How did Ukrainians end up sailing in Russia's shadow fleet?

About this episode

The episode discusses the role of Starlink in supporting Russia's shadow fleet and features insights from investigative journalist Tanya Kozyreva.

Shortly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Elon Musk’s company SpaceX swept in to restore internet connectivity to areas that had been affected by Russian attacks. But SpaceX and its internet service, Starlink, have hardly remained indisputable forces for good in the war in Ukraine. Earlier this month, the Kyiv Independent revealed that a fleet of old, rusty ships has been transporting hundreds of millions of barrels of Russian oil… with Starlink’s help. Investigative journalist Tanya Kozyreva joins us to explain what her reporting uncovered about how Starlink is used by the Russian “shadow fleet” – and how Ukrainian sailors have found themselves onboard. We’re also joined by The Europeans’ resident Luxembourger, Nina Lamparski, to discuss a resurgence of bison in Europe and the imperiled fate of halloumi. JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB: We’re so excited to be partnering with our friends at the European Review of Books on a new audio book club! Want to read along with us? We’ll be discussing our first pick, Vincenzo Latronico’s Perfection , on 14 May. Resources for this episode: “From biodiversity to carbon capture: Saving bison from extinction has brought big…

People in this episode

Hosts: Katy Lee, Dominic Kraemer

Guests: Tanya Kozyreva, Nina Lamparski

Topics covered

• Ukrainian sailors
• Russian shadow fleet
• Starlink
• bison resurgence
• halloumi
• investigative journalism

Keywords

• Ukrainian sailors
• Starlink
• Russian oil
• shadow fleet
• bison
• halloumi
• investigative journalism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: SpaceX, Starlink

Books & works: Perfection

Places: Ukraine, Russia, Europe

More episodes of The Europeans | European news, politics and culture

• Every @#$%ing quirk of the English language · June 11, 2026 · 1h 12m
• The world's funniest superstate? · May 28, 2026 · 31 min
• What is life really like for Russians right now? · May 21, 2026 · 58 min
• Do you also have a Monstera in your living room? · May 14, 2026 · 59 min
• Venice has a Russia and Israel problem · May 7, 2026 · 55 min
• Can Pedro Sánchez unite the global left? · April 23, 2026 · 52 min