The Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) has voiced concerns over Russia's procurement of Starlink satellite Internet terminals from Arab countries, following intercepted Russian communications disclosed on February 13.
In a conversation revealed by HUR, two Russians were recorded discussing the acquisition of Starlink technology. One of them highlighted the ease of obtaining the necessary equipment, saying, “The Arabs are providing us with everything: wires, Wi-Fi, router,” and noting the price of the device as 200 thousand rubles (approximately $2,200).
This revelation comes after HUR previously announced that Starlink technology was being smuggled into Russia.
A report by Ukrainian military news source Militarny on February 10, quoting an expert, indicated that the Russian military had started using Starlink terminals at their locations, securing them via third-party nations.
SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, has clarified that it does not conduct business with the Russian government or its military forces. Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, has firmly refuted allegations of Starlink terminals being sold to Russia.
The usage of American-made Starlink terminals by Russian forces was corroborated by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. HUR spokesperson Andriy Yusov remarked that this activity “is beginning to become systematic.”
Yusov mentioned that the agency has initiated actions to mitigate the potential threat these Russian-operated terminals might pose.
