Silicon Curtain

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. ----------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/ ----------PLEASE HELP US GROW IN 2026! THANK YOU! This channel happens because of your support - The interviews, the news episodes and live events. And especially the trips to Ukraine that enable me to make videos on the ground, and connections that lead to better and more insightful conversations. We are looking to scale up operations next year, as Putin's aggression is not going away, and authoritarians align to attack democracies and rule-of-law worldwide. We want to take on a Social Media Manager to amplify the impact of the channel, and grow it faster. This role will be recruited in Ukraine, to help the wartime economy.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationhttps://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----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------DESCRIPTION:Analyzing the US Peace Process and Ukraine Conflict with General Ben HodgesIn this episode, David and Jonathan welcome General Ben Hodges, former Commander of US Army Europe, to explore the intricacies of the US administration's approach to the Ukraine conflict and peace process. The discussion covers the missteps by the US administration, the resilience and strategy of Ukraine, and the implications of various geopolitical maneuvers. They dive deeply into the current state of US-Russia relations, the role of European allies, and potential future outcomes. Additionally, the conversation touches on domestic US issues like federal law enforcement activities and the potential for martial law. The episode concludes with a look at ongoing support initiatives for Ukraine and reflections on the broader state of global democracy.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Initial Critique of the Peace Process00:27 Welcoming General Ben Hodges01:28 Discussion on the Performative Peace Process02:44 Analysis of US and European Roles in the Conflict07:25 Ukraine's Military Strategy and Innovations10:32 Support for the Channel and Future Plans12:42 Impact of Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Infrastructure18:26 Speculations on Russia's Future and Hybrid Warfare27:16 Discussing the Future of European Politics29:37 US Foreign Policy and Greenland34:11 Domestic Issues in America37:36 Military and Legal Implications42:08 International Relations and Consequences45:55 Optimism and Future Outlook51:47 Fundraising for Ukraine----------

2026-01-15 | UPDATES #100 | Sergey Karaganov appears on Tucker Carlson — it’s a match made in hell – and they talked about nuclear blackmail, Europe as the enemy, and how the Kremlin may be forced to save humanity and civilisation, by wiping out Europe in a nuclear firestorm. Yes, he said that. Sergey Karaganov — a long-time Moscow foreign-policy heavyweight and nuclear-escalation enthusiast — sat down with Tucker Carlson and did what Kremlin ideologues do best: talk about erasing Ukraine, recasting the war as Russia versus “evil Europe,” and then floated an escalatory ladder that ends in nuclear strikes on European states.And yes, he said the loud bit out even louder: “Europe will be taken away from the map of the humanity.” Let’s break down what he threatened, why Karaganov matters, but not in the way that he wants us to believe, and how this fits the Kremlin’s intimidation cycle — especially as it comes on the day when Trump (once more) publicly blamed Zelensky for stalled talks while Russia and kept on hitting Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure.----------SOURCES: Tucker Carlson interview transcript (The Singju Post, Jan 2026): Karaganov’s “map of humanity” line and UK/Germany targeting remarks. upday (UK edition, Jan 15, 2026): summary of Karaganov’s threat framing (note: page labels itself AI-generated). Reuters (Jan 15, 2026): Trump says Zelensky is holding up a deal; Zelensky responds reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to peace. Reuters & AP (Jan 15, 2026): Russia expels British diplomat; UK rejects claims as “malicious and baseless.” Reuters (Jan 9, 2026): Russian hypersonic strike near western Ukraine; nuclear-capable signaling context. Karaganov (Russia in Global Affairs, June 13, 2023): nuclear threshold / escalation argument.Carnegie (July 2023): analysis of Karaganov’s nuclear-attack advocacy and what it reveals.Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (Aug 2023): critique of Karaganov’s nuclear preemption logic.ASPI Strategist (June 2023): discussion of Russia’s nuclear rhetoric ecosystem and Karaganov’s role in it. HSE staff profile / SVOP context: Karaganov’s institutional positioning. ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

2026-01-14 | UPDATES #099 | Trump’s “Two Weeks Carousel” — the circular mechanics of performative pressure, the illusion of strength and purpose, when nothing is being done by the U.S. to compel Putin to the negotiating table in any serious sense. Today, how this political theatre buys Putin time to continue killing Ukrainians and scale up his genocidal ambitions to erase it as a nation. Here’s the structure of the appeasement loop that has been on repeat through 2025 and continues into 2026. Something is always about to happen but never does. When action is taken, it is performative and has little impact in bringing Russia to the negotiations table. Here are the six stages of Trump’s performative political theatre, the Jerk circle with Putin: Stage 1: Deal-making signalling, hollow optics and confidence theatreStage 2: Shift blame onto Ukraine, dunk on the victim, underplay their strengthStage 3: Russia lashes out — muted surprise, and disappointment, no action Stage 4: Deadline extensions and ultimatums – action threatened, always deferred Stage 5: Distraction, agenda drift, deliberate silence as the deadline expiresStage 6: Performative talks with Ukraine — repeat loop – process over pressure----------SOURCES: Reuters, Jan 14, 2026 — Kushner/Witkoff Moscow meeting report (Bloomberg) Reuters, Jan 14, 2026 — Lavrov rejects ceasefire-only talk as not serious Reuters, Jan 12, 2026 — UN civilian casualties up sharply in 2025 vs 2024; quotes from Danielle BellUN HRMMU, Jan 12, 2026 — Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict The Guardian, Feb 19, 2025 — Trump remarks blaming Ukraine (“You should have never started it…”) Sky News, Apr 14, 2025 — Trump remarks: “You don’t start a war…” Reuters, May 20, 2025 — Trump says sanctions could worsen things; “there could be a time…”Reuters, May 29, 2025 — reluctance on sanctions; Grassley social post urging stronger sanctions.Reuters, Aug 16, 2025 — Trump shifts away from ceasefire first; Truth Social “not a mere Ceasefire Agreement” Reuters, Aug 22, 2025 — renewed “two weeks” sanctions threatEuronews, Sept 2, 2025 — “two more weeks” reality-check analysis Reuters, Aug 5, 2025 — Kremlin sources: Putin doubts potency of ultimatum; sanctions seen as manageable Chatham House, July 15, 2025 — analysis arguing deadlines without costs give Putin more timeUN Ukraine, Aug 13, 2025 — July 2025 three-year monthly high in civilian casualties ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

2026-01-13 | UPDATES #098 | Drones hit Greek-managed oil tankers near Russia’s Black Sea CPC terminal – that is Caspian Pipeline Consortium — today, “kinetic sanctions” and the Russian grey-fleet’s endgame. Early Tuesday January 13, 2026, multiple reports said four Greek-managed oil tankers had been hit by drones near Russia’s key Black Sea loading point for Kazakh crude — the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal at Yuzhnaya Ozereyevka, near Novorossiysk. (The Straits Times)But as the day went on, the picture sharpened, and the confirmed story became both narrower and more serious: two tankers were struck — Delta Harmony and Matilda — with industry and government confirmations, and with two other “hit” claims later disputed. (gCaptain)----------SOURCES: Reuters (via gCaptain), Jan 13, 2026 — confirmed strikes, ship identities, company statements, Kazakhstan output impact, revisions on “four tankers” claims. Reuters, Jan 13, 2026 — two tankers awaiting loading hit near CPC terminal (Delta Harmony; Matilda). Reuters, Jan 13, 2026 — Black Sea war-risk insurance rates jump; insurer/ broker quotes; rate levels and review cadence. The Astana Times, Jan 13, 2026 — KazMunayGas statement on Matilda: explosion without fire; seaworthiness; loading date. Tengrinews (KazMunayGas statement), Jan 13, 2026 — additional verbatim KMG phrasing and loading schedule. The Maritime Executive, Jan 13, 2026 — contextual reporting; notes on non-sanctioned status vs shadow fleet; CPC constraints. Kazakhstan Energy Ministry confirmation (reported by TASS), Jan 13, 2026. CPC official press release, Nov 29, 2025 — prior terminal attack and mooring damage. Reuters, Nov 29, 2025 — Ukraine strike on shadow-fleet tankers Kairos and Virat. AP, Nov 29, 2025 — background on Ukraine naval-drone strikes on shadow fleet near Turkey. Reuters, Dec 10, 2025 — Ukraine disables sanctioned tanker Dashan with sea drones. Investing.com analysis, Jan 13, 2026 — immediate oil-price reaction (citing Reuters reporting).----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

Silicon Bites Ep284 | 2026-01-13 | Power has been restored in Berlin after the longest blackout since World War Two. An extraordinary coincidence, or the dress rehearsal for something far more threatening? In this episode we try to imagine the inconceivable – a moment when Russia, in the depths of hubris, desperation and resentment – launches a full-scale hybrid war on the continent, unleashing Europe’s Hybrid Pearl Harbor. Was the attack on Berlin a dress rehearsal?Berlin went dark — tens of thousands of homes, freezing temperatures, and a city reminded that modern life depends on a handful of chokepoints – light, heat, food, transportation. Authorities say it was deliberate. The question is bigger than who lit the match – because those who are paying attention, will conclude that Russia was directly or indirectly behind it: but what does this tell us about Europe’s exposure to hybrid war — especially as Russia’s conventional war in Ukraine grinds, and Moscow looks for cheaper ways to impose pain, and to deter Europe from defending Ukraine, and even from defending themselves?----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters — Berlin blackout investigation and officials’ statements (Jan 4, 2026). Reuters — Power restoration and context on prior outages (Jan 7, 2026). Associated Press — Blackout scale, claim of responsibility, prosecutor takeover (Jan 2026).Washington Post — Infrastructure vulnerability analysis (Jan 10, 2026). Reuters — Suspected arson attack affecting ~50,000 households (Sept 9, 2025). Reuters — Dutch military intelligence warning on rising hybrid threat (Apr 22, 2025). EU Council/Consilium — EU statement condemning Russia’s persistent hybrid campaigns (Jul 18, 2025). European Commission / EEAS — von der Leyen speech text including “hybrid warfare” framing (Oct 8, 2025). Reuters — EU response framing and quotes from von der Leyen (Oct 8, 2025). Reuters — Lithuania: prosecutors accuse Russian military intelligence in IKEA arson case (Mar 17, 2025).Reuters — Poland railway sabotage case and response measures (Nov 24, 2025). Guardian / FT — Europol framing on criminal proxies and hybridized organized crime (Mar 18, 2025).European Parliament / Euronews / Defense News — GNSS/GPS interference reporting and policy attention (2025). RUSI — “Time for Putin’s 2026 Hybrid Escalation” (Dec 19, 2025). Reuters — Baltic maritime incident context (Dec 31, 2025). ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

The podcast dives into the strategic significance of Transnistria, framing it as a troubled garrison and a propaganda tool for Russia. It reveals how Ukraine and Moldova enacted a quiet but powerful blockade, cutting off supply routes without conflict. The host questions the hype around this blockade, noting that supply lines have been deteriorating. It also touches on Moldova's shift towards EU-aligned customs and Gazprom's energy cutoff, which have amplified Transnistria's economic struggles and weakened Moscow’s influence in the region.

Devin Woodall, a dedicated photojournalist and documentarian, shares insights from his long-term reporting in wartime Ukraine. He discusses systemic gaps in Western media and the challenges of covering frontline stories. Devin emphasizes the importance of human-centered storytelling to foster empathy and engagement. He reveals the increasing risks of modern warfare, including drone threats and innovative battle management systems. Highlighting civic resilience, he details grassroots efforts supporting communities amid the conflict.

2026-01-11 | UPDATES #096 | The most serious, system-level legitimacy crisis has hit the regime in Iran, since the revolution of 1979. It’s not yet toppled – but is potentially close – and all the ingredients are present for a full-scale revolution. And amidst the massive protests and confrontations, the country has gone dark. The Islamic Republic has hit the switch — cutting internet and communications as protests spread, strikes deepen, and the regime signals it’s ready to escalate into lethal repression. Hospitals in numerous towns are reported to be overflowing as the regime turns viscous and murderous. This is not just another flare-up but is radically different in character. The greatest stress-test the regime of the Mullahs in Tehran has faced since the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising—and some analysts now argue Iran meets most of the classic conditions for a successful revolution. In today’s episode: what we know, what we can verify, why this time might be different — and why a collapsing Iranian theocracy would be a strategic catastrophe for Putin’s Russia. The regime in Tehran is paranoid, not unlike the Kremlin, and as predicted, the military accused foreign “enemies” of fueling the unrest and urged civilians to stay vigilant against so-called “enemy plots”. Few seem to be falling for this false narrative though. ----------SOURCES: Reuters, “Iran authorities signal intensified crackdown as unrest grows,” 10 Jan 2026. The Atlantic, Sadjadpour & Goldstone, “Is the Iranian Regime About to Collapse?” 10 Jan 2026.AP, “Iran warns against US strikes; protest death toll reaches 203,” 11 Jan 2026. Amnesty International, “Internet shutdown hides violations in escalating deadly crackdown,” 9 Jan 2026. Reuters, “Nationwide internet blackout reported in Iran as protests persist,” 8 Jan 2026. TechCrunch, “Internet collapses in Iran amid protests,” 8 Jan 2026.IranWire, “Shuttered Bazaars and Heavy Security Mark Day 12,” 9 Jan 2026. The Guardian, “Iranian security forces clash with protesters at Tehran’s grand bazaar,” 6 Jan 2026.AP, “Security forces clash with protesters… as toll rises,” 6 Jan 2026.UNData (Iran country indicators—age distribution), latest table. CIA World Factbook (Iran median age, 2025 est.). Reuters (background), Russia–Iran strategic partnership and nuclear cooperation reporting (2025). ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

2026-01-10 | UPDATES #095 | Russia grey fleet transporting illicit oil to keep its war machine ticking over, is becoming the Apocalypse Fleet – a transportation route for covert intelligence operations, military equipment and gear for dictatorial regimes, and potentially illegal nuclear materials, as well as platforms for launching hybrid operations against Russia’s adversaries. It must be stopped. Europe’s front line is not only in the trenches of Donbas and air defence batteries around Kyiv and Odesa, Dnipro and Kharkiv. It is also sea lanes, chokepoints, and the floating junkyards we politely call Russia’s “commercial shipping” lifeline, the grey fleet tankers crawling the globe. “The Apocalypse Fleet” or Russia’s ‘shadow’ fleet is not just a sanctions-evasion machine for illicit oil. The newest reporting and enforcement actions point to something bigger and uglier: a maritime ecosystem that can move contraband, enable hybrid operations, and — at minimum — create plausible cover for weapons shipments and sensitive technology transfers across an emerging global authoritarian network. Surely the rules of free maritime passage do not apply if Russia is at war with us, and using its fleet as floating bases to launch operations? ----------SOURCES: InformNapalm (Jan 2026): investigation alleging contraband links tied to “Vostok-Akhmat / 291st regiment” and shadow-fleet logistics Reuters (Jan 8–9, 2026): reporting on US/UK-supported seizure of the Marinera and subsequent developments The Guardian (Jan 8, 2026): tankers under US sanctions transiting the English Channel; UK framing of shadow-fleet disruption The Guardian / Lloyd’s List analysis (Jan 8, 2026): shadow-fleet vessels reflagging to Russia Reuters (Jan 2, 2026): Finland cable-breach investigation update Reuters analysis (Jan 2026): Baltic maritime incidents and the hybrid-security framing EU Council (Dec 18, 2025): sanctions on additional shadow-fleet vessels; explicit reference to military-equipment transport and undersea infrastructure threats Reuters (Nov 18, 2024): EU sanctions on Iranian shipping; allegations of transporting UAV/missile-related tech and Caspian transfers Reuters (Feb 21, 2024): claims of Iranian missile shipments to Russia, including by ship via the Caspian Reuters (Jun 2023): US declassified assertion of Iranian UAVs shipped across the Caspian to Russia Reuters graphics (Apr 2025): OSINT tracking of repeated North Korea-to-Russia munitions shipments by sea Reuters (Apr 2024): satellite imagery and moorage claims re vessel tied to DPRK–Russia arms transfers ----------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----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

David DeBatto is host of the ‘No Delusion Zone’ podcast @NoDelusionZone is a retired U.S. Army Counterintelligence Special Agent, a geopolitical analyst, writer, and podcaster. David is an Iraq war veteran who served as Team Leader of a Tactical Human Intelligence Team (THT) in operations within Iraq and is also a former police officer. David is considered too conservative for the progressive left and too independent minded for the radical right and seeks to challenge political dogma and the naked self-interest of politicians. ----------LINKS:@NoDelusionZone https://www.protectingtherepublic.com/podcasthttps://x.com/ddebattohttps://www.kyivpost.com/authors/743----------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----------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----------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/----------