Russian Military Using Starlink in Ukraine War

A recent report has revealed that the Russian military has been utilizing Starlink terminals to access the internet for communications in Ukraine. Ukrainian Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov stated in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that Russian military units in Ukraine have been purchasing these terminals through backchannels on an open market. Budanov disclosed that Russian intermediaries, including private businesses, acquire the terminals through third-party vendors in other countries before distributing them to troops deployed in Ukraine.

These Starlink terminals, which are expensive and typically not sold in Russia, have been found for sale on Russian websites such as Yandex.ru and strlnk.ru. They are advertised as “tested” in the occupied territories. Budanov also mentioned that the terminals are being purchased in Arab countries and other post-Soviet republics neighboring Russia.

SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, has not responded to the recent allegations. However, SpaceX has previously denied that their terminals are sold, shipped, or used within Russia. They have also stated that businesses selling Starlink terminals in Russia are “scamming their customers.”

The Ukrainian military has been using Starlink for internet access since the early days of the Russian invasion in 2022. Ukraine has approximately 42,000 Starlink terminals in operation, serving hospitals, businesses, aid organizations, and military communications, including drone strikes. However, Ukrainian intelligence has claimed that Russian forces are also using Starlink, primarily in the occupied areas of the Donbas and Crimea.

Ukrainian intelligence recently provided audio evidence of what they claim are Russian soldiers setting up a Starlink terminal in Ukraine. In the 12-second clip, a Russian speaker can be heard confirming that “Starlink works, there is internet.”

Despite the Ukrainian military’s continued use of Starlink for communications, SpaceX has taken steps to limit its use for offensive measures like drone strikes. In 2022, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk intervened after the Ukrainian military requested the activation of terminals to coordinate a drone strike in Sevastopol, Crimea, where much of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is stationed. Musk denied the request, fearing it would lead to a “mini-Pearl Harbor.” In February 2023, SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell announced that the company would prevent Ukraine from further using Starlink for drone strikes, citing unintentional use and a lack of agreement.