Ukraine Claims Russia Purchases Starlink Terminals Through Arab Nations

Paresh Jadhav

10 months ago

Ukrainian intelligence agency HUR has reported that Russian invaders have purchased Starlink terminals through Arab countries for use on battlefield communications in Kyiv. Elon Musk-owned service is essential in keeping Kyiv functioning.

HUR reports in its radio interception that Russian officials discussed purchasing Starlink devices at around 200,000 roubles each, even though these terminals are neither approved for use within Russia nor provided through official channels.

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Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Agency (HUR)

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency recently published a clip on Telegram that appears to show Russian forces discussing plans to purchase Starlink internet terminals manufactured by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. While SpaceX has not confirmed these claims, reports indicate it has installed these terminals within Russian-occupied territory.

RBC-Ukraine was told by a representative for the agency that Moscow has used satellite communications systems with increasing frequency, as per military intelligence sources. Intercepted conversations have revealed that Russia purchased terminals from third parties before sneaking them into frontline areas for use.

The Ukrainian military spokesman noted that using these devices has hindered Ukrainian troops’ communication among themselves and in responding to pro-Russian attacks, and is confident the new equipment can improve this situation.

Economic Minister Oleksii Reznikov recently resigned after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky signaled he intended to remove him due to allegations of corruption, after Zelensky indicated plans to do so. This year-on-year growth can be attributed to increased seaborne exports and lifting the Polish border blockade; it can also be linked with higher seaborne exports. Still, Ukrainian economic performance remains vulnerable in light of reduced foreign aid and ongoing war with Russia; Oleksii Reznikov’s resignation this month came shortly after Zelensky indicated plans to remove him over allegations of corruption allegations.

Russia’s Military Intelligence Agency (MIA)

Satellite dishes linked to SpaceX satellites have been an indispensable asset in Ukraine’s war against Russia, keeping troops connected even after their mobile phone and communications networks have been severely disrupted. But their connectivity has become more vulnerable as Ukrainian troops worry about potential funding shortfall for SpaceX’s $2,500 per terminal subscription fees – per an informed source on this matter.

Last week, Russia fired its hypersonic Zircon missile at Kyiv for the first time during their nearly two-year-old conflict, according to Oleksandr Ruvin from a Ukrainian research institute on Telegram. Oleksandr reported completing preliminary analysis on weapon fragments from Feb 7’s attack that showed distinct markings.

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency released a transcript of intercepted radio communication via their Telegram account on Tuesday that they claim confirms Russian forces purchasing Starlink terminals from “Arab countries.” Media reports based on these claims suggested they may have been purchased through intermediaries in Dubai in violation of Western sanctions that ban Moscow from purchasing technologies with military applications. Starlink denied selling terminals directly to Russia while the Kremlin asserted this service isn’t used for battlefield communications as it’s not certified for use there.

SpaceX’s Starlink

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc, issued a warning that undercutting Vladimir Putin would be a risky policy option for the US, doubting its success and leading to “many deaths on both sides.” These statements came shortly after Democratic Senate leaders supported legislation intended to assist Ukraine against Vladimir Putin, with plans being debated in both chambers before being signed off on by President Joe Biden for signature.

Radio intercepts of Russian invaders discussing buying Starlink terminals in Arab countries have recently been discovered by HUR. One Russian invader said “Arabs supply everything: wires, Wi-Fi routers and Starlink devices can be purchased for around 200,000 rubles,” HUR reported.

Important Stories (IStories), an independent investigative journalism site, conducted an investigation on three Russian websites offering Starlink terminals for sale. Two representatives told IStories that personal accounts on these devices connect to networks in Poland bordering Ukraine; and another website representative explained to IStories that terminals work by connecting to networks located within NATO member Poland rather than deep inside Russia due to limited signal strength range.