Épisodes

  • BREAKING: New Confrontation - Russia Militarises the English Channel
    Jan 27 2026

    2026-01-27 | UPDATES #114 | Russian warships escort “grey fleet” vessels through the English Channel — a confrontation in the making?A sanctioned oil tanker is boarded in the Mediterranean. Days later, a Russian warship escorts an oil tanker through the English Channel — with NATO watching every meter of water. This is a potential flashpoint, sanctions enforcement colliding with Russian naval deterrence, Putin running maritime cover for the operations of his illegal oil export trade.Today’s news flash is about the English Channel — and a major challenge for NATO planners: Russia is pairing its oil-linked shipping with naval escorts, and the West is inching toward more assertive enforcement against the “shadow” or “grey” fleet that bankrolls the war.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters (Jan 23, 2026): UK Royal Navy shadows Boikiy and MT General Skobelev through the English Channel. Royal Navy (Jan 23, 2026): Official operational account + statements from Al Carns and ship/aircrew. Reuters (Jan 22, 2026): UK support for French operation to board tanker Grinch; Healey quote on shadow fleet priority. Reuters (Jan 22, 2026): France intercepts Grinch; Macron and Zelenskyy X-post quotes; legal framing under UNCLOS; diversion for investigation. AP (Jan 22–25, 2026): French interception and subsequent detention/questioning of Grinch captain; investigative steps. The Maritime Executive (Jan 2026): “Heightened scrutiny” around General Skobelev transit; Kelin quote; UK enforcement posture signals. UK Government (Jan 7, 2026): Healey statement on shadow fleet, sanctions count, and enforcement framing (background). Hansard (UK Parliament, Jan 19, 2026): Parliamentary language tying shadow fleet transits to wider threat perception (background). ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

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    10 min
  • BREAKING - Wild Rumours of Coup in China as Top Military Leadership Purged
    Jan 26 2026

    2026-01-26 | UPDATES #113 | “Treason” in the PLA? Xi’s unprecedented purge — corruption, loyalty, and coup rumours. Today’s story is not “just another corruption scandal” in China. This is the Chinese Communist Party reaching up into the absolute top of the People’s Liberation Army — right into the room where war plans live — and yanking out two senior figures in one move. Top figures in fact. Beijing’s official language is clipped. The implications are not. China’s defence ministry says it has opened investigations into General Zhang Youxia — a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, effectively the uniformed number two under Xi Jinping — and General Liu Zhenli, a CMC member and chief of the Joint Staff Department. The stated reason: “suspected serious violations of discipline and law.” (Reuters)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Xinhua: Defence ministry announcement (Jan 24, 2026). Xinhua / PLA Daily editorial summary (Jan 24, 2026). Reuters: Investigation details and context on PLA purges (Jan 24, 2026). Associated Press: Overview and recent purge timeline (Jan 24, 2026).Financial Times: Loyalty framing and “authority” angle (Jan 25, 2026). Washington Post: Scale of upheaval and command implications (Jan 25, 2026).Wall Street Journal: Reported additional allegations (unconfirmed by PRC statement) South China Morning Post: “Party purity” framing and political timing (Jan 25, 2026). Official explainer of the “CMC Chairperson Responsibility System” (SCIO, background).Reuters (background): Li Shangfu/Wei Fenghe expulsions (Jun 2024) and 2027 readiness reporting (Feb 2023). German Marshall Fund (background): Rocket Force shakeup (Aug 2023). Andrew Erickson (analysis aggregation; includes translated/linked primary text). Sinocism (analysis; discussion of messaging speed and implications). ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

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    16 min
  • 935. Trump was Trumped on Greenland - But for How Long?!
    Jan 26 2026

    Livestream with Yuri Rashkin----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyslhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/-----------


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    52 min
  • The Worst of us at Davos - From Restrained Superpower to Predatory Empire
    Jan 24 2026

    2026-01-24 | UPDATES #112 | Davos: The Heckle-Fest—and the Cost of America’s New Posture. Trump’s Gangster Shakedown in Europe. Davos is usually a place where elites congratulate each other for “dialogue,” then fly home in private jets to continue not doing not enough, or to vigorously pursue inaction. This week, though, Davos did something rare: it heckled. And it heckled America — specifically the Trump administration’s new habit of treating allies like adversaries, of turning geopolitics into ritual humiliation, and turning diplomacy into a reality show elimination round. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters — Lutnick heckled at Davos dinner hosted by BlackRock’s Fink (Jan 21, 2026). Financial Times — Lutnick dinner incident / Lagarde walkout reporting (summarized in Reuters/People) (Jan 20–21, 2026). People — Al Gore reaction; DOC pushback; “energy policy is insane” quote (Jan 21, 2026).Reuters — Bessent: “Denmark itself… is irrelevant”; Macron swipe; “deep breath” (Jan 21, 2026).Reuters — Europe leaders in Davos; Macron “respect to bullies”; De Wever red lines; Busch “stroking the cat”; Zelensky X post reference (Jan 20, 2026). Reuters — Trump: “big retaliation… we have all the cards”; “total access”; “no cost” (Jan 22, 2026).World Economic Forum — Official Davos transcript excerpts (“piece of ice,” “won’t use force,” “daddy”) (Jan 21, 2026). Reuters — “Trump whisperer” Rutte; lavish praise strategy; analysts on psychology and compromise (Jan 22, 2026). RFE/RL — Witkoff “end now… optimistic”; “down to one issue”; Zelensky “Groundhog Day” framing (Jan 22, 2026). ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

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    18 min
  • 931. Putin Regime on a Precipice - Senseless War Brings Russian Economy to Edge
    Jan 24 2026

    Anna Danylchuk has been creating a war diary since the early days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022. Anna Danylchuk aims to tell the truth about Ukraine and Russia’s war and cut through the noise and propaganda. Anna is passionate about the beauty and independence of her country, and communicates this powerfully in her videos, in a clear and honest way.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------LINKS: @AnnafromUkraine https://www.buymeacoffee.com/annafromukraineMy interview with Anna in Lviv - hosted on her excellent channel- https://youtu.be/daHcnsNQ1S0?si=yHbZ2kJZ3CTVRd8Z----------The Steel Porcupine https://www.thesteelporcupine.com/I’m proud to say that this series of ‘Ukrainian advent’ interviews is supported by The Steel Porcupine – a unique and powerful film about a country that refuses to lie down, a people who turned themselves into a fortress of needles when Russian tanks rolled in. The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail. It follows soldiers, volunteers and people who decided that survival meant resistance, not submission.Created by the makers of the acclaimed To the Zero Line, this is another film about humanity, that clearly states there is no such thing as neutrality when war crimes are being committed systematically by Russia, and on a scale in Europe only comparable to World War Two. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass, and blending rare archival footage with original material, it is an impactful work of art and storytelling, as well as being informative.----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------DESCRIPTION: Facing Russian Aggression: A Deep Dive with Anna Duk on Ukraine's ResilienceJoin Jonathan as he hosts Anna Danylchuk, an influential voice from Ukraine, discussing the impact of the harsh winter and Russia's persistent aggression. They explore Russian propaganda, the mechanics of the war, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Anna vividly describes the drastic weather conditions and how they are leveraged by Russia to weaken Ukrainian resolve. Jonathan and Anna analyze Russia's internal issues, including economic mismanagement and public dissent, and the resilience and self-organization of the Ukrainian populace. This dialogue uncovers the broader geopolitical implications, including NATO's role, and the parallels with historical collapses of empires. Anna provides insights into potential scenarios of Russia's future and highlights the importance of accurate information and strategic responses from the international community.----------

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    1 h et 4 min
  • 933. Oligarchs Asset Stripping Russia - They Know Regime Could Fall Soon!
    Jan 24 2026

    Jason Jay Smart is a political adviser who has lived and worked in Ukraine, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Latin America. Due to his work with the democratic opposition to Vladimir Putin, Smart was made persona non grata for life by Russia in 2010. Jason is a Special Correspondent at the Kyiv Post. It’s the state of US support for Ukraine that we will discuss today.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------LINKS:https://jasonjaysmart.com/ https://www.kyivpost.com/authors/5 https://americanpoliticalservices.com/https://www.facebook.com/jasonjaysmarthttps://twitter.com/officejjsmart ----------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/----------


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    1 h et 2 min
  • Zelenskyy Tears into Europe for Inadequacy in the Face of Russia's Aggression
    Jan 23 2026

    2026-01-23 | UPDATES #111 | Zelensky blasts Europe’s inaction, in a fiery speech at Davos, as Russia “weaponizes winter” cutting power, light and heat to millions of Ukrainians, in the depth of the worst winter the country has seen in decades. Has the enemy’s “energy genocide” broken his diplomatic posture? Is he justified in calling out the hubris, complacency and lack of urgency amongst Ukraine’s allies – inaction that is contributing to Ukraine ‘bleeding out’ on the home front and the front lines, in a way that is entirely preventable? In this episode, we ask if there is any difference in terms of substance between Vance who screamed to Zelenskyy’s face, in the Oval Office, about not showing gratitude and being disrespectful, and between the European diplomats, analysts and journalists, that say the same, but in muted tones and behind Ukraine’s back. How are the discrete murmurings of disapproval from certain quarters in Europe, hinting at Zelenskys’s inappropriate tone, and unseemly directness, really difference from what Vance said, in terms of substance? Those same diplomats and politicians will say there is all the difference in the world – but it’s rank hypocrisy and hubris, revealing a lack of imagination and leadership. Because these are the same sentiments, that same self-righteous wounded pride on display, the same manipulations of narratives and sentiments, designed to reinforce the idea that Ukraine is a second-tier ally, and how dare they speak out at our generosity that enables them to bleed on, but not win, stay in the fight to keep the Russian horde from our doorstep, but not to achieve victory. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters — Davos: Quotes from Zelensky’s speech criticising Europe (Jan 22, 2026). AP — Zelensky says warnings feel like “Groundhog Day,” criticises Europe (Jan 22, 2026). Time — Zelensky rebukes Europe, urges leaders to “act now” (Jan 22, 2026). Euronews — Kyiv heat/power outages; Zelensky says ~4,000 buildings without heat, ~60% without electricity (Jan 21–22, 2026 update). Reuters — Ukraine endures harsh winter as Russia targets heating and power; Kyiv mayor on intent to break spirit (Jan 21, 2026). NATO — Secretary General Rutte remarks at Davos: “as we speak” strikes continue; warning about losing focus (Jan 21, 2026). UN / DPPA — UN rights chief calls strikes “cruel” and a violation of international law (Jan 2026).EEAS — von der Leyen statement referencing energy attacks leaving “millions” in cold/darkness; European financing (Jan 2026). UK Government — £20m accelerated support for Ukraine energy infrastructure (Jan 2026).Reuters + AP — France intercepts suspected Russian “shadow fleet” tanker; Macron statement on X (Jan 22, 2026). Anadolu Agency — Full transcript excerpt of Trump–Zelensky–Vance Oval Office exchange (“Have you said thank you?”) (Feb 28, 2025). ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

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    18 min
  • 934. Regime ENDING Economic Pressures are Building - Why Putin is in Trouble!
    Jan 22 2026

    Jake Broe is a United States Air Force veteran who served for six years as a Nuclear and Missile Operations Officer. But you may know him better as one of the most prominent voices on YouTube throughout the war, someone with absolute moral clarity about who the victim of the war is – spoilers, it’s Ukraine – and who brings direct military experience to his detailed analysis of the unfolding conflict. Do please subscribe to his channel for videos updates on the war in Ukraine as well as conversations with engaging speakers, expert guests, and other YouTubers.----------SUPPORT SILICON CURTAIN FILMING IN KYIV JAN-26:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------THIS IS AN URGENT REQUEST!I'm heading back to Kyiv in a week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. If you can, please help to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. ----------LINKS: @JakeBroe https://www.youtube.com/@JakeBroe https://twitter.com/RealJakeBroehttps://www.instagram.com/jakebroe/https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jakebroehttps://www.patreon.com/join/jakebroe----------DESCRIPTION: Analyzing the Russian Economy and Geopolitical Tensions: An Interview with Jake Broe. In this episode, we sit down with Jake Broe, a U.S. Air Force veteran and prominent YouTube voice, to discuss the intricacies of the Russian economy, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the broader geopolitical landscape as we approach 2026. We explore how Russia's declining oil and gas revenue impacts its war efforts, the misinformation within the Russian system, and the global rise of authoritarianism. Additionally, we delve into the challenges facing Western democracies and the critical role of social media in shaping public opinion and influencing political outcomes. Join us for an in-depth analysis of today's most pressing international issues and the fight for democracy and resilience.----------CHAPTERS:01:27 Jake's Analysis on Russia's War Economy02:41 Impact of Sanctions on Russia06:23 Putin's Reality vs. Ground Truth09:38 Ukraine's Resilience and Global Support18:17 Historical Context and Modern Parallels27:48 Putin's Motivation and the Threat of NATO28:47 The Success of Post-Soviet States29:52 The Importance of Democracy and Capitalism31:39 Russia's Technological and Economic Stagnation33:22 The Role of Innovation and Legal Protections37:37 Ukraine's Strategic Response to Russian Aggression41:51 The Global Threat of Far-Right Movements48:02 The Role of Social Media in Modern Politics53:33 The Future of Global Democracy and Cooperation----------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/----------


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    58 min