Conflicts

The Russian army has reportedly bought Starlink internet terminals on the black market in large quantities, which helped them secure significant territorial gains, including the recapture of the city of Vuhledar, as revealed by The Washington Post.

Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, allowed Ukraine to use its high-speed satellite internet system shortly after the conflict began in February 2022. While the billionaire’s company does not supply terminals to Russia, Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine have managed to obtain them illegally.

According to the American media outlet, which cites several sources within the Ukrainian military, the proliferation of Starlink terminals has enabled Moscow to make advances, particularly in the Donetsk region.

"They simply overpowered us," said an officer of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade, one of the units defending Vuhledar.

The officer added that the retreat from the city was partly due to the illegal use of Starlink by the Russian side, but also because of a shortage of men and weapons.

Starlink enables smoother and more secure communications, making it essential for Ukraine to easily coordinate on the battlefield.

(QG - Source : Washington Post / Kyiv Independent : © Unsplash)