russian drones violate Polish airspace and NATO in Europe scrambles, what does the American president post? If you read the headlines, you may get one version of reality – that decisive action is coming, it’s being planned, it’s almost here. If you peel away the normalization bias and sane washing, then it’s clear that nothing is happening, and nothing is likely to happen from US side that would deter Vladimir Putin. Trump will not defend you. Trump’s response to the unprecedented attack on Poland, Europe and NATO, he immediately turned around and delivered an ultimatum not to Russia, but to NATO itself. We’ll unpack why Donald Trump’s threats and conditions land on allies—not on Moscow—whenever Europe is tested, how the media “sane-washes” the noise into a tepid bath of normal, and why Europe must plan like the cavalry isn’t coming. Because it’s not. “The war in Ukraine would end if all NATO countries stopped buying oil from Russia,” Trump posted—calling those purchases “shocking” and saying they “greatly weaken your negotiating position.” (Sky News, Sept. 13, 2025). (Sky News)----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. General campaign progress:We are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2012 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAUTUMN HARVEST TRUCKS 2025. Part of our 2025 patch collection. Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive it.Everyone who contributes €100 (~$115) or more will be able to receive a limited collection pin.For €2,500 we will place your custom sticker on one side of a truck. The average cost of an armored pickup we deploy to the front-line is €11,000. If you contribute with that amount all the custom branding options will be yours. Plus you'll receive a personalized reporting about the truck, where it ends up as well as some surprise gifts from us.Thank you for your support. Together to our shared victory! https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: “The war in Ukraine would end if all NATO countries stopped buying oil from Russia… [their purchases are] 'shocking’.” — Sky News, Sept. 13, 2025“No, I would not protect you. In fact I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay.” — Trump recounting his message to a NATO leader (Reuters, Feb. 11–13, 2024)“U.S. [is] willing to impose new energy sanctions on Russia, but only if all NATO members also cease purchasing Russian oil.” — Reuters, Sept. 13, 2025Mattis resignation letter: “treating allies with respect” and being “clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors.” — DoD/PBS/Reuters, Dec. 20, 2018 (U.S. Department of War)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

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.” ----------Colin Freeman is a former chief foreign correspondent of The Sunday Telegraph, and is now a freelance foreign affairs journalist. He writes features, comment and book reviews for The Daily Telegraph, as well as for The Spectator, The Economist, and The National in Abu Dhabi. He contributes regularly to From Our Own Correspondent on BBC Radio Four and does media punditry on foreign affairs. He is also the author of three previous books: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: The mission to rescue the hostages the world forgot (2021). Kidnapped: Life as a Somali pirate hostage (2011) about the author’s own experience of being abducted in Somalia in 2008. And The Curse of the Al-Dulaimi Hotel and other half-truths from Baghdad (2008) is a book of reportage about post-Saddam Iraq.----------BOOKS: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: The mission to rescue the hostages the world forgot (2021)The Mad and the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine’s Foreign Legion (2025)Kidnapped (2011)----------LINKS:https://colinfreemansite.wordpress.com/about/https://x.com/colinfreeman99?lang=enhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/ck-co/colin-freeman/https://www.spectator.co.uk/writer/colin-freeman/https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-freeman-3a366217/https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B001KIFODOhttps://muckrack.com/colin-freeman----------DESCRIPTION: Unveiling 'The Mad and the Brave': Colin Freeman Talks Ukraine's Foreign LegionIn this episode, we sit down with Colin Freeman, former chief foreign correspondent for the Sunday Telegraph and a seasoned freelance journalist. Freeman discusses his latest book, 'The Mad and the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion,' which delves into the lives of foreign volunteers who have joined the fight in Ukraine. He shares insights from numerous interviews with volunteers, explores their motivations, and compares the conflict to historical precedents like the Spanish Civil War. The conversation also touches on the organizational challenges faced by the International Legion and the psychological toll on combatants. Additionally, the episode features recommendations and commentary on the documentary series 'Kyiv of Mine,' which aims to change perspectives on Ukraine beyond the war narrative. Watch as Freeman provides a detailed, humanizing look into one of the 21st century's most significant conflicts.----------