2026-02-03 | UPDATES #125 | Russia’s internal information front has never been more divided. You could go so far as to say it’s eating itself alive. On one side: the regime’s studio fanatics—smiling through war crimes, promising apocalypse, selling “victory” like they’re flogging a soda brand. On the other: Z-Patriots, milbloggers, and turbo-nationalists — some angry, some exhausted, some quietly terrified that the Kremlin is steering toward yet another illusory “deal” that looks like defeat in slow motion. They can see Russia bleeding out but do nothing to stop it. As of February 3, 2026, this war has run about 1,440 days — longer than the USSR’s war against Nazi Germany, commonly cited as 1,418 days. The “Great Patriotic War” myth was supposed to be the Kremlin’s sacred measuring stick, the propagandist touchstone to justify every act of aggression, make sense of every horror and sacrifice. As well as being a universal vanishing point for all propaganda narratives. Now it’s a timer counting down the credibility of the entire project and putting the architecture of the Russian empire in doubt. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Kyiv Post — ISW assessment summary noting milbloggers highlighting inconsistencies (published Jan 25, 2026). RussiaPost — Ivan Filippov on Z-community split over talks/ceasefire logic (Apr 1, 2025) (background framing). The Guardian — reporting including Solovyov quote about pushing Ukraine “into the stone age” (Feb 3, 2026).Reuters — Girkin sentencing context; crackdown on nationalist critic (Jan 25, 2024) (background). The Moscow Times — appeal upheld / prison status context (May 29, 2024) (background). ----------

2026-02-02 | UPDATES #124 | “‘Come to Moscow,’ the Kremlin says — let’s all make peace in Moscow. Another offer, or rather ultimatum has been made to Zelenskyy – come to the Kremlin and hammer out peace. But this is not an offer designed for Ukraine – it’s 100% for the Americans, for the Vatniks and for the propagandists, to try to make Ukraine look like the party that is obstructing a settlement. “Come to the Kremlin”, says the spider to the fly, like it’s a neutral venue, like it’s a normal invitation, like Moscow isn’t the command centre of a war of annihilation, like this isn’t a trap. But this isn’t diplomacy. It’s a stage-prop — built to stall, to smear, and to set up Ukraine as the ‘obstacle’ to peace. Let’s break down the playbook — and the history that makes it toxic, especially from Soviet times.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Kyiv Post — Kremlin Rules Out Zelensky-Putin Talks Outside Moscow (Feb 2, 2026). Associated Press — Kremlin official confirms U.S.-brokered talks resuming in Abu Dhabi (Feb 2, 2026). Reuters — Zelenskiy says new trilateral talks set for Feb 4–5 in Abu Dhabi (Feb 1, 2026). Anadolu Agency — Peskov confirms Abu Dhabi talks; reiterates Moscow line (Feb 2, 2026).TASS — Russia considers Moscow sole venue for talks with Zelensky — Peskov (Jan 29, 2026; cited for direct quote). Kyiv Independent — coverage of Ushakov/Peskov venue pressure and Kyiv’s refusal (Jan 28–30, 2026). The Guardian / AP — ongoing strikes context alongside diplomacy (Feb 2, 2026). ----------

2026-01-31 | UPDATES #122 | Is India “dumping” Russian oil… or just re-routing for the sake of optics? Today’s story sounds simple — “India is dumping Russian oil as it seals a historic deal with the EU.” But the reality is messier — and honestly, more damning.On January 27, the EU and India concluded a long-awaited free trade agreement — described by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on X as: “the mother of all deals.” (X (formerly Twitter))That same day, EU leaders framed it as a geopolitical signal in a reshuffled world order — European Council President António Costa called it a “historic moment,” and stressed the EU and India as “strategic and reliable partners.” (Consilium)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Reuters (Jan 29, 2026) — India's Reliance to buy up to 150,000 bpd of Russian oil from Februaryhttps://www.reuters.com/business/energy/indias-reliance-buy-up-150000-bpd-russian-oil-february-2026-01-29/Reuters (Jan 28, 2026) — Bessent says disappointed by EU-India deal; South Korea must ratify trade deal - https://www.reuters.com/business/bessent-says-disappointed-by-eu-india-deal-south-korea-must-ratify-trade-deal-2026-01-28/Reuters (Jan 27, 2026) — Indian diesel exports to West Africa jump as EU bans Russian crude-derived fuel - https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/indian-diesel-exports-west-africa-jump-eu-bans-russian-crude-derived-fuel-2026-01-27/Reuters (Jan 27, 2026) — Details of EU-India trade deal - https://www.reuters.com/world/india/details-eu-india-trade-deal-tariffs-quotas-market-access-2026-01-27/Council of the EU (Jan 27, 2026) — Press statement by President António Costa following the EU-India summit (PDF) - https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/01/27/press-statement-by-president-antonio-costa-following-the-eu-india-summit/pdf/Reuters (Jan 14, 2026) — Russia's oil and gas budget revenue falls 24% to lowest since 2020https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russias-oil-gas-budget-revenue-falls-24-lowest-since-2020-2026-01-15/----------

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/----------

Megi Benia is a Georgian diplomat and security and foreign policy professional specialising in Russia’s influence operations, NATO’s collective defence posture, international cybersecurity, resilience, and transatlantic affairs. She currently serves as a Contributing Editor of New Eastern Europe. At the same time, she is an Associate Fellow at the University of Georgia’s Security, Policy and Nationalism Research Center (UGSPN) and a Researcher of South-East Europe and Black Sea Region Programme for the Platform for Peace and Humanity. She is also a member of the EU CyberNet Expert Pool and a PhD candidate at Tbilisi State University, where her doctoral research examines Cybersecurity in NATO’s Strategic Doctrine: Applicability of Collective Defense to Cyberspace. As a researcher and public commentator, Ms. Benia analyses Russia’s evolving hybrid toolkit, U.S.-Russia strategic competition, and Black Sea regional security. She contributes to international policy discussions through op-eds, research papers, expert commentary, conference moderation, and media engagement. She is also active in academia and professional education, currently lecturing at Caucasus University, and previously teaching at the University of Georgia. She has authored multiple publications on Euro-Atlantic security, cyber diplomacy, resilience, disinformation, NATO’s strategic adaptation, and arms control.----------LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/megibenia/https://x.com/megibeniahttps://independent.academia.edu/MegiBeniahttps://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/08/25/as-georgia-dismantles-its-civil-service-the-kremlin-watches-and-wins/ https://gssr.georgetown.edu/the-forum/topics/technology/the-digital-shield-using-cyber-diplomacy-to-strengthen-national-cyber-resilience/ ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2026 - 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 a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. 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.org----------

2026-01-31 | UPDATES #121 | Russia raids elite branches of the military to feed the infantry — while casualties spike and “mobilization” stays politically radioactive. Some units becoming elite drone pilots, but the bulk of the ‘raw meat’ that Putin is trying to funnel into the army are still being expended in high-casualty, low-impact meat-wave attacks that result in catastrophic losses. Russia’s war machine is doing something armies do when they’re bleeding out: it’s consuming its own elite troops and specialists on senseless tactics that delivery little result. New reporting says Moscow is pulling people from the Strategic Missile Forces — yes, the nuclear deterrent branch — plus the Navy and Aerospace Forces and sending them into Ukraine as ordinary infantry. (Euromaidan Press) As well as being strategically insane, this smacks of absolute desperation on the part of Putin. At the same time, multiple outlets are examining the same grisly details: Russia’s losses are now so extreme that analysts say the Kremlin faces a basic choice — another mobilization or accept a military that’s increasingly hollowed out and running on fumes.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Euromaidan Press (Jan 29, 2026) — “Russia strips nuclear forces, Navy, and Air Force to fill infantry ranks — military expert” - https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/01/29/russia-infantry-manpower-shortage-elite-forces/The New Voice of Ukraine (Jan 2026) — “When even the navy goes infantry” (analysis context)https://english.nv.ua/opinion/how-russia-is-gutting-elite-branches-to-feed-the-infantry-50579384.htmlMeduza (Jan 29, 2026) — “Russia’s military losses… Yet re-deployed wounded obscure the true toll”https://meduza.io/en/feature/2026/01/29/russia-s-military-losses-in-ukraine-surpass-any-major-power-since-wwii-yet-re-deployed-wounded-obscure-the-true-tollKyiv Independent (Jan 28, 2026) — CSIS summary + “more losses than any major power since WWII” - https://kyivindependent.com/russia-has-suffered-more-losses-than-any-major-power-since-world-war-ii-report-says/Associated Press (Jan 28, 2026) — CSIS casualty estimates; slow advanceshttps://apnews.com/article/dd4fae88202ba92cafd59455da69dedc----------

2026-01-30 | UPDATES #120 | FBI raid on Georgia’s Fulton County elections hub — ballots seized, intelligence chief on scene, and why critics say this is about elections in 2026 not those of 2020. This is one of those stories that should be wall-to-wall — because it goes to the bloodstream of democracy: elections, and an absolute rupture of normal practice with regards to an historic ballot. This week, the FBI executed a search warrant at Fulton County’s Election Hub and Operations Centre in Union City, Georgia, and hauled away hundreds of boxes of 2020 election materials — including ballots and election records. (Reuters)The fear is this is being done, not to find evidence of fraud, but to manufacture and plant evidence of this. Here’s the part that should shock you: Tulsi Gabbard — the Director of National Intelligence — was physically present at the scene. (Reuters)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters (Jan 28, 2026) — FBI executes search warrant at Fulton County election facilityhttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/fbi-executing-search-warrant-election-office-georgia-related-2020-vote-fox-news-2026-01-28/ABC News (Jan 29, 2026) — FBI Director Kash Patel claims probable cause; warrant scope; Warner/Himes letter; Gabbard presence - https://abcnews.go.com/US/fulton-county-official-slams-trump-administration-fbis-seizure/story?id=129670285Associated Press (Jan 30, 2026) — FBI seizure of Georgia ballots; details of what was taken; Gabbard presence - https://apnews.com/article/87300edb3ea86961c69132e6a2dfd6e8Reuters (Jan 29, 2026) — Democrats demand explanation for DNI Tulsi Gabbard at raidhttps://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/democrats-ask-top-us-spy-explain-presence-fbi-raid-election-facility-2026-01-29/ACLU (Jan 29, 2026) — ACLU and ACLU of Georgia response; “no legitimate law enforcement purpose”; midterm fears - https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-and-aclu-of-georgia-respond-to-fbi-raid-on-fulton-county-elections-facility----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2026 - 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----------

Peter Apps is a British global affairs and defence commentator, journalist, and author best known for his work as a Reuters global defence columnist and commentator on international security, geopolitics, and conflict. He writes a regular bi-weekly column for Thomson Reuters, focusing on national security, geopolitical tensions, defence policy, and the evolving nature of conflict around the world. Apps has authored several books, including Deterring Armageddon: A Biography of NATO, and his upcoming work The Next World War explores the emerging era of great-power conflict, with significant attention to the war in Ukraine and its implications for global security. ----------LINKS:https://pete-apps.com/https://x.com/PeteAppshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/peterapps/https://tedxlondon.com/speaker/peter-apps/----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2026 - 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 a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. 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----------DESCRIPTION: The Next World War: A Deep Dive with Peter AppsIn this episode, Peter Apps, a British global affairs and defense commentator, journalist, and author, discusses his latest book, 'The Next World War,' which explores the emerging era of great power conflict with a focus on the war in Ukraine and its global implications. Apps talks about the evolving nature of international security, geopolitical tensions, and defense policies. He also delves into the similarities and differences between potential future conflicts and past world wars, the role of major global powers like China and Russia, and the challenges of maintaining global peace. The conversation touches upon the significant impact of the Ukraine war, the strategic importance of deterrence, and the potential for upcoming conflicts in various global hotspots.----------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.org----------