Silicon Curtain

• 896. SHOCK: Europe Surrendered to Russian Sphere of Influence by Trump's US?!

  Keir Giles has spent his career watching, studying, and explaining Russia. Keir’s work has appeared in a wide range of academic and military publications across Europe and in North America, and he is a regular contributor and commentator on Russian affairs for international print and broadcast media. He is a Senior Consulting Fellow at the UK's Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), and also works with the Conflict Studies Research Centre (CSRC), a group of deep subject matter experts on Eurasian security formerly attached to the British Ministry of Defence. He is a regular contributor to research projects on Russian security issues in the U.S., UK, and Europe.----------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 ----------BOOKS:Who Will Defend Europe? An Awakened Russia and a Sleeping Continent (2024)Order Keir's new book: https://amzn.to/4cFI1b6Russia's War on Everybody: And What it Means for You (2022)Moscow Rules: What Drives Russia to Confront the West (2019)The Turning Point for Russian Foreign Policy (2017)The State of the NATO-Russia Reset (2011)Potential Challenges to Public Order and Social Stability in the Russian Federation (2011)----------LINKS:Order Keir's new book: https://amzn.to/4cFI1b6https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/keir-gileshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keir_Gileshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/keir-giles-499a489/https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/keir-gileshttps://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=7Bs89WMAAAAJhttps://bsky.app/profile/keirgiles.bsky.social----------DESCRIPTION:Understanding the Russia-West Geopolitical Conflict with Keir GilesIn this insightful episode, Keir delves into his extensive experience studying Russia, sharing knowledge from his academic and military publications. He discusses the persistent misunderstandings regarding Russia's intentions by Western diplomats, driven by a cycle of short-term postings and differing diplomatic experiences. Johnson also highlights the ideological alignments between Russian and current U.S. policies, underscoring the troubling implications for Europe. The conversation touches on the complexities of international relations, the failures of economic appeasement with authoritarian regimes, and the stark realities of Russia's long-standing messianic geopolitical behavior. The episode concludes with a call to support Ukrainian armed forces in their epic battle for survival, reflecting on the tangible impact of international solidarity.----------

  --------  

  33:22

  --------

  33:22
• 894. Europe is Closer to War with Russia - And is Now on its Own

  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. ----------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 ----------DESCRIPTION: ----------CHAPTERS:----------LINKS:https://twitter.com/general_benhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Hodges https://cepa.org/author/ben-hodges/ https://warsawsecurityforum.org/speaker/hodges-ben-lt-gen/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hodges-1674b1172/ ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------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/-----------

  --------  

  34:37

  --------

  34:37
• Appeasement of Putin, Dithering and Cowardice Will Destroy Europe

  2025-12-07 | DAILY UPDATES #073 | Tonight, we’re in Brussels, breaking down the comments of a pusillanimous and pathetic excuse for a leader, that’s holding the financial keys to a war he claims can’t be won. Yet he’s not prepared to take a risk for the sake of Ukraine’s or Europe’s freedom. It’s clowns like this that will destroy the European project and contribute to shattering of peace on the continent.Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has just told the world that “Who seriously believes Russia is going to lose in Ukraine? It’s a fable – a total illusion… not even desirable for Russia to lose.” (Kyiv Post) I wonder if he speaks Russian. If not, he better start learning it. ----------SOURCES: Kyiv Post – “‘Not Even Desirable for Russia to Lose’: Belgian PM Opposes Asset Confiscation” (Dec. 4, 2025)Kyiv Independent – “The key to ending the war is in Brussels — Ukrainians react to Belgium's Russian asset loan opposition.” Kyiv Independent – “Belgian PM renews opposition to Russian frozen-assets reparations loan.” Kyiv Independent – “The EU's ambitious plan for frozen Russian assets, explained.” Le Monde – “Belgium resists unfreezing Russian assets held in Brussels.” Brussels Institute for Geopolitics – “The poisoned chalice of Russia’s frozen assets” by Luuk van Middelaar. AP News – “The EU lays out a plan to fund Ukraine using frozen Russian assets but Belgium says it's too risky.” Financial Times – “ECB refuses to provide backstop for €140bn Ukraine loan.” Reuters – Coverage of De Wever–von der Leyen–Merz talks, and Russian Duma and Medvedev threats over asset seizure. The Guardian – “European Commission plans ‘reparations loan’ to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets” and follow-up pieces on Ukraine funding negotiations. Washington Post – Opinion on “The European Union's hypocrisies on Ukraine.” ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

  --------  

  18:46

  --------

  18:46
• 892. Moscow is Wired for Violence - Why do so Many Believe Putin Wants Peace?!

  This video is part of a Ukrainian Advert series, celebrating Ukrainian voices, culture and resilience, ahead of Christmas Day. The project is kindly supported by maker of the film: The Steel Porcupine.#ONE: Andrew Chakhoyan is a Ukrainian American based in the Netherlands and is a vocal and articulate champion of Ukraine and its cause. ----------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.----------LINKS:https://x.com/ChakhoyanAndrewhttps://www.weforum.org/agenda/authors/andrew-chakhoyan/https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-incrementalism-russia-war-president-volodymyr-zelenskyy-truth/ ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN 12 Events in 12 months - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur first live events this year in Lviv and Kyiv 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 10 events in 10 months (at a minimum). We may add more venues to the program, depending on the success of the fundraising campaign. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

  --------  

  54:09

  --------

  54:09
• Under Trump Doctrine Europe is the Enemy Blocking Relations with Russia?!

  2025-12-06 | DAILY UPDATES #072 | We continue our analysis of the National Security Strategy of the Trump regime, a document that claims to defend the West, by turning its guns on Europe. It’s a malign document, that fleshes out Vance’s speech at the 2025 Munich Security Forum. In that speech, Vance argued that Europe's principal danger came from erosion of democratic norms — especially censorship, suppression of dissent, and exclusion, widely interpreted as an attack on the structure of the European Union and its institutions. This NSS goes further and effectively declares that Europe’s systems of governance are antithetical to America’s interests. It’s a mandate for malign interference, leans in to overtly support the far right and extremist groups, libertarian absolutists, oligarchical interests and is a mandate for regime change. ----------SOURCES: National Security Strategy of the United States of America, White House, December 2025 (PDF).https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/NSS-2025.pdfMichelle L. Price, “Trump’s security strategy slams European allies and asserts US power in Western Hemisphere,” AP News / WFTV, 5 Dec 2025.https://apnews.com/article/trump-security-strategy-europe-russia-america-first-068488ca7e6d1c92ccaddd1649958218James Mackenzie, “US strategy document says Europe risks ‘civilisational erasure’,” Reuters, 5 Dec 2025.https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/us-strategy-document-says-europe-risks-civilisational-erasure-2025-12-05/Gram Slattery & Humeyra Pamuk, “Exclusive: US sets 2027 deadline for Europe-led NATO defense, officials say,” Reuters, 5 Dec 2025.https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-sets-2027-deadline-europe-led-nato-defense-officials-say-2025-12-05/Martin Fornusek, “New US strategy document takes hard line on Europe’s ‘trajectory,’ NATO enlargement,” Kyiv Independent, 5 Dec 2025.https://kyivindependent.com/new-us-strategy-document-takes-hard-line-on-europes-trajectory-nato-expansion/Jon Henley, “‘Cultivate resistance’: policy paper lays bare Trump support for Europe’s far right,” The Guardian, 5 Dec 2025.https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/05/civilisational-erasure-us-strategy-document-appears-to-echo-far-right-conspiracy-theories-about-europe----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

  --------  

  14:41

  --------

  14:41

More News podcasts

Trending News podcasts

About Silicon Curtain

Silicon Curtain: Podcasts in Family