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Starlink Terminals Found on Russian Oil Tankers Fueling Shadow Fleet Operations
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Russia has begun using Starlink on its shadow fleet tankers, creating a new challenge despite Ukraine’s success in restricting its use on the battlefield.
An investigation by Kyiv Independent on April 1 revealed that SpaceX satellite terminals are installed on tankers carrying Russian oil. These vessels use the technology to coordinate their movements while hiding their locations from other ships and observers.
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Two Ukrainian sailors and two other individuals who worked on these vessels reported that communication between tankers and their owners is often conducted via satellite phones and Starlink terminals.
One source explained that “It can be purchased through a shell company. In other countries of the world, it can simply be ordered and received by mail. It is not a weapon, anyone can buy it.” While crew access is usually limited, captains maintain a constant connection to stay in direct contact with shipowners and intermediaries during voyages.
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western nations have sanctioned hundreds of vessels. In response, shadow fleet operators have created new companies in third countries and re-registered tankers to continue trading oil through sea-to-sea transfers.
Crew members are often unaware of the true nature of their work. Contracts sent via messaging apps describe standard cargo operations without naming specific destinations.
Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine’s presidential commissioner for sanctions policy, stated that SpaceX should take steps to stop shadow fleet vessels from using Starlink. He argued that this communication supports activities that fund Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Vlasiuk also pointed out that these tankers intentionally manipulate GPS signals to hide their locations. He noted that “This leads to disruptions in the operation of navigation systems and creates a threat to other vessels. Against this background, the use of Starlink for its own operations seems particularly hypocritical.”
Earlier this year, the Ukrainian government worked to create authorized lists of Starlink terminals to disable unauthorized units used by Russian forces.
This move significantly impacted Russian communication on the battlefield, with some observers describing the loss of access as a major setback for their operations. Following these restrictions, Ukrainian forces were able to reclaim more territory in February than they lost to the occupying forces for the first time since 2023.
In February 2026, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense announced that only verified Starlink terminals would be allowed to operate within the country. This decision was part of a broader effort to prevent Russian forces from using the system without authorization.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that the government worked with SpaceX to disable unregistered units, particularly after reports emerged that Russian troops had adapted the technology for use on strike drones.
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