kyiv accuses SpaceX of letting Russian forces use Starlink satellite network in occupied territories

This satellite internet service, operated by the company founded by Elon Musk, plays an important role in the defense of Ukraine by allowing communications to be maintained in the face of the Russian invasion.

Elon Musk’s company was known to help kyiv, but it could also be used by Moscow’s troops. Ukraine accused SpaceX on Sunday February 11 of letting Russian forces use Starlink, its satellite internet network service, in the occupied Ukrainian territories.

On Facebook, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry writes that it “confirms the use of the Starlink satellite communications system by the Russian occupiers on the front”. The text is accompanied by a recording presented as a radio conversation between members of Russian troops which, according to kyiv, “indicates that Starlink terminals were installed, for example, in units of the 83rd Air Assault Brigade of the Russian army to establish internet access”.

“Yes, there were cases of use of this equipment by the Russian occupiers”, insists a representative of Ukrainian military intelligence cited in the publication. He believes that this use “is becoming systematic”.

SpaceX partially denies the accusations

SpaceX had already responded to accusations of collaboration with Moscow on Thursday, on. The company ensures that its service “is not active in Russia”without mentioning the Ukrainian territories occupied by Moscow. “SpaceX has no commercial relationship with the Russian government or its military”continues the message, which ensures that in the event of use by an unauthorized actor, “we will investigate the claim and take action to deactivate the device if confirmed”.

Since the start of the conflict, Starlink has made it possible to maintain essential internet coverage in Ukraine for kyiv’s forces to organize their defense. Elon Musk assures that with the exception of one “low percentage”all costs of deploying and maintaining Starlink terminals in Ukraine were covered by SpaceX.

But the billionaire had threatened to suspend this financing in October 2022, before changing his mind. The owner of “an escalation of the conflict”.