Russian forces still struggle with communication despite Starlink, Ukrainian intelligence

Andrii Yusov, representative of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)

Russian occupiers are also experiencing communication problems, despite their success in obtaining Starlink satellite internet terminals, according to a statement from Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Yusov notes that Russia obtains Starlink terminals unofficially. They do this through what is known as parallel import, essentially smuggling, where intermediary companies are set up through third countries to purchase Starlink.

According to the representative of the military intelligence, recently the occupiers have begun to use terminals of the SpaceX satellite internet company more extensively.

“However, the enemy still faces communication problems. And this piecemeal solution does not help them globally, but it shows to the whole world that the ‘second army of the world’ cannot do without stolen Starlink,” adds Yusov.

Starlink among the Russians

Recently, there was information in the media that Russian soldiers in Ukraine are using Starlink terminals.

Later, this information was confirmed by the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

In response to this information, SpaceX owner Elon Musk emphasized that no one officially sold terminals to Russia.