Tonight, Live with Terrell Jermaine Starr!
What does it mean to truly know Ukraine—not as a headline, but as a place, a people, and a struggle?
In this special edition of The Wire Tap, I welcome my longtime friend Terrell Starr, an independent journalist who has been reporting from Ukraine for years and whose relationship with the country stretches back long before Russia’s full-scale invasion. We first met during my earliest days in Ukraine, and over the years we’ve shared experiences that have shaped how we understand this war and our responsibility to tell its story.
Together, we discuss:
Our first weeks in Ukraine before and after the full-scale invasion.
Why independent journalism matters more than ever.
The information war surrounding Ukraine.
The closing of Media Center Ukraine and what it means for reporters on the ground.
How foreign audiences misunderstand Ukraine—and how Ukrainians often receive an incomplete picture of America.
Race, history, Black liberation, and the surprising parallels with Ukrainian struggles for national liberation.
Why storytelling—not propaganda—is one of Ukraine’s most important strategic assets.
How both of us approach journalism beyond the constraints of traditional media while remaining committed to accuracy, honesty, and evidence.
This isn’t a debate or a panel discussion. It’s two journalists who have spent years living this war comparing notes, challenging assumptions, and sharing experiences that rarely make it into mainstream coverage.
If you’re interested in Ukraine beyond the daily headlines, this conversation offers historical context, personal stories, and perspectives built from years of living and reporting through one of the defining conflicts of our time.
Don’t forget to read Terrell’s latest article:
Subscribe to support independent journalism from Ukraine and join us live for future conversations on The Wire Tap.












