Silicon Curtain

Here at Dzyga’s Paw Charity Fund, we understand that the work of this scale can’t be accomplished alone. The collaboration shared vision, and collective efforts of dedicated Ukrainian and foreign businesses and individuals enable us to make a lasting impact on the lives of Ukrainian Heroes protecting our freedom.----------LINKS:https://x.com/dzygaspawhttps://x.com/dim0kqhttps://dzygaspaw.com/triad-night-droneshttps://kovyla.pub/dimko----------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.----------WORKS NOMINATED BY: Iryna Zhluktenko & Yelyzaveta BryzhakBOOKSIvan Bahrianyi - The Hunters and the Hunted⁠⁠FILMSDmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk - Pamfir (2022)Maryna Er Gorbach - Klondike (2022)Borys Ivchenko - The Lost Letter (1972)ARTISTS Yakiv Yakovych Hnizdovsky----------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/----------

Silicon Bites Ep280 | 2025-12-23 | Is Putin losing his grip? His press event last week has generated reams of commentary – and from those not well disposed towards him, the verdict has been brutal. In this episode we cover his “Results of the Year” press spectacle, the glitches, the gaslighting, the challenging questions, or rather lack of them — and the regime’s widening reality gap.----------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 (Dec 19, 2025): Rogue texts, aliens and a marriage proposal - welcome to Vladimir Putin's phone-in - https://www.reuters.com/world/sarcastic-messages-flash-up-big-screen-russias-putin-speaks-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025): Russian central bank cuts key rate to 16% as Putin speaks - https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/russian-central-bank-cuts-key-rate-16-putin-speaks-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025): Russia's Putin says cooling of economy in 2025 is a 'conscious' decision - https://www.reuters.com/business/russias-putin-says-cooling-economy-2025-is-conscious-decision-2025-12-19/AP News (Dec 19, 2025): Putin tells his annual news conference that the Kremlin's military goals in Ukraine will be met - https://apnews.com/article/39fd3f2670227545a6f9e684038ed59dThe Washington Post (Dec 19, 2025): Putin says Europe out of step with an increasingly Moscow-friendly U.S. - https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/12/19/russia-putin-callin-show-ukraine-peace/----------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----------

Liubov Velychko is a Ukrainian investigative journalist with over 15 years of experience uncovering corruption, crime, and human rights violations. She Specializes in exposing disinformation campaigns, and has conducted numerous investigations into Russian propaganda, revealing the networks behind its spread and dismantling the information operations orchestrated by Russian intelligence agencies.----------LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/v-press/ https://www.rusi.org/people/velychkohttps://x.com/VelychkoLiubovhttps://www.occrp.org/en/people/lyubov-velychkohttps://mind.ua/en/author/1158-liubov-velychko----------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 ----------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/----------

Silicon Bites Ep279 | 2025-12-22 | Moscow car bomb kills Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov: the covert war moves deeper into Russia. At least most analysts are suggesting this was a hit by Ukraine’s fearsome intelligence services. But was it? Sarvarov may have had many more enemies than Ukraine only. This was not a drone strike at the front. This is a car bomb in Moscow — an operation in the capital — taking out a serving Russian lieutenant general, in daylight, on a weekday morning. It’s the latest sign that the war Russia started in Ukraine is now fully metastasising into a shadow conflict on Russian soil.----------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 — “Car bomb kills Russian general in Moscow, investigators say” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-general-killed-car-bomb-moscow-investigators-say-2025-12-22/Associated Press — “Russian general killed by bomb under his car in Moscow” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://apnews.com/article/73413ae5936609832f706ab26f864b3cFinancial Times — “Russian general killed in Moscow car bomb” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://www.ft.com/content/2976e516-262b-4ac8-b99d-b2c7cc93ef95The Guardian — “Russian general Fanil Sarvarov killed by car bomb in Moscow, investigators say” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/22/russian-general-fanil-sarvarov-killed-car-bomb-moscow-investigators-sayMeduza — “Russian general killed by car bomb in Moscow” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://meduza.io/en/news/2025/12/22/russian-general-killed-by-car-bomb-in-moscowKyiv Independent — “High-ranking Russian general killed after car bombing in Moscow…” (Dec 22, 2025) - https://kyivindependent.com/high-ranking-russian-general-killed-after-car-bombing-in-moscow-russia-cites-possible-ukrainian-involvement/----------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----------

Lesia Ogryzko is a visiting fellow with the Wider Europe programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations. She leads a Ukrainian think-tank on security and defence, Sahaidachnyi Security Center, and is board member of Ukraine’s biggest expert coalition on the country’s reconstruction, RISE Ukraine. Previously, Ogryzko served as international civil servant across the UN system, dealing with human rights and the coordination of UN agencies in Ukraine. She also worked for the Ukrainian government on the implementation of reforms, including in public administration for the cabinet of ministers’ reforms delivery office. She is also the co-founder of several civic initiatives, as well as the Ukrainian office of the humanitarian international NGO Save the Children. Prior to that, Ogryzko worked for the Spanish think-tank FRIDE, researching international affairs. She is the author of numerous publications in international media on the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine’s reconstruction, and the country’s civil society.Ogryzko holds an MA in international relations and security studies from the Institute of international relations at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and an MA in European public affairs from the Maastricht University, the Netherlands.----------LINKS:https://ecfr.eu/profile/lesia-ogryzko/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesia-ogryzko-33285163/https://x.com/ogryzko_lhttps://ecfr.eu/profile/lesia-ogryzko/type/media/https://defence.org.ua/en/tag/lesia-ogryzko/----------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.----------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/----------

Silicon Bites Ep278 | 2025-12-21 | Russia has lost myriad aircraft and helicopters over Ukraine, in combat and on the ground in strikes, but it takes a very different kind of event to really grab the world’s headlines. And the last Antonov An-22 “Antei” heavy military transport, breaking apart and falling out of the sky is just such a headline grabbing event. The An-22 heavy military transport is a Soviet-era aircraft, incredibly rare – in fact this was the last of its type that was considered airworthy. It broke apart mid-flight and crashed in Russia’s Ivanovo region. And the implications go well beyond one wreck in a reservoir.----------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 (Dec 9, 2025) — Russian military transport plane crashes northeast of Moscow with seven on board - https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-military-transport-plane-crashes-northeast-moscow-with-seven-board-state-2025-12-09/Reuters (Dec 9, 2025) — Crew killed in crash of Russian An-22 military plane - https://www.reuters.com/world/crew-killed-crash-russian-an-22-military-plane-2025-12-09/UNITED24 Media (Dec 15, 2025) — Video shows Russia’s last An-22 military giant breaking apart mid-air - https://united24media.com/latest-news/video-shows-russias-last-an-22-military-giant-breaking-apart-mid-air-14280The War Zone (Dec 9, 2025) — There’s likely no way back for Russia’s An-22 heavy transports after fatal crash - https://www.twz.com/air/theres-likely-no-way-back-for-russias-an-22-turboprop-heavy-transports-after-fatal-crashEuromaidan Press (Dec 19, 2025) — Analysis tying the crash to broader VKS/industry degradationhttps://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/19/russias-last-heavy-transport-plane-an-22-crash-signals-vks-decline/RUSI (PDF) — Vulnerabilities in Sukhoi Production: Clipping Russia’s Wings (Staykov & Watling)https://static.rusi.org/vulnerabities-in-sukhoi-production.pdfReuters (Aug 8, 2025) — Russia’s struggle to build commercial jets reflects deeper industrial malaisehttps://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/russias-struggle-build-commercial-jets-reflects-deeper-industrial-malaise-2025-08-08/Defense Express (Sep 3, 2025) — Il-76MD-90A delivery/production discussion - https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/what_is_going_on_with_russian_transport_aircraft_production_if_the_first_il_76md_90a_of_the_year_has_been_delivered_only_now-15691.html----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

Iryna, the leader of the Dzyga’s Paw charity, and Dimka, an active-duty Ukrainian soldier and drone pilot, share their compelling experiences. Iryna highlights their transparent donor reporting system that builds trust. Dimka discusses the rapid innovations in drone warfare and how tech has transformed military strategies. Both express gratitude for global support, sharing heartwarming stories of solidarity from foreign donors. They explore the resilience of Ukrainians fighting against overwhelming odds and recommend impactful cultural works reflecting Ukraine's spirit.

Silicon Bites Ep277 | 2025-12-20 | “Russia’s Army Is Exhausted” — we examine some major articles that have come out that claim the Russian army is reaching a significant point of degradation in morale, cohesion and effectiveness. We unpack what that claim means, what the evidence is, and what it changes.----------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:Euromaidan Press (Opinion) — Liubov Tsybulska, “I’ve monitored Russian soldiers for 3.5 years. The system is finally cracking” (Dec 14, 2025) - https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/14/ive-monitored-russian-soldiers-for-3-5-years-the-system-is-finally-cracking/Euromaidan Press — “ISW: Russia’s army can’t sustain multi-pronged offensives due to manpower and equipment strain” (Dec 15, 2025) - https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/15/isw-russias-army-cant-sustain-multi-pronged-offensives-due-to-manpower-and-equipment-strain/Reuters — “Ukraine says it controls 90% of Kupiansk, Russia denies it” (Dec 17, 2025) - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-it-controls-90-kupiansk-russia-denies-it-2025-12-17/Associated Press — Putin annual news conference recap (Dec 19, 2025) - https://apnews.com/article/39fd3f2670227545a6f9e684038ed59dThe Guardian — Frontline drone crews report (Dec 17, 2025) - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/17/east-of-zaporizhzhia-ukraines-drone-crews-face-endless-battle-to-hold-the-lineBusiness Insider — “10 Highlights From Russia’s Annual Review of the Ukraine War” (Dec 2025) - https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-annual-review-ukraine-war-putin-highlights-drone-defense-10-2025-12RFE/RL — “Why Are Russian Regions Cutting Signing Bonuses For Volunteers?” (Oct 27, 2025) - https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-recruitment-soldiers-ukraine-war-personnel-bonuses/33572319.htmlRUSI — “Russia is Losing – Time for Putin's 2026 Hybrid Escalation” (2025) - https://my.rusi.org/resource/russia-is-losing-time-for-putins-2026-hybrid-escalation.htmlWall Street Journal — Putin remarks / war aims (Dec 17, 2025) - https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/putin-warns-he-will-achieve-aims-in-ukraine-through-negotiation-or-war-382d5d56Washington Post (Opinion) — narrative critique re: battlefield realities (Dec 17, 2025) - https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/12/17/russia-ukraine-battlefield-losses-stalemate/POLITICO (User-specified; not accessible to my web tool due to site restrictions, so not quoted directly) - https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/05/russia-planned-war-of-attrition-00672960----------

Rick the Ukrainian, a notable Ukrainian streamer and cultural commentator, along with former serviceman Roman Trokhymets, dive deep into the realities of wartime Ukraine. They discuss the impactful 'Be In The Army Or For The Army' campaign to aid defenders, and the importance of civilian support. Roman shares his firsthand experiences from the frontlines and sheds light on Russian propaganda tactics. They also explore Ukrainian identity, recommend insightful books and films, and emphasize how crucial donations are for saving lives amidst the ongoing conflict.

Silicon Bites Ep276 | 2025-12-19 | Tonight, a single number with regime-shaking implications: Urals crude at roughly thirty-five dollars a barrel — miles below global benchmarks, and catastrophically below what the Kremlin needs to fund its war-state on schedule. This is Russia’s flagship export grade trading like a sanctioned pariah — because it is. Let’s break it into three parts: what’s happening, why it’s happening, and why Putin’s war finances are now on the clock.According to Argus Media price assessments cited by RBC and reported by The Moscow Times, Urals shipped from Novorossiysk fell to $34.52 per barrel as of December 16, with Primorsk around $36.07. Same oil, different port — same story: distress rate pricing. (The Moscow Times)----------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 (Dec 19, 2025) — Sanctions drive Russian Urals crude discounts to 2022 levels - https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com%2C2025%3Anewsml_L8N3XO0PN%3A0-sanctions-drive-russian-urals-crude-discounts-to-2022-levels-reuters-calculations-show/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025) — Russia's tax proceeds from oil may fall in January to the lowest since 2022, Reuters calculations show - https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russias-tax-proceeds-oil-may-fall-january-lowest-since-2022-reuters-calculations-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025) — Oil prices climb as US blocks Venezuelan tankers, eyes on Russia-Ukraine talks (includes Brent/WTI settlements) - https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-set-close-lower-second-straight-week-2025-12-19/Reuters (Dec 19, 2025) — Surging barrels at sea spook oil markets more than Russia or Venezuela (Kpler “on water” data) - https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/surging-barrels-sea-spook-oil-markets-more-than-russia-or-venezuela-2025-12-19/The Moscow Times (Dec 19, 2025) — Russian Oil Prices Sink Below $35 Per Barrel (citing Argus/RBC; includes Kluge quote) - https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/19/russian-oil-prices-sink-below-35-per-barrel-a91496----------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----------