Starlink terminals were obtained by Russian forces on the black market. They will be used to improve their battlefield coordination and accuracy of artillery in Ukraine, as well as drone operations.
According to a report in The Washington Post from 12 October, Russian forces are using Starlink terminals that were purchased on the black market during the ongoing Russo Ukrainian war. These satellite internet devices were originally used by Ukraine as a weapon. Now, Russian troops are using them to improve their battlefield coordination, drone operation, and artillery precision.
WP wrote: “The issue has renewed Ukrainian anger over Elon Musk’s mercurial SpaceX chief executive.” Some soldiers criticised Musk by name. They said that his company had not done enough to crackdown on illicit use, and cast doubt on his desire for the problem. He appeared to have favorable views towards Russia.
Ukrainian soldiers from different units in Donetsk Oblast reported that Russia had effectively closed the technological gap, increasing their forces’ cohesion and increasing the number of and precision of attacks. Unnamed officer from the 72nd Mechanized Brigade stated that Starlink, used by the Russians, was a key factor in the recent fall Vuhledar.
A burgeoning black-market has facilitated the proliferation of these terminals by Russian forces. The Washington Post examined four Russian websites that offered direct sales of Starlink military terminals, with prices starting just above $1,000. These terminals, according to reports, are sourced from Europe and shipped through the United Arab Emirates.
SpaceX is working with the US and Ukrainian governments to prevent Russia from using Starlink terminals illegally in occupied Ukraine. Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz is a Defense Department spokesperson who stated that the US Treasury Department was focusing on possible sanctions violations related to international smuggling.
Musk’s role has been debated again after reports that he refused Ukraine’s request for Starlink to be used in a planned 2022 attack on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Walter Isaacson, Musk’s biographer wrote that Musk sought advice from the Russian ambassador in the United States about the conflict and expressed concern.
In recent months, the impact of Russia’s Starlink usage has been especially noticeable. Since September, Ukrainian troops have reported that they have seen Starlink terminals on Russian positions near Novohrodivka. A drone platoon leader with the 93rd Mechanized Brigade identified only as Eugene stated that Russian forces had significantly improved their tactical co-ordination as a result.
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