Kyiv: Ukraine has leveled accusations against Russian forces, claiming they’re deploying terminals from Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, in occupied territories. According to media reports, Ukrainian intelligence asserts they intercepted communications among Russian soldiers, presenting it as evidence of the ‘systemic’ use of these terminals.
The country’s main directorate of intelligence shared an audio clip on Telegram, purportedly featuring discussions among troops from Russia’s 83rd Air Assault Brigade regarding the installation of these terminals in eastern Ukraine.
Amid Russia’s nearly two-year-long invasion, Starlink systems have emerged as critical components of battlefield communications for Ukraine.
While details regarding the extent of usage and procurement methods remain undisclosed, spokesman Andriy Yusov remarked that the situation is “beginning to take on a systemic nature.” However, Russia’s defense ministry has not responded to Reuters’ requests for comment.
SpaceX, the company responsible for Starlink, reiterated in a statement released last week that they have no business dealings with the Russian government or military. They emphasized that their service is not operational within Russia.
