Edition No232 | 25-08-2025 - Russia's oil and gas industry, once a source of economic strength, an extraordinary economic and geopolitical weapons, has become a vulnerable spot, a real Achilles heel for the Russian economy, and for Putin’s war machine. Russia has a strategic problem: the main processing capacities are concentrated in the Western part of the country, while fuel consumption is rising in the Far East. Fuel logistics span thousands of kilometres, and now Kilometre-long queues in Primorye are forming of consumers and businesses needing to purchase fuel. Large refineries – from Kirishi to Volgograd – are within reach of Ukrainian drones. Fuel trains are being filmed, set alight by Ukrainian drones, such as the 'derailed' Russian fuel train in Zaporizhzhia. Local media reported that Ukrainian drones struck a Russian fuel train in the Donetsk region, causing nine of the train cars to catch on fire. The drone footage was stunning and compulsive viewing. The Flamingo missile threatens facilities previously considered out of reach. Putin has a problem. His elite are getting worried – and this concern is being mirrored in the US, nominally an ally of Ukraine, but the anger and anxiety of Trump are telling – many in the US administration don’t want to see Russia defeated. In that position, China and the US are aligned on outcomes. It’s grotesque, immoral, hypercritical, but all evidence points towards this inconvenient truth. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/putin-is-facing-a-fuel-crisis-as-ukraine-escalates-attacks-on-russian-refineries/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/22/ukraine-attacks-pipeline-that-sends-russian-oil-to-hungary-and-slovakiahttps://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-ukraine-viktor-orban-russia-oil-pipleline-drone/https://kyivindependent.com/drone-strikes-spark-fire-at-russian-gas-terminal-and-oil-refinery-media-reports/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4029060-ukraine-strikes-syzran-oil-refinery-in-russia-general-staff-confirms.htmlhttps://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/8/22/behind-indias-massive-russian-oil-imports-asias-richest-manhttps://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-prices-edge-up-traders-weigh-supply-risks-2025-08-25/https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/20/business/china-secures-russian-oil-orders-intl-hnkhttps://www.reuters.com/business/energy/parts-russia-face-gasoline-shortages-after-ukraine-struck-refineries-2025-08-21/----------TRUCK FUNDRAISER - GET A SILICON CURTAIN NAFO PATCH:Together with our friends at LIFT99 Kyiv Hub (the NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade), we are teaming up to provide 2nd Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you’re standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter: Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------

Edition No231 | 24-08-2025 - Once more, we are asking the same question we asked of Biden and Sullivan? Is U.S. policy tying Ukraine’s hands—not just inadvertently, but by design? Are we watching a strategic muddle, or calculated delay? Who’s Blocking Ukraine’s Offense Capabilities? Let’s start with the curious case of long‑range missiles—approved for purchase but not for use, potentially sold but shackled. According to The Kyiv Independent, Washington has approved the sale of 3,550 ERAM missiles—Extended‑Range Attack Munitions, with a range of 241 to 450 kilometres—but wait for it… their use inside Russian territory requires U.S. approval. That approval is rumoured to be withheld. It feels like we’re back in 2023-24. In other words, sold but not unleashed.” Profited from but not permitted to be used in the way they were designed. (The Kyiv Independent)Even more tellingly, a “review process” has quietly been imposed giving Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth authority to block Ukrainian long‑range strikes into Russia using U.S. weapons. The result: strikes potentially prevented for months. (The Kyiv Independent)Ynetnews adds: “The Pentagon has quietly barred Ukraine from using U.S.-made long-range ATACMS missiles to strike inside Russia for months,” and “on at least one instance, Ukraine requested permission … but was denied.” (ynetnews)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: https://kyivindependent.com/us-approves-sale-of-eram-missiles-to-ukraine-wsj-reports/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryrrjfutxxhttps://kyivindependent.com/pentagon-has-quietly-barred-ukrainian-long-range-strikes-in-russia-with-us-missiles-wsj-reports/https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/20/pentagon-minimal-security-guarantees-ukraine-00516856https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/08/politics/hegseth-did-not-inform-white-house-ukraine-weapons-pausehttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/05/hegseth-weapons-shipments-ukraine ----------TRUCK FUNDRAISER - GET A SILICON CURTAIN NAFO PATCH:Together with our friends at LIFT99 Kyiv Hub (the NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade), we are teaming up to provide 2nd Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you’re standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter: Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------

DW Phillips is a documentary filmmaker and constitutional attorney with Ukraine Story, a nonprofit foundation for journalism and documentary reporting in Ukraine. He and his documentary team have been filming conducting interviews in Ukraine with victims of Russian atrocities, and reporting stories of courage, defiance and perseverance of the Ukrainian people. He has reported on Russian atrocities in Bucha, and is presently working on issues of Kremlin disinformation campaigns in the American Right, religious liberty in Ukraine and the KGB domination of the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orrhodox Church. ----------Ronnie Apteker was born in South Africa and is a tech entrepreneur, writer and indie film maker. Ronnie came to live in Kyiv quite a few years ago and loves giving foreigners, and some locals, tours of the city.----------Ukraine deserves a better conversation in the world. 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.----------LINKS:https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojecthttps://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnie-apteker-88219371/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dw-p-59111859/https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineStory----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube’s algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Edition No229 | 22-08-2025 Moscow delivers a message to Trump, with drones and explosions, trauma and terror. Last night, in the stillness before dawn, Russia hurled hundreds of drones and dozens of projectiles across Ukraine, and hit an American-owned electronics plant in Mukachevo, far in the country’s west, near the EU border. Inside were hundreds of workers sheltering in place. By morning, the factory—owned by Texas-rooted, Singapore-registered Flex—was ablaze. This is an extraordinary act of aggression against US interests and investments. It’s an attack on Europe too, and the concept of European security. For over ten years, this is what Ukraine has had to get used to, - endless broken agreements by Russia, betrayals and deceptions. Every step towards peace and mediation is snuffed out by Russian violence. Now, slowly and hesitantly, the US is starting to understand. For Moscow, this is called it business as usual. Unfortunately, for the US and Donald Trump it comes as a surprise and a sock. It shouldn’t. The strike on US interests also seems to have forced a shift in Trump’s tone. For the first time ever, he posted that Ukraine must be allowed to “FIGHT BACK”, and he laid the blame for Ukraine having its hands tied in fighting back for 3 years against Russia at Biden’s door. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: ----------DESCRIPTION:Putin's Latest Act of Aggression: A Strike on US Interests in UkraineIn this episode of Silicon Bison, we explore Vladimir Putin's recent military aggression against an American-owned facility in Ukraine. The attack signifies a blatant challenge to US interests and European security, raising critical questions about Putin's motives. The discussion highlights the historical context of Russian actions, the shift in US political stances, particularly Trump's new tone, and what this means for future US-Russia relations. We also delve into the wider geopolitical implications, the role of China, and how Western leaders need to reassess their approach to Russian provocations to ensure global stability.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:49 Russian Aggression in Ukraine03:09 Putin's Strategic Objectives06:11 Trump's Response and Shift in Tone09:00 Implications for US and European Security21:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------TRUCK FUNDRAISER - GET A SILICON CURTAIN NAFO PATCH:Together with our friends at LIFT99 Kyiv Hub (the NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade), we are teaming up to provide 2nd Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you’re standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter: Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------

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: Putin's Unexpected Alaska Visit: Diplomatic Maneuvers, Economic Struggles, and PropagandaKonstantin from Inside Russia conducts an in-depth conversation discussing Putin's surprising trip to Alaska. The episode delves into the risks and optics of the visit, the impact on both Russian and American audiences, and the strategic aims behind the meeting. They analyze the broader implications, including the role of Russian propaganda, the domestic economic crises, and the future geopolitical landscape. The dialogue also covers Ukraine's military strategy and the shifting narratives within Russian society. Finally, they explore the systemic economic issues plaguing Russia, hidden behind crafted propaganda, and speculate on the potential internal consequences for Putin's regime.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:19 Discussing the Risks and Challenges02:12 Putin's Surprising Visit to Alaska07:28 Russian Propaganda and Public Perception12:37 Putin's Objectives and Negotiation Tactics17:02 The Outcome and Reactions24:12 Russia's Propaganda Victory24:23 Putin's Strategic Moves25:56 Nuclear Blackmail and Rumors29:16 Media Manipulation and Influence38:44 Economic Troubles in Russia45:46 Conclusion and Future Predictions----------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----------TRUCK FUNDRAISER - GET A SILICON CURTAIN NAFO PATCH:Together with our friends at LIFT99 Kyiv Hub (the NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade), we are teaming up to provide 2nd Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you’re standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter: Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------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 No228 | 20-08-2025 - So many of Putin’s publicly faithful minions are dropping like flies. Businessmen, oligarchs, apparatchiks, minigarchs and occasionally intelligence personnel. This compels us to ask the question, is everything ok Vova? Are you worried about something? Are people plotting behind your back? Are they whispering about you? Or does Putin need to push some people out of the way (permanently) to make way for more fervent or more brutal loyalists? We record this episode as another oligarch has just joined the great Kobzon concert (концерт Кобзона) in the sky, in what seems to be somewhat mysterious circumstances, yet again. In August 2025, Mikhail Kenin, co‑founder and largest shareholder of Samolet Group (29% holding) — Russia’s largest housing developer—died suddenly, aged 57. The company eulogized him: “Mikhail Borisovich was one of those people who leave their mark on the earth… endowed with natural talents… an excellent organiser…” (fakti.bg). But in Putin’s dictatorship, you should not believe in coincidences. Russia’s “vertical of power” operates without rule of law, without an impartial judiciary, without an independent legislature. This breeds a system steeped in theft, violence, and fear — eerily reminiscent of the lawless 1990s, but then the state was weak. Now we have lawlessness of the 90s combined with an overweening, powerful and paranoid state apparatus reminiscent of the 1930s. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: “Chekism” and KGB/FSB control over leadership (Wilson Center, Le Monde.fr, The New Yorker)Favarel‑Garrigues on anti‑corruption as elite discipline (Sciences Po)CSIS “Repression Trap” analysis of violence escalationWikipedia on ‘krysha’, crime in 1990s Russia Medvedev’s *A War Made in Russia*, mafia honor code ("ponyatiya") (Le Monde.fr)New Yorker on Kremlin-linked oligarchs and feudal orderMikhail Kenin: Fakti.bg, bne IntelliNews, AIMGROUP, UAWireAndrey Badalov: The Moscow Times, Echo, Global News, OilPriceRavil Maganov: Reuters, The Guardian, PoliticoMikhail Rogachev: Newsweek, The Times, RedditSergei Protosenya: RFERL, Business Insider, The Barents Observer, Economic TimesAvayev and Tyulyakov: Wikipedia, Reuters, Novaya Gazeta, MeduzaShulman, Melnikov, Watford: TheWeek, RFE, MeduzaAlexei Navalny: TIME, The Guardian, AP News, WSJSkripal: Wikipedia (Wikipedia)----------DESCRIPTION:The Brutal Reality of Russia's Power Structure: Oligarchs Falling Like FliesIn this gripping episode of Silicon Bites, we delve into the increasingly precarious position of Russia's elite under Putin's regime. Triggered by a recent mysterious death of a prominent businessman, we explore the systematic conditions leading to the sudden and suspicious deaths of numerous oligarchs, business leaders, and officials since the Ukraine war began. We analyze the vertical of power that sustains Putin's rule—a system devoid of rule of law and permeated by fear, loyalty, and corruption. By outlining several high-profile fatalities, we underscore the brutal enforcement of loyalty and the pervasive culture of kleptocratic governance. Join us as we paint a chilling picture of how power, corruption, and fear intertwine in today's Russia.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Context00:51 The Mysterious Deaths of Putin's Inner Circle02:11 Russia's Vertical of Power05:27 The Role of Corruption and Fear06:33 Historical Context: The 1990s to Now08:31 The Mafia Code and Governance11:30 Case Studies: Recent Deaths18:20 Conclusion: The Kremlin's Deadly Grip----------

Edition No227 | 19-08-2025 - Today’s episode focuses on security guarantees – Ukraine has been here before. The Budapest Memorandum threw Ukraine under the bus, stripping away its deterrent weapons, while offering illusory guarantees on security. These proved to be toothless and worthless when Russia invaded. 2025, and are we back to the same exercise of making false promises to Ukraine, as it continues to fact an existential threat to its existence. We ask what can genuinely deter Russian aggression, and do Western powers have the will and capacity to follow through on what is required. We explore the recent White House summit between Zelenskyy, European leaders, and Trump—focusing on, historical security pitfalls, deterrence theory and practice and the precarious path ahead.What does it really mean when Ukraine—and the world—seeks security guarantees in the shadow of shattered treaties and lies by Russia and a history of betrayal by Ukraine’s allies. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: The Guardian: “Wartime crisis meeting… Article 5‑like security guarantees” (The Washington Post)Term of “prepared and warmly engaging” (The Guardian)$90B weapons purchase, Article 5‑style and reassurance force (New York Post)Details on U.S. “very good protection” vagueness (ABC News)European Sky Shield (Wikipedia)Coalition of the willing from London Summit (Wikipedia)U.S.–Israel security assistance long-term model (U.S. Department of State)Budapest Memorandum context history (Wikipedia)Broken treaties and need for deterrence referenced across sources (Wikipedia)----------TRUCK FUNDRAISER - GET A SILICON CURTAIN NAFO PATCH:Together with our friends at LIFT99 Kyiv Hub (the NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade), we are teaming up to provide 2nd Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you’re standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter: Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------DESCRIPTION:Post-Summit Analysis: Security Guarantees for UkraineIn today's episode of Silicon Bites, we dive deep into the recent White House summit involving Zelenskyy, European leaders, and Donald Trump. This episode explores the pressing topic of security guarantees for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. We reflect on historical precedents like the Budapest Memorandum, discuss the implications of Article 5-like assurances, and compare potential security models to Israel's strategic support from the US. Key developments, such as Europe's $19 billion weapons package for Ukraine and proposed European-led reassurance forces, are analyzed. The discussion emphasizes the need for credible deterrents and proactive commitments from Western allies to support Ukraine effectively.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:24 Support and Contributions01:01 Focus on Security Guarantees01:04 Historical Context: Budapest Memorandum01:48 Recent White House Summit02:32 European and US Reactions03:55 Challenges and Ambiguities06:17 Comparing to Israel's Security Model12:00 Potential Security Measures for Ukraine13:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Implications----------

Edition No226 | 18-08-2025 - Oil and Omissions: the Alaska Summit and the Business of War. The curtain has dropped on the Alaska summit, but the analysis goes on – especially as there’s a sequel, in the meeting of Zelenskyy and European leaders with Trump in Washington today. But is it oil that greased the wheels of the Alaska summit, and not peace. But like it’s oil that is greasing the gears of war, but perpetuating the Kremlin’s war machine? We dive into oil deals, Kremlin ploys, and why this summit’s headline theme of peace may have in fact been a smokescreen for the real agenda – cut deals with Putin, agreed to lift sanctions, and push Ukraine into a disadvantageous and dangerous peace as quickly as possible. Could it be that both Trump and Putin need to rehabilitate the Russian regime as quickly as possible to get the black gold flowing as quickly as possible, as well as the dollars? War Rages in Kharkiv While the Alaska Summit Glitters with a false promise of fool’s gold. The noise of the summit had barely cooled, and already Kharkiv was aflame. On August 18, Russia unleashed drone and missile attacks that killed civilians—including children—just as America’s president boarded Air Force One. “Russia escalated… launching a major missile and drone attack that killed at least 10 civilians—including children…” (The Washington Post)Meanwhile, Zelensky warned: “Moscow is deliberately escalating attacks to undermine diplomatic efforts.” (The Guardian)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Washington Post, Reuters, AP coverage of post‑summit attacks on Kharkiv and summit context The Guardian on Putin’s Donbas demandsTIME on unchanged Russian objectives (The Washington Post)Summit outcome analysis: Alaska shift, vague peace focus (AP News)Reuters on oil price stabilization post-summit (Reuters)FT and Economist experts on Russian economy strain (Financial Times)Business Insider & Reuters on oil revenue drop and India tariffsOECD/Economics Observatory analysis on sanctions efficacy (Economics Observatory)Reuters on Exxon option for Sakhalin‑1 (Wikipedia)Byline Times/Forbes on Antarctic oil speculation ----------DESCRIPTION:The Alaska Summit: Oil, War, and Double StandardsIn this episode of Silicon Bites, we delve into the underlying motives and outcomes of the Alaska Summit. Was it really about peace, or was oil the driving force? The video examines the purported business deals, Kremlin strategies, and the political maneuvers surrounding the summit. We also cover recent escalation in Ukraine and how the war is being sustained by oil revenues. Trump and Putin's roles, the economic implications, and the moral double standards in the international community are highlighted. We discuss the critical importance of enforcing sanctions to cut off Russia's financial lifeline and end the war.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Gratitude00:40 The Real Agenda of the Alaska Summit01:55 Russia's Escalation and Ukraine's Struggle03:23 The Double Standards of the Summit05:43 Oil and Economic Warfare13:06 Ukraine's Counteroffensive on Oil14:30 Trump's Blame Game and Its Consequences----------