Ukraine’s most important army intelligence company accused Russian forces of utilizing Starlink terminals produced by Elon Musk’s SpaceX in occupied areas.

Starlink has been adamant that its satellite tv for pc networks have by no means operated or been marketed in Russia, after its terminals had been delivered to Ukraine following the February 2022 invasion, to be able to facilitate battlefield communications for Ukrainian forces.

“A lot of false information stories declare that SpaceX is promoting Starlink terminals to Russia. That is categorically false,” Musk, who’s CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, posted Sunday on the X social media platform, which he additionally owns.

“To the most effective of our data, no Starlinks have been bought straight or not directly to Russia.”

Kyiv’s Predominant Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) claimed Sunday that there was mounting proof of the gear being utilized by Russian forces within the partially occupied jap Ukrainian area of Donetsk.

“Sure, there have been recorded circumstances of use of those gadgets by the Russian occupiers. That is beginning to tackle a systemic nature,” GUR spokesman Andriy Yusov advised RBC-Ukraine.

In a press release on its web site, the GUR stated radio interceptions of conversations between Russian forces confirmed that Starlink terminals had been put in in items of Russia’s 83rd Assault Brigade working in Donetsk close to the cities of Klischiivka and Andriivka.

The Russian Protection Ministry didn’t instantly reply when approached by CNBC for remark. The Kremlin on Monday stated Starlink was neither licensed to be used in Russia, nor formally equipped to its forces, and due to this fact couldn’t have been used, in accordance with Reuters.

In a Feb. 8 put up on X, Starlink stated that “SpaceX doesn’t do enterprise of any sort with the Russian Authorities or its army.”

“Starlink will not be energetic in Russia, which means service is not going to work in that nation. SpaceX has by no means bought or marketed Starlink in Russia, nor has it shipped gear to areas in Russia. If Russian shops are claiming to promote Starlink for service in that nation, they’re scamming their clients.”