Ukrainian intel officer: Russian forces using Elon Musk's Starlink on the front lines

By kevinhughes // 2024-02-20

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The Russian Armed Forces (AFR) is reportedly utilizing Elon Musk's Starlink internet satellites to control drones on the front lines. RBC Ukraine reported on the finding, citing Ukrainian intelligence officer Andriy Yusov. "Yes, there have been documented cases of the Russian [forces] using these devices. This is beginning to have a systemic quality to it," Yusov told the news outlet. The Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence also attested to this on Feb. 11. According to the service, it has recorded radio communications conforming that Russia uses the terminals, which provide high-speed internet connection through a group of low-orbit satellites. Photos circulating on social media also prove that Moscow is now utilizing Musk's Starlink in its "special military operation" against Kyiv. (Related: Ukrainian intelligence claims Russian hackers are targeting Elon Musk’s Starlink network.) Previously, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) has been employing Starlink since the conflict began in February 2022. Musk ordered its activation in the country shortly after hostilities commenced. Ukraine, which has used high-speed internet for safe communication in addition to the operation of targeting and other military software, is said to have a strategic advantage. Meanwhile, a Defense One report stated that AFR units are using Starlink satellites to control drones from a Russian position on Ukrainian soil. A Ukrainian tipster divulged this information, alongside a screenshot from drone footage that appeared to display the unique profile of a Starlink terminal. The source warned that once Moscow has its hands on hundreds of terminals, it will be "difficult" for Ukrainian forces to survive. A Russian volunteer organization called KatyaVayla, which is located in the disputed Donbas region, proudly showed off five Starlink terminals it had bought for the Russian military in a video that it shared on Telegram. According to many Ukrainian media sources, the AFR's Starlink equipment might have been obtained in Dubai.

Starlink says it does not do business of any kind with Russia

In response to the story, Starlink said it "does not do business of any kind with the Russian government or its military." It added: "Since Starlink is not operational in Russia, services will not be available there." SpaceX, Starlink's parent, also insisted that the satellites are "not available in Dubai." The Kremlin also denied claims that Russian forces are using Starlink. "This is not a certified system with us; accordingly, it cannot be officially supplied here and is not officially supplied," Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "Accordingly, it cannot be used officially in any way." SpaceX's project to deliver Starlink terminals to Ukraine has been a difficult endeavor from the beginning. Last year, the corporation claimed it had no purpose of turning the technology into a weapon. "Ukrainians have leveraged it in ways that were unintentional and not part of any agreement," said SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell at the time. Musk's concerns about getting personally involved in the conflict were relieved when SpaceX said last year that it could no longer provide the service to Ukraine for free. However, the U.S. Department of Defense then picked up the bill and acted as a middleman. The South African-born technocrat claims that he earlier refused a request from Ukraine to enable the service in Crimea. Musk reportedly feared that Ukraine would utilize it to sink Russian warships docked in Sevastopol and maybe initiate a huge conflict that might even turn nuclear. Watch Harrison Smith discuss SpaceX's decision to disable Starlink in Ukraine following reports of its use in guiding combat drones. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

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Starlink says it does not do business of any kind with Russia

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