(Photo by YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images)
Elon Musk and SpaceX have tried to deny reports that Starlink is being sold to Russian soldiers. But new intelligence from the Ukrainian government indicates the sales are happening with the help of "Arab countries."
The intelligence arm of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense on Tuesday released a new audio recording of intercepted communications between “Russian occupiers” talking about receiving a Starlink unit. It didn’t identify the military unit of the Russians occupiers, but in the recording, one of the speakers talks about the poor internet connection in their area.
The other Russian then responds by saying: “Let me order you Starlink, it will be great for you. Bro, do you need Starlink?”
The Russian then says a Starlink unit can be ordered through a local convoy for 200,000 rubles ($2,184). “The Arabs bring everything to us: wires, Wi-Fi, router,” the Russian later adds.
Russian media outlet ComNews also reports that Russian volunteer soldiers have been acquiring the Starlink units through imports from Dubai. The intelligence suggests Russian soldiers have been able to source Starlink units from unofficial gray market dealers in Arab countries, who might be buying the satellite dish technology from other markets. In addition, the Russian soldiers are doing so even though the Kremlin itself prohibits Starlink use, describing it as an unauthorized technology.
The news risks creating controversy for SpaceX since it suggests at least some Russian soldiers are using US technology against Ukraine—which has become heavily dependent on Starlink for wartime communications.
The Ukrainian government likely released the recording to pressure SpaceX to crack down. It did so days after it released another recording of a Russian soldier with the 83rd Air Assault Brigade talking about using Starlink on the battlefield. “This is starting to take on a systemic nature,” Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense said on Sunday,
SpaceX didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. But Starlink has yet to launch in any Arab countries, although the satellite internet system does function in international waters. SpaceX has also barred the technology from functioning in Russia.
On Monday, Musk said in a tweet: “To the best of our knowledge, no Starlinks have been sold directly or indirectly to Russia.”
Last week, SpaceX also said on Twitter: “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.”