The Ukrainian military intelligence stated today, Tuesday, that Russian forces are purchasing stations for the “Starlink” internet service in “Arab countries” for use on the battlefield.
“SpaceX,” owned by American billionaire Elon Musk, sent Starlink internet stations via satellite to assist Ukraine after the start of the war with Russia in February 2022. The company states that it does not deal with the Russian government or military.
However, Ukrainian officials have said that Russian forces are increasing their reliance on the service. The main directorate of military intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense released what they claim to be an audio recording of two Russian soldiers discussing plans to purchase “Starlink” internet lines from Arab service providers for around 200,000 rubles (2,200 dollars) each.
The ministry stated via Telegram, “The aggressor state of Russia is buying communication equipment, including internet lines via Starlink satellites, for use in the war from Arab countries.”
Andriy Yustyuf, spokesman for the main directorate of military intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, confirmed yesterday the recording of “cases of Russian occupation forces using these devices, and it seemed as though they were using them regularly.”
He pointed out that “military units using this service include the 83rd Russian Air Assault Brigade, fighting near the besieged cities of Klyshchevka and Andriivka in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine.”
In contrast, the Kremlin stated that the stations are not authorized for use in Russia and have not been officially supplied, and therefore cannot be used.
