Silicon Curtain

Jonathan Fink
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Aug 31, 2025 • 11min

BREAKING: Why Won't Russia Quit Attacking Ukraine?

Edition No237 | 31-08-2025 - Russia’s Gerasimov confirms what was already obvious to many of us. It’s addiction to war, refusal to relent, relentless attacks, hollow declarations and mocking strikes on Western assets in Ukraine. Even amid diplomatic overtures, Russia vows to continue the war and embrace the imperial genocide it started almost four years ago. Unfortunately, also on full display are American appeasement of Putin, political inertia, and Western hesitation. In a statement. Gerasimov emphasised the continuation of the Special Military Operation, and went on to make statements, claim battlefield advances, that have even elicited snorts of derision from Z-Patriots. It seems that lies so large and ludicrous push to the limit even their willingness to spread nonsense for the Putin regime. Russia is carving a path of destruction that refuses to stop—how words from Moscow are hollow compared to the thunder of missiles, and how Western dithering is empowering that aggression. Putin has never shown signs of stopping. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-putin-trump-ukraine-russia-gerasimov/33517370.htmlhttps://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/08/30/7528585/https://united24media.com/latest-news/russia-will-continue-strikes-against-ukraine-says-russian-top-general-11229https://united24media.com/latest-news/massive-overnight-russian-missile-and-drone-attack-hits-ukraine-casualties-reported-in-zaporizhzhia-11222 ----------
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Aug 31, 2025 • 25min

800. Trump Acts Like a Russian Asset - Is he Guided by a Love of Tyrants?!

Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE 'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine’s beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------ABOUT BEN HODGES: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. ----------DESCRIPTION: Analyzing Global and Domestic Tensions: Insights with Ben HodgesIn this episode, host Jonathan discusses with retired U.S. Army officer Ben Hodges the alarming disrespect from the Kremlin towards the Trump administration and the West. They delve into Russia's attacks on EU and UK assets in Ukraine and the lack of substantial U.S. response. Importantly, they examine President Trump's admiration for authoritarian leaders and his actions reminiscent of dictatorial regimes. The conversation extends to potential democratic threats in the U.S., internal resistance within the U.S. military, and the controversial Greenland covert influence operation. Additionally, viewers are introduced to the 'Kyiv of Mine' documentary series, presenting a humanistic perspective on Ukraine's capital. The discussion concludes with contemplation on the impact of U.S. policy on international relations and defense strategies.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:54 Russia's Aggression and Western Response03:59 Trump's Admiration for Authoritarian Leaders07:34 Concerns Over US Democratic Institutions10:54 Promoting the Documentary 'Kyiv of Mine'13:24 Speculations on Military and Political Maneuvers24:09 Concluding Remarks and Final Thoughts----------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/-----------
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Aug 30, 2025 • 15min

BREAKING NEWS: Shock Assassination of Leading Politician in Ukraine

Edition No236 | 30-08-2025 - The Assassination of Andrii Parubii, and What It Says About Moscow’s War on Democracy. A gunman in daylight, in a city far from the frontline, a courier disguise, eight shots, and democracy takes a bullet to the heart. In a nation that’s been fighting for its existence and control over its future since Maidan, and indeed centuries before, has lost one of its civic leaders, and a key parliamentarian. Someone who was at the forefront of Ukraine’s revolutions to assert democracy in the post-Soviet era. If it is proved that Moscow was behind it, which is a high probability, then the choice to snuff out the life of Andrii Parubii was cold and calculating. It was a direct attack on democracy and freedom. Today we unpack the cold-blooded killing of Andrii Parubii in Lviv—who he was, why this crosses a line, how Ukrainians are responding, and what this murder reveals about the Kremlin’s contempt for democratic culture. (Reuters) What do we know? Just after midday on Aug. 30, 2025, Andrii Parubii — former speaker of Ukraine’s parliament and a sitting MP — was shot dead in Lviv. Prosecutors say an unidentified assailant fired several rounds and fled; a citywide manhunt began under the code-name “Siren/Sirena.” (Українська правда)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Kyiv Independent — Ukraine’s ex-parliament speaker shot dead in Lviv (Aug. 30, 2025). Euronews — Former Ukrainian parliament speaker Andrii Parubii shot dead in Lviv (Aug. 30, 2025). United24 — Former Parliament Speaker Andrii Parubii killed in targeted Lviv shooting (Aug. 30, 2025).Ukrainska Pravda (Eng.) — Police and prosecutors report on investigation… (Aug. 30, 2025).Reuters — Former parliamentary speaker Parubiy shot dead in Lviv (Aug. 30, 2025). Al Jazeera — Former Ukrainian parliament speaker shot dead in Lviv (Aug. 30, 2025). Financial Times — Prominent Ukrainian nationalist politician shot dead in Lviv (Aug. 30, 2025). The Guardian (live) — Zelenskyy vows all resources to find killer; tributes pour in (Aug. 30, 2025).----------
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Aug 30, 2025 • 16min

BREAKING: Is Trump Planning a Small Victorious War & Electoral Coup?

Edition No235 | 30-08-2025 - War is the grease that helps the wheels turn in Putin’s regime. Russia has a history of militarism, and war creates opportunities and circumstances for some powerful Russians to thrive – while the drumbeat of war provides mood music for Putin’s propagandists, to keep the population distracted. War and chaos are essential elements of Putin’s business model. Trump is the apprentice to Putin’s mature dictator. Is he about to learn the lesson that war can help entrench and extend the life of your regime? Help you to rig and even suspend normal democratic processes and democratic culture, such as free and fair elections? War Drums and Ballots: Venezuela, the U.S. Armada, and the Temptation of “Small Victorious Wars. In this episode we’re sailing straight into rough water: an increasingly brutal regime in Caracas that only just stared down a popular uprising, U.S. warships surging toward Venezuela’s coast, and a stateside whisper campaign about whether a “small victorious war” could morph into a shortcut around bad projections for midterm election results for Trump. We’ll also unpack that awkward moment when Donald Trump’s demands for Ukrainian elections collided with… Ukrainian law, and Trump had a revelation. Buckle up. It’s nice, but it is necessary to explore the political possibilities, no matter how dark and strange. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/29/venezuela-gunboat-diplomacy-trump-madurohttps://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250826-venezuela-deploys-warships-drones-as-us-destroyers-draw-nearhttps://www.aljazeera.com/video/the-take-2/2025/8/28/why-are-us-warships-going-to-venezuelahttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/26/us-warships-head-to-venezuela-fight-against-cartels-or-imperial-ambitionhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-26/venezuela-to-deploy-ships-to-oil-exporting-hub-after-us-movehttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/nicolas-maduro-karoline-leavitt-south-america-donald-trump-chatham-house-b2816576.htmlhttps://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/why-are-us-warships-heading-toward-venezuela/ ----------DESCRIPTION:Geopolitical Showdown: US-Venezuela Tensions and Political CalculationsIn this episode of Silicon Bytes, we delve into the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. We examine the fragile state of the Maduro regime following its oppressive measures post-2024 election, and the potential implications of US military presence in the Caribbean. The discussion extends to Trump's strategies and the historical context of using war to influence domestic political outcomes, particularly ahead of the 2026 midterms. We also explore the constitutional limitations and potential political maneuvers, drawing comparisons with Ukraine's martial law and its impact on elections. Tune in as we unpack these crucial political dynamics and their far-reaching consequences.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements00:24 The Role of War in Political Regimes01:17 Venezuela's Political Crisis04:21 US Military Movements and Responses07:30 The Political Calculus of War11:10 The Zelensky Exchange and Martial Law13:22 Implications and Conclusions----------
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Aug 29, 2025 • 22min

799. Siege of Moscow has Begun to Starve Putin's War Machine - Ben Hodges

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. ----------DESCRIPTION: Geopolitical Tensions: Russia's Aggression and Strategic Implications - With Ben HodgesIn this episode, Jonathan interviews Ben Hodges, retired United States Army officer and former commander of United States Army Europe. The discussion covers a range of geopolitical issues, including Russia's recent attacks on EU, UK, and US assets in Ukraine, and the potential consequences of perceived US disengagement under the Trump administration. Hodges shares insights on the likelihood of Russia feeling emboldened to act against NATO countries and the strategic importance of Europe acting collectively as a superpower. The conversation also delves into the tactical behaviors of both Putin and Trump, the risks of inadvertent escalation into a larger conflict, and the necessity for Europe to defend itself and support Ukraine in the absence of consistent US backing.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:58 Current Geopolitical Tensions01:31 Trump Administration's Impact on Global Politics02:09 Russia's Tactical Moves and Global Reactions04:04 Europe's Role and Strategic Interests07:58 Ukraine's Defense and Strategic Moves11:59 Potential Future Scenarios and Strategic Planning20:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------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/-----------
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Aug 29, 2025 • 52min

798. Trump is Taking the US to a Dark Place, Aligned with Tyrants and Autocracies

Live stream with Yuri Rashkin. ----------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/----------
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Aug 28, 2025 • 14min

BREAKING: Kyiv Strike Shows Moscow Close to Challenging Article 5!

Edition No234 | 28-08-2025 - Kyiv has awoken under a pall of smoke again. Russia last night launched the second-largest mass strike of the war, according to multiple outlets, hitting homes and — pointedly, deliberately — sites tied to Europe and the UK. The British Council’s building is smashed beyond use. The EU delegation compound is damaged. The EU building is classed as a diplomatic site, and thus an extensive of European sovereign territory and the British Council is an important extension of the British government abroad. Make not mistake, these are a direct challenge, attacks on the UK and EU, their property, power, influence and authority. More importantly, children are dead, and huge numbers of Ukrainians killed. At the same time Peskov and other criminals warble on about being interested about peace. At this point, who should we be angrier at, Moscow for behaving in exactly the way we expect them to, or at our leaders for not taking decisive action, and the media for reprinting the drivel that comes from Moscow, often without appropriate context. That being, Russia always lies. So many headlines blare out, Moscow’s actions sabotage the peace process, but that is to fall for the con, and to indirectly support Moscow and the appeasement of its actions. The truth is, there is no peace process to sabotage. And there has not been a serious once since Putin invaded, at least anything that would deliver peace, security and justice for Ukraine. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Sky News live — “UK summons Putin’s ambassador after British Council bombed in Kyiv; second-biggest strike of the war.” (Aug. 28, 2025)The Guardian live — “UK and EU summon top Russian diplomats after British Council and EU offices hit.” (Aug. 28, 2025)Reuters — “Russian missiles pound Ukraine, damage EU and British offices.” (Aug. 28, 2025)Kyiv Independent — “‘Moscow’s true answer to peace efforts’ — mass attack kills 19, including children.” (Aug. 28, 2025)TIME — “Russia strikes EU & British Council buildings in Kyiv; death toll rises.” (Aug. 28, 2025)Washington Post — “Europe furious as deadly Russian attack damages prominent Kyiv offices.” (Aug. 28, 2025)PBS/AP — “Major Russian attack includes rare strikes on center of Kyiv.” (Aug. 28, 2025)NHPR/AP — “Four children among dead… EU & British Council buildings damaged; envoys summoned.” (Aug. 28, 2025)The Times (UK) — “Second biggest strikes; 19 dead; British Council office damaged.” (Aug. 28, 2025)----------
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Aug 28, 2025 • 24min

BREAKING: Did Trump Just Boast About Providing Zero Money for War?

Edition No233 | 26-08-2025 - Zero money, zero influence. Trump has boasted that the US is spending net zero on Ukraine, and it’s obvious he has no influence whatever over Putin or Lavrov to end the invasion. Why is the US still at the heart of the so-called peace process? Why are the Europeans deferring to Trump, spending so much time on coddling his ego and pandering to his ignorance, and waiting for some kind of consensus on the way forward, when it’s the Europeans that are now fully funding Ukraine’s defence, and at higher monetary level than when the US was last engaged with the conflict, under Biden? Trump has been wrong on everything. His supposed efforts to implement peace have been a roller-coaster of delusion and distraction. Europe has been endlessly deflected from focusing on the real problem, pushing back against Russia aggression, that shows no signs of stopping, unless it is physically stopped. The will they won’t they spin, hides a grim reality. Russia was never serious about peace, does not want peace and has no intention of making peace. Everything else is just a piece of political cynical theatre to string the media along and create the delusion that a negotiated solution with Russia is not only possible – but just around the corner. Neither of these are true, and they have never been true – Russia wanted, and wants Ukraine’s surrender, not an equitable peace. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: https://theconversation.com/trump-putin-summit-veteran-diplomat-explains-why-putting-peace-deal-before-ceasefire-wouldnt-end-russia-ukraine-war-263314https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-21/russia-downplays-european-talks-on-ukraine/105679150https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/20/trump-ukraine-russia-peace-lavrov-china-ceasefire/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/aug/16/putin-trump-summit-alaska-us-europe-ukraine-security-guarantees-zelenskyy-latest-news-updateshttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/20/no-us-troops-in-ukraine-trump-sayshttps://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-russia-war-latest-putin-trump-moscow-zelenskyy-kremlin-live-sky-news-latest-12541713https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgkrn433lk2ohttps://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/aug/20/donald-trump-ukraine-support-peace-deal-russia-nato-latest-updates-news----------TRUCK FUNDRAISER - GET A SILICON CURTAIN NAFO PATCH:Together with our friends at LIFT99 Kyiv Hub (the NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade), we are teaming up to provide 2nd Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you’re standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter: Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------
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Aug 26, 2025 • 25min

BREAKING: Ukraine's Strategy to Defeat Russia Revealed!

Edition No232 | 25-08-2025 - Russia's oil and gas industry, once a source of economic strength, an extraordinary economic and geopolitical weapons, has become a vulnerable spot, a real Achilles heel for the Russian economy, and for Putin’s war machine. Russia has a strategic problem: the main processing capacities are concentrated in the Western part of the country, while fuel consumption is rising in the Far East. Fuel logistics span thousands of kilometres, and now Kilometre-long queues in Primorye are forming of consumers and businesses needing to purchase fuel. Large refineries – from Kirishi to Volgograd – are within reach of Ukrainian drones. Fuel trains are being filmed, set alight by Ukrainian drones, such as the 'derailed' Russian fuel train in Zaporizhzhia. Local media reported that Ukrainian drones struck a Russian fuel train in the Donetsk region, causing nine of the train cars to catch on fire. The drone footage was stunning and compulsive viewing. The Flamingo missile threatens facilities previously considered out of reach. Putin has a problem. His elite are getting worried – and this concern is being mirrored in the US, nominally an ally of Ukraine, but the anger and anxiety of Trump are telling – many in the US administration don’t want to see Russia defeated. In that position, China and the US are aligned on outcomes. It’s grotesque, immoral, hypercritical, but all evidence points towards this inconvenient truth. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/putin-is-facing-a-fuel-crisis-as-ukraine-escalates-attacks-on-russian-refineries/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/22/ukraine-attacks-pipeline-that-sends-russian-oil-to-hungary-and-slovakiahttps://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-ukraine-viktor-orban-russia-oil-pipleline-drone/https://kyivindependent.com/drone-strikes-spark-fire-at-russian-gas-terminal-and-oil-refinery-media-reports/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4029060-ukraine-strikes-syzran-oil-refinery-in-russia-general-staff-confirms.htmlhttps://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/8/22/behind-indias-massive-russian-oil-imports-asias-richest-manhttps://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-prices-edge-up-traders-weigh-supply-risks-2025-08-25/https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/20/business/china-secures-russian-oil-orders-intl-hnkhttps://www.reuters.com/business/energy/parts-russia-face-gasoline-shortages-after-ukraine-struck-refineries-2025-08-21/----------TRUCK FUNDRAISER - GET A SILICON CURTAIN NAFO PATCH:Together with our friends at LIFT99 Kyiv Hub (the NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade), we are teaming up to provide 2nd Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you’re standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter: Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------
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Aug 24, 2025 • 14min

BREAKING: Worse Than Biden - Callous Restrictions Placed on Ukraine!

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

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