Ukrainian intelligence chief raises alarm over systematic Starlink use by Russian occupiers
Andrij Jusow corroborated the reports of the invaders taking advantage of the Starlink system owned by Elon Musk's firm. "There have been noticeable instances of these machines being deployed by Russian occupiers. This is turning into a regular practice," stated the intelligence chief during an interview with RBC Ukraine.
Starlink present at the front line
The Institute of War Studies' analysis also mentioned Starlink, drawing upon Russian and Ukrainian sources.
"The Russian contingent has sourced access to the Starlinks from the United Arab Emirates, the deal was sealed in Dubai," shared the Institute of War Studies.
SpaceX denies involvement
Starlink clarified that its parent company, SpaceX, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, maintains no ties with the Russian government or military. Furthermore, it has never imported, launched, or vented Starlink services or equipment to Russia.
The firm declared that it doesn't operate in Dubai and "has never sanctioned any third-party intermediaries, resellers, or distributors to peddle Starlink in Dubai".
Previous reports from August last year disclosed that since the onset of Russian hostilities in February 2022, SpaceX has transported over 40,000 terminals linked to the Starlink satellite network to Ukraine. These devices provide Ukrainian troops with the means to keep communication lines open under challenging front-line conditions.
Source: PAP / TSN / RBC Ukraine
