Ukraine suggests that Russia stole its Starlink internet in occupied territories

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Equipment was sent to Ukraine by billionaire Elon Musk’s company, which says it does not do business with Russia. Ukrainian intelligence agency did not say how equipment may have been obtained by Russian forces. Starlink satellite internet antenna Disclosure/SpaceX Russian troops were accused of using satellite internet equipment sent to Ukraine by billionaire Elon Musk’s company Starlink. The Ukrainian military intelligence agency stated this Sunday (11) that the system is being used in its territories. The equipment was sent by Starlink in February 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as a way of maintaining communication between authorities and battlefields. Musk’s company says it does not do business with the Russian government or military. “Cases of Russian use of donated devices have been recorded. It is beginning to take on a systemic nature,” said Andriy Yusov, spokesman for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. According to authorities, Starlink internet terminals were used by members of Russia’s 83rd Air Assault Brigade, which is currently fighting disputes in the Ukrainian cities of Klishchiivka and Andriivka, in the Donestsk region. Ukraine’s intelligence agency said it intercepted communications between two soldiers who were setting up satellite internet, but did not say how the equipment could have been obtained by Russian forces. Starlink stated on Thursday (8) that its terminals were not active in Russia and that it never sold the equipment on Russian territory, but did not comment on possible use in occupied Ukrainian territories. “If SpaceX gains knowledge that a Starlink terminal is being used by a sanctioned or unauthorized party, we will investigate the claim and take action to disable the terminal if confirmed,” Musk’s company said.

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