This article claims that the Russian military is using SpaceX's Starlink equipment in Ukraine, despite the company's efforts to limit such access. Middlemen sell the terminals on the black market, and volunteers supply them to Russian troops.
Illegal use of Starlink
Shady supply chain
Investigation revealed the existence of an unofficial supply chain of Starlink equipment to Africa, Southeast Asia and UAE. Many end-users connect to satellites via roaming after dealers register the devices in permitted countries. The terminals are sold on numerous Russian online platforms, as well as through the American eBay.
Supply to Russian troops
A Moscow seller named Oleg admitted that most of his orders come from the occupied territories of Ukraine or for use by the Russian military. He claims that volunteers deliver equipment to Russian forces. Sites such as strlnk.ru openly advertise and sell terminals in the occupied territories of Ukraine for a monthly fee.
Consequences for Ukrainian forces
The use of Starlink terminals by the Russian military eliminated the advantage they previously had Ukrainian forces on the battlefield. Starlink provides effective communication between troops and commanders, and also allows control of drones and other advanced technologies. The Ukrainian military now considers Starlink antennas as priority targets, as their appearance indicates the presence of an enemy drone operator.
Glossary
- SpaceX is an American aerospace company founded by Elon Musk that develops space rockets and Starlink satellite internet.
- Starlink is a satellite Internet service from SpaceX that provides broadband Internet connection through a network of low-orbit satellites.
- Geofencing is a technology that limits access to the service in certain regions or locations.
- Roaming is the ability to use the service in another network not registered by the user.
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Answers to questions
What is Starlink and how does the Russian military use it?
How do Starlink terminals get to Russian troops in Ukraine?
Why is the use of Starlink by Russian forces a problem for Ukraine?
Why is Starlink trying to limit Russian military access to its services?
What other regions detect illegal use of Starlink?
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Discussion of the topic – SpaceX did not turn off the Starlink terminals for the Russians - The Wall Street Journal investigation
An investigation by The Wall Street Journal revealed that the company SpaceX did not turn off the terminals of the Starlink satellite Internet service, which were sent to Russian forces in Ukraine through intermediaries.
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Євген
The WSJ investigation does show that Starlink continues to operate in Russia and occupied territories. It seems to me that SpaceX could block access to this service for the Russian military, but for some reason it does not. 🤔
Ірина
Unfortunately, war shows human greed. If there is a demand, there will always be those who want to make money from it, even if it helps the enemy. 💰 It is important that SpaceX monitors such cases and blocks the terminals.
Вільгельм
Such a situation is very difficult. On the one hand, restricting access can help with military purposes. But on the other hand, it can also affect civilians. And we should not rise to the level of rascals and deprive peaceful people of the Internet. 🕊️
Михайло
Good point Wilhelm. But to me, Starlink could at least block terminals in close proximity to combat. Because the Russians are clearly using them to control drones and artillery against our troops. 🚩
Сильвія
Indeed, the problem of reselling Starlink is a big challenge. Musk could add some restrictions on the hardware to avoid the possibility of alienation. For example, registering for an individual and blocking re-activation on other devices or accounts. 🆘
Мар'ян
I think @Sylvia is right. Stronger anti-alienation measures are needed from SpaceX. Although geolocation should also be implemented, because Starlink can be very useful for civilians under occupation. But the military must be cut off. 🛡️
Карло
Maybe I'm an old curmudgeon, but these new technologies annoy me. 😠 Why was the Internet given to the Russians if they only use it for war and propaganda? Get rid of this Starlink, let's go back to the old days without the Internet!
Аліна
Disagree with you @Carlo. On the contrary, the Internet is the freedom we all long for. The problem is not technology, but how it is used. But it is wrong to limit everyone's access due to the actions of individual people. 💻🌐
Матеуш
@elonmusk definitely has the technical capabilities to limit Russia's use of Starlink. The question is, does he have the political will to do it? After all, Musk is a well-known supporter of "free speech", maybe that is why he is in no hurry to block terminals. 🤨
Ганна
To be honest, I don't really understand this "free speech" philosophy from Musk. 😕 After all, spreading propaganda and fakes is also "word". That's why there should be blocking for rashists, because they abuse freedom to the detriment of others.