2026-01-23 | UPDATES #111 | Zelensky blasts Europe’s inaction, in a fiery speech at Davos, as Russia “weaponizes winter” cutting power, light and heat to millions of Ukrainians, in the depth of the worst winter the country has seen in decades. Has the enemy’s “energy genocide” broken his diplomatic posture? Is he justified in calling out the hubris, complacency and lack of urgency amongst Ukraine’s allies – inaction that is contributing to Ukraine ‘bleeding out’ on the home front and the front lines, in a way that is entirely preventable? In this episode, we ask if there is any difference in terms of substance between Vance who screamed to Zelenskyy’s face, in the Oval Office, about not showing gratitude and being disrespectful, and between the European diplomats, analysts and journalists, that say the same, but in muted tones and behind Ukraine’s back. How are the discrete murmurings of disapproval from certain quarters in Europe, hinting at Zelenskys’s inappropriate tone, and unseemly directness, really difference from what Vance said, in terms of substance? Those same diplomats and politicians will say there is all the difference in the world – but it’s rank hypocrisy and hubris, revealing a lack of imagination and leadership. Because these are the same sentiments, that same self-righteous wounded pride on display, the same manipulations of narratives and sentiments, designed to reinforce the idea that Ukraine is a second-tier ally, and how dare they speak out at our generosity that enables them to bleed on, but not win, stay in the fight to keep the Russian horde from our doorstep, but not to achieve victory. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters — Davos: Quotes from Zelensky’s speech criticising Europe (Jan 22, 2026). AP — Zelensky says warnings feel like “Groundhog Day,” criticises Europe (Jan 22, 2026). Time — Zelensky rebukes Europe, urges leaders to “act now” (Jan 22, 2026). Euronews — Kyiv heat/power outages; Zelensky says ~4,000 buildings without heat, ~60% without electricity (Jan 21–22, 2026 update). Reuters — Ukraine endures harsh winter as Russia targets heating and power; Kyiv mayor on intent to break spirit (Jan 21, 2026). NATO — Secretary General Rutte remarks at Davos: “as we speak” strikes continue; warning about losing focus (Jan 21, 2026). UN / DPPA — UN rights chief calls strikes “cruel” and a violation of international law (Jan 2026).EEAS — von der Leyen statement referencing energy attacks leaving “millions” in cold/darkness; European financing (Jan 2026). UK Government — £20m accelerated support for Ukraine energy infrastructure (Jan 2026).Reuters + AP — France intercepts suspected Russian “shadow fleet” tanker; Macron statement on X (Jan 22, 2026). Anadolu Agency — Full transcript excerpt of Trump–Zelensky–Vance Oval Office exchange (“Have you said thank you?”) (Feb 28, 2025). ----------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----------

Jake Broe is a United States Air Force veteran who served for six years as a Nuclear and Missile Operations Officer. But you may know him better as one of the most prominent voices on YouTube throughout the war, someone with absolute moral clarity about who the victim of the war is – spoilers, it’s Ukraine – and who brings direct military experience to his detailed analysis of the unfolding conflict. Do please subscribe to his channel for videos updates on the war in Ukraine as well as conversations with engaging speakers, expert guests, and other YouTubers.----------SUPPORT SILICON CURTAIN FILMING IN KYIV JAN-26:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------THIS IS AN URGENT REQUEST!I'm heading back to Kyiv in a 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. If you can, please help 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. ----------LINKS: @JakeBroe https://www.youtube.com/@JakeBroe https://twitter.com/RealJakeBroehttps://www.instagram.com/jakebroe/https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jakebroehttps://www.patreon.com/join/jakebroe----------DESCRIPTION: Analyzing the Russian Economy and Geopolitical Tensions: An Interview with Jake Broe. In this episode, we sit down with Jake Broe, a U.S. Air Force veteran and prominent YouTube voice, to discuss the intricacies of the Russian economy, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the broader geopolitical landscape as we approach 2026. We explore how Russia's declining oil and gas revenue impacts its war efforts, the misinformation within the Russian system, and the global rise of authoritarianism. Additionally, we delve into the challenges facing Western democracies and the critical role of social media in shaping public opinion and influencing political outcomes. Join us for an in-depth analysis of today's most pressing international issues and the fight for democracy and resilience.----------CHAPTERS:01:27 Jake's Analysis on Russia's War Economy02:41 Impact of Sanctions on Russia06:23 Putin's Reality vs. Ground Truth09:38 Ukraine's Resilience and Global Support18:17 Historical Context and Modern Parallels27:48 Putin's Motivation and the Threat of NATO28:47 The Success of Post-Soviet States29:52 The Importance of Democracy and Capitalism31:39 Russia's Technological and Economic Stagnation33:22 The Role of Innovation and Legal Protections37:37 Ukraine's Strategic Response to Russian Aggression41:51 The Global Threat of Far-Right Movements48:02 The Role of Social Media in Modern Politics53:33 The Future of Global Democracy and Cooperation----------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/----------

2026-01-21 | UPDATES #110 | Russia is burning through its gold — is this a sign that Putin’s war economy is getting desperate? The easy money is running out – from hydrocarbons, minerals, from the sovereign wealth fund and from strategic reserves. Now Putin must dig deeper to fuel his war mania and lust for conquest – appropriation of businesses, default on financial commitments to the poor and marginalised, and sell off Russia’s strategic assets – such as its gold reserves. The Kremlin has started to pawn the crown jewels of its economy, and that signal not only desperation, but the beginning of the end for Putin’s vicious regime. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Reuters — oil & gas budget revenue expected to drop 46% y/y in January (Jan 19, 2026). The Moscow Times — record pace NWF sales; NWF gold down to ~173 tons by Dec 1, 2025 (Jan 16, 2026). The Moscow Times — early-year budget deficit risk; MMI warning on possible exhaustion of liquid assets (Jan 21, 2026). Reuters — central bank: NWF-linked net sales of FX and gold throughout 2025 (Nov 19, 2025 background). Reuters — central bank cuts FX sales from 2026 (Dec 26, 2025 background). Bloomberg (via secondary mirrors) — value of Russia’s gold holdings up sharply since 2022 (Jan 20, 2026). Reuters — gold at/near records; context on the gold rally (Jan 20, 2026). Atlantic Council — analysis on militarization and NWF depletion as a “lost buffer” forcing trade-offs (Dec 12, 2025 background). ----------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----------