Russian forces are buying Starlink satellite internet terminals in “Arab countries” for use on the battlefield for just over $2,000 apiece, Ukraine's military spy service said.
The service, run by Elon Musk, was crucial for communications on the Kiev battlefield, but Ukrainian officials said Russian forces also increasingly relied on it during their nearly two-year invasion.
The Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reportedly released an audio recording of two Russian soldiers discussing purchasing units from Arab suppliers for about 200,000 rubles each, the equivalent of $2,200.
“The aggressor state Russia is purchasing communications equipment, including Starlink satellite internet terminals, for use in war in Arab countries,” the ministry said on Telegram.
On Monday, GUR spokesman Andriy Yusov told Portal that Russian forces bought the terminals through unspecified third countries.
Russian agents are reportedly using “intermediaries” in Dubai to access the terminals.
An audio clip released by Ukrainian intelligence purportedly shows two Russian soldiers talking about getting their hands on the terminals.
The service, run by Elon Musk, has been crucial for communications on Kiev's battlefield, but Ukrainian officials said Russian forces are also increasingly relying on it during their nearly two-year invasion
Ukrainian soldiers check their tank after maintenance near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region on February 5
Musk said there have been no official sales between his company and the Russian armed forces
“Can I order you a Starlink?” And you’ll have one hell of a connection. Dude, you need a Starlink.'
The indicated price is 200,000 rubles. A soldier points out someone named Oboz who can get to the terminals. “The Arabs bring everything to us: cables, WiFi, routers,” he says.
Starlink has stated that it does not do business with Russia or operate on Russian territory. The Kremlin said the terminals were neither certified for use in Russia nor officially delivered to Russia and therefore could not be used.
Kiev said on Sunday that the SpaceX communications device was being used by Russian troops in the invasion of Ukraine, with military intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov calling the problem “systematic.”
He said: “Instances of the use of these devices by Russian occupiers have been recorded. “This is starting to become systemic.”
However, according to Ukrainian military intelligence GUR, Russia's 83rd Guards Air Assault Brigade is also among those using the service around the Klishchiivka and Andriivka battlefields.
A Ukrainian soldier sets up Starlink satellite equipment
Some believe that Russian forces have managed to “spoof” Starlink terminals, making it appear that they are operating in authorized regions
Some believe that Russian forces have managed to “spoof” Starlink terminals, making it appear that they are operating in authorized regions.
Others suspect that Russian soldiers may have stolen terminals from Ukrainian areas that are in authorized regions but have since been taken over by invading forces.
So far, the system has been used in Ukraine except Crimea, as Musk wanted to prevent Kiev from targeting Russian warships and wanted to use the terminals for humanitarian rather than military purposes.
Musk was praised by dictator Putin this week.
The US tech tycoon called for an end to US economic support for Ukraine during the war with Russia.
Musk stated: “It's time to stop using the meat grinder…that should have happened a year ago.”
SpaceX said it “does not do business of any kind with the Russian government or its military.”
The company said: “Starlink is not active in Russia, which means the service will not work in this country.”
“SpaceX has never sold or marketed Starlink in Russia, nor has it delivered equipment to sites in Russia.”