Russian army buys Starlinks in Arab countries – Ukraine’s intelligence

The Russian army is purchasing Starlink satellite internet terminals in Arab countries at a cost of 200,000 rubles each, Rubryka reports, citing the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence.

"The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reports that the aggressor state Russia is purchasing communication equipment, including Starlink satellite internet terminals, for use in the war in Arab countries," said intelligence officers.

According to intelligence sources, Russian forces are discussing the possibility of purchasing Starlink satellite communication terminals in recent radio intercepts.

One of the occupiers mentioned in an intercepted conversation, "The Arabs are bringing everything: wires, Wi-Fi, routers…" and the cost of purchasing a Starlink device is 200,000 rubles (approximately $2,000).

Russians use Starlink on the front lines

The American publication Defense One recently reported that Russians began using SpaceX's Starlink terminals on their positions. According to one anonymous source in the publication, Ukrainian troops first observed Russia using satellite communication several months ago.

Later, Ukrainian intelligence confirmed that Russian occupiers were using Starlink satellite communication systems on the front lines. Intelligence officers noted that intercepted radio conversations of the occupiers indicate that Russians installed Starlink terminals, for example, in units of the 83rd Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces, which operate in the Donetsk region near Klyshchiivka and Andriivka.

The day before, the owner of SpaceX, Elon Musk, stated that Starlink devices were not sold to Russia.

"A number of false news reports claim that SpaceX is selling Starlink terminals to Russia. This is categorically untrue. As far as we know, Starlink has not been sold directly or indirectly to Russia," Musk said.

Currently, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are working on neutralizing the threat Starlink poses on the front lines.

The General Staff added that Russian military personnel are illegally obtaining Starlink satellite terminals from third countries and increasing their use on the front lines with Ukraine.