Ukrainian soldiers use a Starlink terminal during military exercises in Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine in June 2023 (Photo: NurPhoto/Getty).
Reuters on February 11 quoted Andriy Yusov, spokesman for the Main Directorate of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR), reporting that the Russian military is using Starlink service terminals "systematically".
Citing evidence, Ukrainian intelligence released a recording of a radio conversation they had collected, showing soldiers of Russia's 83rd Air Assault Brigade - currently fighting near Klishchiivka and Andriivka in Donetsk - using Starlink reception terminals.
The statement from GUR confirms information that has been circulating in recent days. Defense One initially reported that Russian soldiers were using Starlink on the Ukrainian front lines. Sources in Ukraine say the Russian military first used the Starlink service for communications several months ago.
Astra then posted screenshots of advertisements selling Starlink terminals “for special military operations” in Ukraine. According to Astra , Starlink terminals with activated accounts are being shipped en masse to Russia via Dubai.
Elon Musk's SpaceX, which provides the Starlink satellite internet service, said it does not do business with the Russian government or military. The company also said it does not provide Starlink services in Russia and does not operate in Dubai.
When Russia launched a war in Ukraine, SpaceX deployed Starlink in Ukraine and provided thousands of satellite internet terminals to local authorities, donated by SpaceX or paid for by the US government and philanthropists.
Starlink has played a vital role in Ukraine during the war. Ukrainian soldiers can use the system to counterattack or call for artillery support, while citizens use Starlink to stay in touch with loved ones at home and abroad.
Relations between Ukraine and Elon Musk have become increasingly strained after the American billionaire repeatedly suggested that Ukraine should make territorial concessions to end the conflict.
In February 2023, SpaceX banned the Ukrainian military from using Starlink for offensive purposes, including flying drones. In July of that year, the New York Times, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that SpaceX was restricting satellite operations in war zones.
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