Feb 11, 2024,01:18pm EST
Ukrainian Military Accuses Russian Troops of Using Starlink, SpaceX Denies Involvement
In a recent development, the Ukrainian military has alleged evidence of Russian troops utilizing Starlink for internet communication in the occupied Donbas region. This claim has been vehemently denied by Starlink owner SpaceX, which has previously taken steps to prevent Ukraine from deploying the service for what it terms “offensive purposes.”
The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Agency asserts that the 83rd Assault Brigade of the Russian military is employing Starlink services in Klishchiivka and Andriivka, towns in the conflict-ridden Donetsk region. To support these allegations, the agency released a 12-second audio clip on social media featuring a Russian speaker affirming, “Starlink works, there is internet.”
Upon reaching out to SpaceX for comments, Forbes received a link to a prior denial, emphasizing that SpaceX has never engaged in business with the Russian government, Starlink terminals are not available for purchase in Russia, and they do not function within Russian borders.
Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, revealed they have “recorded cases” of Russian soldiers using the Starlink system, and this usage appears to be “starting to take on a systemic nature.”
The Ukrainian government has not clarified how they believe Russian troops gained access to Starlink hardware.
Background and SpaceX’s Previous Stance
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Starlink has played a crucial role in providing internet access to various parts of the war-torn country. The Ukrainian military has utilized the technology for drone strikes against Russian forces, a move criticized by SpaceX leaders, including CEO Elon Musk.
In February 2023, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell declared that the company would take measures to prevent Ukraine from using Starlink for drone strikes, asserting that the service was “never meant to be weaponized.” Although the military could still utilize the service for communications, it was discouraged for “offensive purposes.”
Later that year, a biography of Musk unveiled the CEO’s personal intervention to prevent a Ukrainian drone strike that he deemed a potential “mini-Pearl Harbor.”
Surprising Facts
In 2022, Musk allegedly ordered SpaceX engineers to deactivate the Starlink system in Crimea to disrupt a planned Ukrainian ambush on the Russian Navy in Sevastopol. Musk later confirmed this move, stating it was in response to an emergency request from the Ukrainian government to activate Starlink terminals in Crimea. Musk justified the decision, claiming that agreeing to the request would have made SpaceX complicit in a significant act of war and conflict escalation.
As the situation unfolds, the conflicting narratives between the Ukrainian military and SpaceX continue to raise questions about the use of Starlink in the ongoing conflict.