Ukrainian intelligence reveals systematic use of Starlink by Russians in occupied regions
4:13 AM EST, February 11, 2024
Andrij Jusow corroborated that the occupiers are utilizing Elon Musk's company's satellite system. "The use of these devices by Russian occupiers has been documented. It's progressively increasing in frequency," the intelligence head stated in an interview with RBC Ukraine.
Deployment of Starlink at the frontlines
Reports about the Starlink system have also been included in an analysis by the Institute of War Studies, referencing Russian and Ukrainian sources.
"The Russian side has acquired access to Starlink through the United Arab Emirates, with the transaction carried out in Dubai," the ISW relayed.
Denial by SpaceX
Starlink affirmed that its operator, SpaceX, a company owned by billionaire Elon Musk, neither collaborates with the Russian government or military nor has it ever shipped, launched, or sold Starlink services or equipment to Russia.
The company confirmed that it doesn't operate in Dubai and "has not authorized any external intermediaries, resellers, or authorized parties to sell Starlink in Dubai."
In August of the previous year, it was informed that since February 2022, corresponding with the onset of Russian aggression, SpaceX has delivered more than 40,000 terminals linked to the Starlink satellite network to Ukraine. These devices facilitate the Ukrainian soldiers to sustain communication under challenging conditions at the front.
Source: PAP / TSN / RBC Ukraine
