Russian military units operating in war-torn Ukraine are utilizing satellite internet terminals made by SpaceX, the billionaire Elon Musk’s company, according to a claim made on Sunday by the Ukrainian military intelligence agency Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR). The agency further stated that the usage pattern appears to be “systemic.”
During Russia’s nearly two-year-old invasion, Starlink systems have proven essential for Ukraine’s battlefield communications as Kyiv has confronted a more powerful and well-equipped military. Ukraine and its allies continue to be concerned about the US billionaire’s personal involvement over Starlink.
The billionaire has frequently reiterated Kremlin talking points on the crisis. The terminals, which were sent in quickly to aid Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, have proven essential to Kyiv’s communications on the battlefield.
Elon Musk denies allegations
“To the best of our knowledge, no Starlinks have been sold directly or indirectly to Russia,” Musk stated in a post published on X on Sunday.
In the article on X, which he also owns, Musk stated, “A lot of false news reports claim that SpaceX is selling Starlink terminals to Russia.” “This is categorically false.”
This week by two Ukrainian government officials that Russian usage of Starlink had been discovered in seized Ukrainian territory. One indicated they were attempting to gather information regarding the scope of this kind of use.
On February 8, Starlink stated that none of its terminals were operational in Russia and that neither SpaceX nor its affiliates had ever advertised or sold the service there or transported equipment there. Starlink said nothing regarding their potential application in Ukrainian occupied territory in a statement that was published on X.
Statement by officials
“If SpaceX obtains knowledge that a Starlink terminal is being used by a sanctioned or unauthorized party, we investigate the claim and take actions to deactivate the terminal if confirmed,” added the statement.
