Ukraine is accusing Russia of buying Starlink internet terminals for war operations. This latest revelation about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war was shared by Kyiv's military intelligence agency.
When Russia officially launched its full-blown invasion of Ukraine, Elon Musk decided to send its Starlink internet terminals to the European country.
Starlink satellite antennas are seen at the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA), the international trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, on August 31, 2023, during a preview at the fairgrounds in Berlin.
However, the tech billionaire reiterated multiple times that the internet service should not be used for military operations. Now, the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) claims that Moscow is actually purchasing Starlinks from Arab countries.
Ukraine Accuses Russia of Buying Starlink for War Operations
According to The Guardian's latest report, GUR released what it claims to be an audio intercept of two Russian troops who were allegedly buying Starlink units from Arab providers.
The Ukrainian military spy agency claims that these Russian soldiers were offering $2,200 for each Starlink internet terminal.
"The aggressor state Russia is purchasing communications equipment, including Starlink satellite Internet terminals, for use in the war in Arab countries," said the Ukrainian defense ministry.
On Monday, Feb. 12, Andriy Yusov, the GUR spokesperson, said that the Russian military was buying Starlink terminals from unspecified third countries.
If this is true, then it goes against Starlink's recent promises; claiming that it doesn't operate or do business with Russian territories.
The Russian government also clarified that they can't use Starlink internet terminals since these are not certified to be used or supplied to Russia.
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Elon Musk Denies Kyiv's Claims
Russian servicemen take part in the "Rubezh-2021" joint military drills by the Collective Rapid Response Forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) member states, a military alliance led by Moscow, at the Edelweiss training area in Balykchi, some 200 km from Bishkek, on September 9, 2021.
Elon Musk quickly commented after hearing the claims made by Ukraine regarding the alleged Starlink purchases of the Russian military.
The tech billionaire strongly denied the accusations, saying that they don't sell their Starlink internet service to the Kremlin.
"A number of false news reports claim that SpaceX is selling Starlink terminals to Russia. This is categorically false," explained Elon Musk via Al Jazeera.
"To the best of our knowledge, no Starlinks have been sold directly or indirectly to Russia," added the SpaceX CEO.
Before Ukraine accused Russia of buying Starlink internet terminals from Arab nations, Starlink already explained that it doesn't do business with the Russian government or its military.
As of writing, no strong evidence is able to prove that Russia is really purchasing Starlink internet terminals.
In 2023, Elon Musk showed that he was against any military operation during a war after he refused Ukraine's request to activate Starlink to assist Ukrainian troops in their surprise attack on Russia's fleet in Crimea.
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