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Monday, February 12th, 2024 3:15 pm EDT
Key Points
- Ukrainian military intelligence accuses Russian forces of utilizing Starlink terminals in occupied areas.
- Starlink denies any involvement in operating or marketing its satellite networks in Russia and asserts that its terminals were delivered to Ukraine to support Ukrainian forces’ communications.
- Despite Starlink’s denial, Ukrainian intelligence presents mounting evidence of Starlink terminals being used by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, specifically in the Donetsk region, suggesting a systemic trend.
The article highlights Ukraine’s military intelligence agency’s accusation against Russian forces for utilizing Starlink terminals from Elon Musk’s SpaceX in occupied territories. Despite Starlink’s assertion that its satellite networks were never intended for use in Russia and were delivered to Ukraine post the invasion to support Ukrainian forces’ communications, Kyiv’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) claimed mounting evidence of the terminals’ deployment by Russian forces in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. GUR spokesperson Andriy Yusov confirmed recorded instances of Russian occupiers utilizing these devices, indicating a systemic trend. The GUR reported radio interceptions revealing Starlink terminals installed in units of Russia’s 83rd Assault Brigade near Klischiivka and Andriivka. While the Russian defense ministry remained silent upon CNBC’s inquiry, the Kremlin denied Starlink’s certification for use in Russia or its official supply to Russian forces, disputing the possibility of their deployment. In a rebuttal on Musk’s social media platform, Starlink reiterated its non-engagement with the Russian government or military and clarified that its service is inactive in Russia, refuting any sales or marketing efforts in the country. The article portrays a complex scenario where technological tools designed for one purpose become entangled in geopolitical conflicts, raising questions about accountability and the unintended consequences of innovation.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/12/musk-denies-selling-starlink-terminals-to-russia-after-kyiv-alleges-use.html
