Looks like they're setting the stage for something
Ukraine continues their targeting of Russian helicopters and air defense assets in Crimea with a few new clips being released by the Ukrainian GUR in recent days.  Russian analysts believe this is Ukraine setting the conditions for a near term attack in western Crimea, likely with some sort of long range stand-off munition.  We also look at some battlefield updates and a pessismistic assesment from Russian nationalist Igor Girkin.  

https://x.com/Black_BirdGroup/status/1962901815109861483

Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/c/prestonstew

Twitter:   https://x.com/prestonstew_
TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@prestonstew
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/prestonstew_/
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PrestonStewart
Unclassified Podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YmaFZihykI0iov9XgQ0uD?si=efe0b3bd89b6421d&nd=1&dlsi=417702a2c0914864
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unclassified-with-preston-stewart-and-ben-wheeler/id1781679521
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSuyLEHMTO-oDHObnCeYwnQ
Contact: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This could be a pending military operation, or nothing at all

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prestonstew

Today we're looking at the continuation of tensions between the United States and Venezuela as US warships head south.  Right now the official line from the US government is that this is a counter-drug operation but it's a lot of firepower descending on Caracas.  In turn, we're seeing some in Venezuela worry there's an aspect of regime change and/or direct military action in the cards.

Twitter:   https://x.com/prestonstew_
TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@prestonstew
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/prestonstew_/
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PrestonStewart
Unclassified Podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YmaFZihykI0iov9XgQ0uD?si=efe0b3bd89b6421d&nd=1&dlsi=417702a2c0914864
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unclassified-with-preston-stewart-and-ben-wheeler/id1781679521
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSuyLEHMTO-oDHObnCeYwnQ
Contact: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don't think we have a coherent Ukraine policy
Today we're looking into some updates out of the war in Ukraine and ongoing efforts to bring about a peace deal with Russia.  A new Atlantic article suggests the US backtracked on an agreement with our European allies before meeting with Putin in Alaska where our entire approach seems to have shifted.  In turn, French President Macron suggests that Trump is being played by Putin.  We also look at some new weapons set to be sent to Ukraine and the possible first use of the Ukrainian 'Flamingo' cruise missile.

https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/archive/2025/08/us-russia-diplomacy-europe/684034/?gift=SCYx-5scVta3-cr_IlgTyX8qE3U7_10NFTMBV-tFVBo

Twitter:   https://x.com/prestonstew_
TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@prestonstew
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/prestonstew_/
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PrestonStewart
Unclassified Podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YmaFZihykI0iov9XgQ0uD?si=efe0b3bd89b6421d&nd=1&dlsi=417702a2c0914864
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unclassified-with-preston-stewart-and-ben-wheeler/id1781679521
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSuyLEHMTO-oDHObnCeYwnQ
Contact: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This was bad day for the Houthis...
Israel just carried out Operation Drop of Luck where they eliminated a number of senior Houthi officials in one strike in Sa'ana, Yemen.  In a first, the Houthis are acknowledging the death of these officials as they pledge revenge against Israel.  Defense Minister Katz added that this is just the beginning and talked about mirroring their efforts against Tehran but with the Houthis.  We also saw Israel target Abu Obeida, the head spokesperson for the Qassam Brigades.  Following this recording, the IDF issued a statement confirming that Obaida was eliminated.  

https://x.com/prestonstew_/status/1962153763352768648
https://x.com/FunkerActual/status/1961464094566
https://x.com/idfonline/status/1962151262864146727805548


Twitter:   https://x.com/prestonstew_
TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@prestonstew
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/prestonstew_/
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PrestonStewart
Unclassified Podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YmaFZihykI0iov9XgQ0uD?si=efe0b3bd89b6421d&nd=1&dlsi=417702a2c0914864
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unclassified-with-preston-stewart-and-ben-wheeler/id1781679521
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSuyLEHMTO-oDHObnCeYwnQ
Contact: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Standard counter-drug move or setting the stage for regime change? 
Today we're looking into some updates around the US-Venezuela standoff.  We have multiple outlets covering this and presenting it as everything from a routine counter-drug operation, to a show of force, to a regime change in disguise.  Venezuela for their part continues to prepare for the possibility of US military force and the American vessels should be arriving off their coast shortly.

https://www.axios.com/2025/08/29/venezuela-ships-trump-maduro-regime-change

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/us-warships-south-america-reaction-venezuela-125085097?cid=social_twitter_abcn

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/22/us/politics/trump-venezuela-drug-war.html

Twitter:   https://x.com/prestonstew_
TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@prestonstew
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/prestonstew_/
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PrestonStewart
Unclassified Podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YmaFZihykI0iov9XgQ0uD?si=efe0b3bd89b6421d&nd=1&dlsi=417702a2c0914864
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unclassified-with-preston-stewart-and-ben-wheeler/id1781679521
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSuyLEHMTO-oDHObnCeYwnQ
Contact: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every day, these brave volunteers risk their lives to help those in need
For those interested in supporting BaseUA, you can donate here: https://baseua.org/donate/
Follow BaseUA on IG:   https://www.instagram.com/base_ua_ngo/

Today we’re chatting with Anton Yaremchuk and Christopher Loverro about humanitarian aid operations in Ukraine.  Anton is the co-founder of BaseUA, a humanitarian aid organization, and Christopher is a US Army veteran who has made five trips to assist aid operations in Ukraine.  We get into the missions organizations like BaseUA conduct, how they fit into the overall picture in Ukraine and of course, the risks associated with what they're doing day to day.
Christopher Loverro is a US Army Iraq War veteran and former police officer turned thespian, veteran's advocate, and humanitarian worker in Ukraine. He has volunteered in Ukraine five times since the full scale invasion and works in the humanitarian capacity, bringing in aid and conducting evacuations in the Donbas. 
He is the founder of Warriors For Peace Theatre, an organization that uses Shakespeare to help veterans find catharsis. 
To learn more about his organization and its mission to promote peace through the arts: www.WFPtheatre.org. 
To learn more about Christopher Loverro: www.ChristopherLoverro.com.

Twitter:   https://x.com/prestonstew_
TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@prestonstew
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/prestonstew_/
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PrestonStewart
Unclassified Podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YmaFZihykI0iov9XgQ0uD?si=efe0b3bd89b6421d&nd=1&dlsi=417702a2c0914864
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unclassified-with-preston-stewart-and-ben-wheeler/id1781679521
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSuyLEHMTO-oDHObnCeYwnQ
Contact: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drone innovation is happening by the day
Today we're looking into some updates in Ukraine.  Russia used an unmanned surface vessel to strike a Ukrainian naval ship and carried out a major drone and missile attack against Kyiv.  Ukraine responded by hitting oil refineries inside of Russia and we consider an article discussing how those effects may not be seen for some time. 

Source article
https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2025/08/russia-war-gasoline-problem?lang=en


Twitter:   https://x.com/prestonstew_
TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@prestonstew
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/prestonstew_/
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PrestonStewart
Unclassified Podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YmaFZihykI0iov9XgQ0uD?si=efe0b3bd89b6421d&nd=1&dlsi=417702a2c0914864
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unclassified-with-preston-stewart-and-ben-wheeler/id1781679521
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSuyLEHMTO-oDHObnCeYwnQ
Contact: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drones, soldiers and ships are being moved to counter the US Navy

Today we're looking at the continuation of issues between the US and Venezuela.  The US Navy has a large element moving south with a focus of interdicting drugs being trafficked to the United States while Venezuelan President Maduro fears that regime change is the real motive.  In response, Venezuela has begun mobilizing their population to take volunteers to defend the country and deployed military assets to the north and the coastline.

 Ian Ellis on X: https://x.com/ianellisjones/status/1960093753831501847

Twitter:   https://x.com/prestonstew_
TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@prestonstew
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/prestonstew_/
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PrestonStewart
Unclassified Podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YmaFZihykI0iov9XgQ0uD?si=efe0b3bd89b6421d&nd=1&dlsi=417702a2c0914864
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unclassified-with-preston-stewart-and-ben-wheeler/id1781679521
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSuyLEHMTO-oDHObnCeYwnQ
Contact: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peace could be a problem for this group

Today we're looking into some underappreciated challenges around a possible peace deal, the fact that so many in poor Russian regions are financially benefiting from this war.  The Telegraph detailed the extent that some of these communities are seeing a boost in their economic status that would go away immediately if the war stopped.  We also look at some talks of peace deals and a graphic story of a Ukrainian prisoner brutally mistreated in Russian captivity.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/08/24/russias-new-middle-class-cant-afford-for-putins-war-to-end/

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/3780298/trump-utterly-incoherent-ukraine-strategy-john-bolton/#google_vignette

https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-soldier-survives-after-5-days-crawling-with-russian-cut-throat/

Twitter:   https://x.com/prestonstew_
TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@prestonstew
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/prestonstew_/
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PrestonStewart
Unclassified Podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YmaFZihykI0iov9XgQ0uD?si=efe0b3bd89b6421d&nd=1&dlsi=417702a2c0914864
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unclassified-with-preston-stewart-and-ben-wheeler/id1781679521
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSuyLEHMTO-oDHObnCeYwnQ
Contact: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Strategic signals or prepping for more?
Today we're looking at the recent deployments of US warships to the Caribbean.  The US says this is for counter-narcotics operations, while some in Venezuela are hoping it's more focused on regime-change.  Venezuela's ally Russia has even suggested sending long range drones to the country to put US bases in the region at risk.

Ian Ellis on X: https://x.com/ianellisjones


Twitter:   https://x.com/prestonstew_
TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@prestonstew
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/prestonstew_/
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PrestonStewart
Unclassified Podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YmaFZihykI0iov9XgQ0uD?si=efe0b3bd89b6421d&nd=1&dlsi=417702a2c0914864
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unclassified-with-preston-stewart-and-ben-wheeler/id1781679521
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSuyLEHMTO-oDHObnCeYwnQ
Contact: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices