Why is Putin using African trolls against Europe?
We’ve talked a lot about pro-Kremlin internet trolls, who have worked to destabilise the democratic functioning of countries all across Europe. Turns out, there are even more of them than you might imagine – and they’re operating from places you might not expect. This week we chat with award-winning investigative reporter Philip Obaji Jr. about how Russia has been using African nations as launchpads to help sow chaos across Europe. Philip is an incredibly brave journalist working under exceedingly challenging conditions, and his insights on this growing problem are chilling. Also on the podcast this week: a heartening turnout at Kyiv Pride, and news about nuclear proliferation that we have definite mixed feelings about.
You can follow Philip's work on Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn and X, and contribute to his fundraiser here.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE BOUNCY SUMMER BOP? Contribute to our Summer Playlist! We’re looking for sunny, summery songs from across the continent, especially from lesser-known artists that sing in less widely spoken languages. Send your picks to hello@europeanspodcast.com or @europeanspodcast on Instagram/Mastodon.
Inspiration Station:
The pan-European queer choir festival Various Voices
Other resources for this episode:
“Thousands gather for Kyiv's largest Pride march since start of full-scale war” – Kyiv Independent, 21 June 2026
“‘We are modern people’: Zelensky calls for open talk on LGBTQ+ rights in Ukraine” – Pink News, 12 June 2026
“Discrimination in the European Union” (PDF) – Eurobarometer, 2023
Rainbow Map 2026 – ILGA-Europe’s national ranking of LGBTI human rights laws and policies
“Trans people in Ukraine: transition process, legislations, healthcare, and social attitudes” – Seymour Nezoriy, 11 November 2024
“What is Russia up to in Africa?”, our conversation with Beverly Ochieng last year
“Forests Now Cover Over a Third of Italy, Overtaking Farmland for the First Time Since the Middle Ages” – The Italian Times, 10 June 2026
With special thanks this week to longtime Europeans producer Katz Laszlo
-
Coming soon
Producer
Morgan Childs, Monika Proba and Katy Lee
Mixing and mastering
Wojciech Oleksiak
Music
Jim Barne and Mariska Martina
Thanks for listening! If you enjoy our podcast, we'd love it if you'd consider chipping in a few bucks a month (many currencies are available).
You can also help new listeners find the show by leaving us a review or giving us five stars on Spotify.
This podcast was brought to you in cooperation with Euranet Plus, the leading radio network for EU news.
The Europeans is proudly produced using Europe’s own Hindenburg.