Russian military reportedly using Starlink terminals in Ukraine

The Russian military uses Starlink satellite network terminals extensively in Ukraine. . The publication noted that the terminals, developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, are being used to coordinate attacks in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. In addition, Starlink terminals can also be used on the battlefield to control drones and other forms of military technology.

These terminals reach the Russian military through a complex network of black market sellers. This is despite Starlink devices being banned in the country. wall street journal Track some of these sellers to smuggle terminals into Russia and even ensure the goods reach the front lines. Reports also indicate that some terminals were originally purchased on eBay.

The black market in Starlink terminals is said to have expanded beyond occupied Ukraine and into Sudan. Many Sudanese dealers are reselling equipment to the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group whose practices include racially motivated killings, targeted abuse of human rights activists, sexual violence and the burning of entire communities. wall street journal Point out that hundreds of terminals have found ways to quickly support troop members.

Back in February, Elon Musk reported on reports of Russian soldiers using Starlink terminals in the war against Ukraine. “To our knowledge, there have been no Starlink sales to Russia, either directly or indirectly,” . The Kremlin also denied the reports, . Despite these announcements, wall street journal It said “thousands of white pizza box-sized devices” had fallen into the hands of “some U.S. adversaries and alleged war criminals.”

After the February report, House Democrats asked Musk to take action, , noting that Russia’s military use of the technology “may violate U.S. sanctions and export controls.” Starlink is actually able to deactivate individual terminals, and each project includes geofencing technology that should prevent use in unauthorized countries, although it’s unclear whether black market sellers can get around these barriers.

House Democrats demand action from Musk, ar. His rationale for the measures was that the terminals were never intended to be used in military conflicts. According to his biography, Musk also ended the country’s plans to attack a Russian naval fleet early in the conflict. Mikhailo Podolyak, advisor to Ukrainian President Zelensky, wrote on “Civilians, children are being killed” because of Musk’s decisions. He further criticized the billionaire, writing “This is the price of a mixture of ignorance and arrogance.”

However, Musk fired back, saying Starlink , so there is nothing to disable. He also said that the relevant policy was decided before Ukraine planned to attack the naval fleet. Ukraine did lose access to more than 1,300 Starlink terminals early in the conflict. SpaceX reportedly charges Ukraine $2,500 a month to keep each unit running, a fee that has soared to $3.25 million a month. This pricing is in line with the company’s high-cost premium plans. Notably, SpaceX has donated more than 3,600 terminals to Ukraine.

SpaceX has yet to comment wall street journal Reports on the surge in the black market for Starlink terminals. We will update this article as it becomes available.

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