(Photo by Viktor Fridshon/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
UPDATE 2/12: Ukraine has uncovered evidence that Russian soldiers are indeed using Starlink on the battlefield, despite denials from SpaceX.
Original Story:SpaceX is pushing back against reports that claim merchants in Russia have been selling Starlink dishes to Russian troops for use in the Ukraine war.
“If Russian stores are claiming to sell Starlink for service in that country, they are scamming their customers,” the company tweeted today.
Indeed, Russia is among the markets where Starlink is not available. But according to a report from Russian media outlet ComNews, vendors have been selling the equipment because it allegedly works near the country’s borders and in Ukraine, including the Russian-occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, along with Crimea.
That’s contrary to the official Starlink map, which shows the internet access restricted in Russian-occupied areas. Still, as evidence, ComNews cites the online pages of several vendors, including one that notes the Starlink dish can be used in the “CBO,” a reference to Russian military operation in Ukraine. Although the Russian military has a ban on using Starlink equipment, some volunteer military troops have been buying it up.
ComNews goes on to claim that Russian merchants are secretly importing Starlink dishes through Dubai. On Thursday, Newsweek reported on the alleged Starlink sales while citing social media posts from journalists and soldiers on the ground backing up the claim.
These reports prompted SpaceX to respond with a forceful dismissal. “SpaceX does not do business of any kind with the Russian Government or its military,” the company said in Thursday’s tweet. “SpaceX has never sold or marketed Starlink in Russia, nor has it shipped equipment to locations in Russia.”
The company adds that it’s never authorized any third-party groups to sell Starlink units in Dubai. Hence, if the shipments are real, then they’re occurring behind SpaceX’s back.
The company also signaled it cracks down on any Russian use of its satellite internet system when detected. “If SpaceX obtains knowledge that a Starlink terminal is being used by a sanctioned or unauthorized party, we investigate the claim and take actions to deactivate the terminal if confirmed,” the company said.
Starlink has become vital to Ukraine, including the country’s military operations against the Kremlin. So any reports of Russian troops using the satellite internet system could stir controversy for SpaceX. Last year, company CEO Elon Musk sparked tensions by curbing the Ukrainian military’s use of Starlink to launch drone strikes. “We will not enable escalation of conflict that may lead to WW3,” Musk said at the time.
The Pentagon didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.