2026-02-23 | UPDATES #139 | March 2014. Moscow. The world still pretends Crimea is a “local crisis.” Diplomats still talk about “off-ramps.” European politicians still think sanctions might gently persuade the Kremlin back to reality.And on a cold street in the Russian capital — something extraordinary happens. Thousands gather for the March of Peace. One of the speakers is a former Deputy Prime Minister — not a dissident outsider, not an exile, not a nationalist firebrand.A man who helped build post-Soviet Russia. Boris Nemtsov. And he does something almost nobody inside Russia dared to do in public. He explains exactly what this war will become.----------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: BBC News — Nemtsov assassination coverage (Feb 2015)Reuters — Kremlin reaction and investigation chronology (2015)Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — Nemtsov’s Ukraine war reports & speechesMeduza — publication of Putin. War reportHuman Rights Watch — Russia Crimea annexation documentationEuropean Council on Foreign Relations — early war analysis (2014-2016)Boris Nemtsov — March of Peace speech (Moscow, March 2014)Nemtsov & co-authors — Putin. War report (2015)Vladimir Kara-Murza essays on Nemtsov and Russian oppositionCarnegie Moscow Center — Russia-Ukraine relations post-CrimeaChatham House — Russian strategic objectives in UkraineAtlantic Council — early Donbas military involvement evidence----------