Starlink has been adamantRussia never used or promoted its satellite networks in Ukraine, even though it sent terminals to the country after the invasion in February 2022. These terminals were intended to enhance communication for Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.
On Sunday, Musk posted on his social media platform, X, which he owns, to deny the false claims that SpaceX is selling Starlink terminals to Russia.
As far as we know, Starlinks have not been sold to Russia, either directly or indirectly.
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The Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) in Kyiv stated on Sunday that there is increasing proof of Russian forces employing equipment in the eastern Ukrainian area of Donetsk, which is only partly under Ukraine’s control.
Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the GUR, informed RBC-Ukraine that there are documented instances of Russian occupiers using these devices. Furthermore, he indicated that this phenomenon is beginning to exhibit a systematic pattern.
In a statement on its websiteAccording to the GUR, the interception of radio conversations among Russian forces revealed the presence of Starlink terminals in units belonging to Russia’s 83rd Assault Brigade who were stationed in Donetsk, specifically in the towns of Klischiivka and Andriivka.
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CNBC reached out to the Russian defense ministry for a comment, but they did not respond right away. As per Reuters, the Kremlin stated on Monday that Starlink was not authorized for use in Russia and was not officially provided to their military, thus making it impossible for it to have been utilized.
How Starlink helped maintain communications in Ukraine during the war.
Starlink stated on X’s post on Feb. 8 that SpaceX does not engage in any form of business with the Russian Government or its military.
Starlink does not operate in Russia, which implies that its service is not available in that country. SpaceX has never offered or promoted Starlink in Russia, nor has it sent any equipment to Russian locations. If stores in Russia are advertising the sale of Starlink for use in the country, they are deceiving their customers.
