Shadow Fleet of Russia Utilizing Starlink, Reveals Kyiv Independent Investigation

Updated: April 1, 2026, 20:00. An investigation conducted by Kyiv Independent has revealed that vessels belonging to Russia's shadow fleet are actively utilizing Starlink technology for communication and coordination of their operations. This discovery was made possible through testimonies from two Ukrainian sailors, who assert that they have become part of a global operation orchestrated by the Kremlin to transport oil, violating sanctions and financing Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The sailors who provided their testimonies, along with two additional sources who worked on vessels of the Russian shadow fleet, confirmed that communication between tankers and their owners is often maintained through Western technologies, including satellite phones and Starlink terminals. One crew member noted, "This can be purchased through a proxy company. As far as I know, it is currently difficult to buy Starlink in Ukraine. In other countries around the world, it can simply be ordered and received by mail. It is not a weapon; anyone can buy it."

In response to the findings of the investigation, Vladislav Vlasuk, the representative of the President of Ukraine on sanctions policy, stated that SpaceX, which manages Starlink, must take action to halt this practice. "Any activity of Russia's shadow fleet effectively finances the war against Ukraine. If Starlink is being used to circumvent sanctions or violate maritime safety rules, this is unacceptable," he commented to Kyiv Independent.

Vlasuk also emphasized that Russia is deliberately using GPS spoofing to conceal its vessels, which disrupts navigation systems and endangers other ships. "Against this backdrop, relying on Starlink for their operations is deeply hypocritical. We expect SpaceX to thoroughly examine this issue and take measures to prevent the use of Starlink by shadow fleets of any country, including Russia, Venezuela, or Iran," he added.

It has been previously reported that Russian forces have long utilized unauthorized access to control drones and other military equipment in the occupied territories of Ukraine during the full-scale invasion. However, this practice was effectively halted last month after the Ukrainian government, in collaboration with SpaceX, implemented mandatory registration and a 'white list' system. Nevertheless, the use of Starlink on vessels of the Russian shadow fleet had not been reported until now.

For more details about the investigation, read here...