Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, called media reports on Russia purchasing Starlinks “false”.
He stated that on his X account.
“A number of false news reports claim that SpaceX is selling Starlink terminals to Russia. This is categorically false. To the best of our knowledge, no Starlinks have been sold directly or indirectly to Russia,” wrote the owner of X.
Ukraine, in turn, says Russia obtains Starlinks via third countries.
“Contraband from third countries. Usage has increased on the front line,” the Ukrainian military spy agency’s spokesperson, Andrii Yusov, said in a comment to Reuters.
“If SpaceX obtains knowledge that a Starlink terminal is being used by a sanctioned or unauthorized party, we investigate the claim and take actions to deactivate the terminal if confirmed,” wrote official Starlink account. However, it is not clear whether any investigation has been launched after Ukraine has shared the information.
Previously, Ukraine’s intelligence claimed Russian forces were spotted “systematically” using Starlink terminals for satellite internet in the occupied Ukrainian territories.
Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence said terminals were being used by units like Russia’s 83rd air assault brigade, fighting near Klishchiivka and Andriivka in the partially occupied eastern region of Donetsk.
Also, Ukrainian soldiers publicly shared their observations on X.