Elon Musk denies selling Starlink terminals to Russia
12 February, 2024 Starlink terminal. Photo from open sources Businessman Elon Musk reacts to reports that the Russian army is using Starlink terminals in the war with Ukraine.
He published a corresponding post on the social network X. Musk called this information "false," saying that his company SpaceX does not sell these satellite Internet terminals to Russia. "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," he wrote. Militarnyi previously reported that Russian forces were increasingly using Starlink terminals within the territories they occupy.
Starlink terminal at a Russian position in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. Photo credits: defenseone.com
Terminals are actively purchased and resold by Russian resellers. The purchases are made through third countries, through front companies.
These terminals operate exclusively on the territory of Ukraine. The fact is that in the 20-kilometer zone on the front line, it is impossible to distinguish which side owns the terminal. This allows Russian invaders on the front line to use Starlink terminals as well.
The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine also confirmed the use of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite communications systems at the front by Russian invaders. The agency also noted that the scale of the invaders' use of these terminals was growing and "was beginning to become systemic."
Russian military unpacks Starlink terminals. Photo credits: @clashreport
However, Ukrainian intelligence officers did not claim that Russians received Starlink directly from the US company SpaceX.
"Russia continues to work through the so-called parallel import, which is essentially smuggling.
Yes, through third countries, we will not name specific countries, this information needs to be clarified, but Starlink is freely sold on the territory of the Russian Federation, on open online platforms," said Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.
He also added that no one claims that Starlink is officially sold to Russians.