Timcast IRL · February 25, 2022 · 2h 0m

Timcast IRL #475 - US Plans DIRECT ATTACKS On Russian Infrastructure Could Mean WW3 w/Ian Smith

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Episode Recap

Timcast IRL #475, recorded on February 25, 2022, opened with host Tim Pool addressing the rapidly deteriorating situation in Ukraine following Russia's invasion. Tim and co-hosts discussed three major developments: NBC News reporting that President Biden had been presented with options for massive cyber attacks against Russian infrastructure, including disrupting the internet, shutting off power, and stopping trains; the push to ban Russia from the SWIFT international banking system; and China's defense of Russia while drawing parallels to Taiwan. Tim expressed serious concern that these escalations could constitute an act of war against Russia. The episode featured Ian Smith of Attila's Gym in Belmar, New Jersey, who had become famous for keeping his gym open during COVID lockdowns despite government pressure, accumulating hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Smith had recently launched a congressional campaign against incumbent Democrat Andy Kim in New Jersey's 3rd District. Tim warned viewers to prepare for potential emergencies, recommending food, water, and emergency plans amid fears the conflict could go global.

TL;DR

  • →Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine with attacks reported as far west as Lviv near the Polish border, far beyond initial predictions
  • →NBC News reported Biden was presented with options for massive US cyber attacks on Russian infrastructure including power grids, internet, and transportation systems
  • →Tim argued that US cyber attacks on Russian infrastructure would effectively be a declaration of war against Russia
  • →Guest Ian Smith discussed his ongoing legal battles with New Jersey over keeping his gym open during lockdowns and announced his congressional campaign
  • →The push to ban Russia from the SWIFT international banking system was discussed as a potentially catastrophic economic escalation
  • →China publicly defended Russia's invasion while comparing Taiwan to Ukraine, suggesting Beijing may move on Taiwan while world attention is on Europe

Key Moments

  • 0:00
    Opening and Ukraine Update
    Tim discussed the shock of Russia's full invasion of Ukraine which exceeded all predictions and expressed concern about escalation
  • 12:00
    US Cyber Attack Plans
    Tim read the NBC News report about Biden's cyber attack options against Russian infrastructure as a potential act of war
  • 25:00
    SWIFT Banking Sanctions
    Discussion of banning Russia from international banking and the potentially catastrophic economic consequences
  • 30:00
    China's Position
    Analysis of China's defense of Russia and the Taiwan comparison as a sign Beijing may move on Taiwan
  • 40:00
    Guest Segment with Ian Smith
    Ian Smith introduced himself, discussed his gym's battle against NJ lockdowns, and announced his congressional campaign
  • 55:00
    Swift Discussion Continues
    Ian Smith joined the conversation about SWIFT sanctions and international relations
  • 60:00
    Closing and Safety Warning
    Tim urged viewers to prepare for potential emergencies and summarized the gravity of the situation

Notable Quotes

“We had several conversations where, you know, I had said there's no way that Russia is going to move from the north of Ukraine or through Belarus to try and take Kiev. Boy, were we wrong because there's reported attacks as far west as Lviv, which is basically it's very close to Poland and things are getting things have gotten really, really bad.”

— Tim Pool · opening discussion of the Ukraine invasion

“If the U.S. were to actually publicly say, oh, we're going to cyber attack your trains and your internet, we're going to disrupt your economy. I don't see how that's not a declaration of war.”

— Tim Pool · main discussion on US cyber attack plans

“We went to war with these people and 700 and some odd days later, our gym still is open. We've amassed hundreds of thousands of dollars of fines. We've had pretty much everything thrown at us, but the gym stayed open.”

— Ian Smith · guest introduction

“Having some food, having some water, having a bug out kit, having a plan. Sometimes there's a fire. Sometimes there's a hurricane. You've got to understand these things. And I hope everybody stays calm, stays safe, and thinks things through because it could get really spicy.”

— Tim Pool · closing safety message

“Kicking them off of Swift would be, it would guarantee international war as far as I'm concerned. Russia is not going to cease to exist. They have resources. They're going to be immediately working with China.”

— Tim Pool · debate on Swift sanctions

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