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Intelligence from Ukrainian military sources has corroborated on Feb. 11 that Russian troops are using Starlink terminals on the battlegrounds of Ukraine.
This comes as an affirmation of previous multiple reports by media outlets alluding to the utilization of Starlink satellite internet by Russian forces in Ukraine.
Also released was an intercepted phone conversation, purportedly between Russian soldiers, discussing the successful deployment of a Starlink terminal. These soldiers are believed to be from the 83rd Assault Brigade stationed in the Donetsk Oblast, around the regions of Klishchiivka and Andriivka, as indicated by the intelligence agency.
Andrii Yusov, a representative of military intelligence, informed RBC-Ukraine about an increase to systemic levels in Russia’s use of Starlink.
The implications of the Russians’ use of Starlink technology were not detailed in the reports; however, Ukrainian military personnel voiced to Defense One that this development is complicating their military efforts.
Reports indicate that the process of acquiring Starlink terminals by Russia had begun several months back. Testimonies from Ukrainian soldiers obtained by journalists and through posts on Twitter indicate that these terminals might be channeled to Russia via intermediaries, including places such as Dubai.
SpaceX, the aerospace enterprise led by Elon Musk, operates Starlink, which has seen significant application in military operations by the Ukrainian forces.
Musk has publicly supported striking a peace agreement with Russia and has shown an inclination towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the right-wing commentators backed by his administration.
Recently, a post from Feb. 8 on X, formerly known as Twitter, by SpaceX officials clarified that the company “does not do business of any kind with the Russian Government or its military. Starlink is not active in Russia, meaning service will not work in that country. SpaceX has never sold or marketed Starlink in Russia, nor has it shipped equipment to Russia.”
Although several Russian firms have listed Starlink terminals for purchase, SpaceX has labeled these transactions as fraudulent.
SpaceX initiated the distribution of the Starlink satellite internet service to Ukraine almost immediately following the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022.
The Pentagon confirmed in June 2023 that SpaceX had secured a contract with the Defense Department to provide Starlink services to Ukraine.
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