Starlink's Dual Role: Aiding Ukraine's Defense and Assisting Russian Invaders?

Russia's utilization of SpaceX's Starlink communications service in Ukraine has raised concerns about the unintentional backing of invaders by SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk.

Ukrainian sources, speaking anonymously, revealed that the use of Starlink terminals by Russian forces was first detected several months ago, with an observed increase in usage, according to Defense One. Currently, tens of Starlink terminals are operational across the extensive frontline, adding challenges for the Ukrainian military, which is already grappling with ammunition shortages. Ukrainian artillery units, firing around 2,000 shells daily, face a significant disparity compared to their Russian counterparts.

Reports of Russian forces employing Starlink surfaced through Ukrainian media and social media posts. Volunteer groups supporting the invasion of Ukraine showcased Starlink terminals purchased for army units. The Pentagon acknowledged awareness of the reports, directing inquiries to Ukrainian partners for operational details.

Elon Musk Responds

In response, SpaceX asserted in a February 8 tweet that it does not engage in any business with the Russian government or military. The company clarified that Starlink is not operational in Russia, emphasizing that it has neither sold nor marketed the service in the country.

Despite SpaceX's denial, Russian companies, such as iMiele.ru and DJIRussia, advertise Starlinks for sale. Ukrainian sources note the method of acquiring Starlinks from abroad and bringing them back to distribute to Russian forces. SpaceX, capable of deactivating Starlink devices used by unauthorized parties, may face challenges in monitoring and controlling their deployment in conflict zones.

SpaceX, led by Musk and the owner of the Starlink satellite system, clarified that it does not engage in any business with the Russian government or military. The company emphasized that if it becomes aware of sanctioned or unauthorized use of a Starlink terminal, it investigates and takes action to deactivate it.

In a tweet, Musk called claims of Starlink terminals being sold to Russia as "categorically false."

"To the best of our knowledge, no Starlinks have been sold directly or indirectly to Russia," the SpaceX owner stated.

Starlink, a satellite network providing broadband services, asserts that its service is not functional in Russia, though it remains unclear whether it operates in occupied Ukraine. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Ukrainian Intelligence Directorate, confirmed that the service has become essential for Ukrainian battlefield communications.

Ties Between Musk-Ukraine Deteriorating?

The rapport between Elon Musk and Ukrainian authorities has deteriorated during the conflict, commencing with the tech mogul's directive in 2022 for his engineers to deactivate Starlink satellite communications close to the Russian-occupied Crimea coastline. According to Politico, this action was purportedly to thwart an intended Ukrainian drone strike. Musk's reported concern was that the strike could heighten tensions and pose the risk of triggering a nuclear war.

The Starlink service played a crucial role in Ukraine's response to Russia's invasion, with SpaceX supplying thousands of devices through donations, military-funded transfers, and individual purchases by volunteers. These devices enabled frontline troops to establish high-bandwidth, mobile communication networks for coordinating artillery strikes and operating in operations centers.

Described as a "black swan" event by a drone operator, Ukraine's utilization of Starlink and associated devices has been crucial in defending cities like Bakhmut.

The US military also incorporates Starlink devices in exercises, as evidenced by a $70 million task order from Space Command for Starshield, a military-focused Starlink version.