Despite Elon Musk’s denial of direct or indirect sales to Russia, intercepted conversations point to possible acquisition of SpaceX’s Starlink terminals from Arab countries by the Russian military.
From: Euromaiden Press BY YURI ZORIA
Russians purchase Starlink Internet terminals in Arab countries for its military to use in Ukraine, according to a conversation of allegedly Russian soldiers intercepted and shared by the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, the HUR press service reports.
Elon Musk denies selling Starlink terminals to Russia, amidst Ukrainian claims of their systematic use by the Russian military in the war. Ukrainian forces continue to utilize Starlink for military operations, providing crucial communication on all frontlines, and deploying them in various innovative ways, such as using the Starlink terminals to operate long-range naval drones.
“In a recent radio interception, the Russian occupiers discuss the possibility of purchasing a Starlink satellite communication terminal. According to one of the invaders, ‘the Arabs bring everything: wires, Wi-Fi, a router…’,” the HUR reported, adding that the interlocutors also mentioned that the cost of purchasing a Starlink device is 200,000 rubles or $2,190.
On 10 February, the media reported that Russian troops are likely to use SpaceX’s Starlink communication systems in Ukraine, which indicates that Elon Musk’s company is apparently helping the Russians.
Voice of Ukraine 