The USA began to investigate the use of Starlink in the occupied territories
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- Yuliia Tkach
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1:48, 08 March, 2024
The USA began to investigate the use of Starlink in the occupied territories. Photo: Depositphotos.Democrats in the US House of Representatives have launched an investigation into Elon Musk's SpaceX to find out whether the company took steps to prevent Russia from using the Starlink satellite service in the war against Ukraine.
The Washington Post writes about it.
House members Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia sent a letter demanding that the company report whether it has received complaints about the possible illegal acquisition of Starlink terminals, particularly in the Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine. According to members of the Chamber, they were alarmed by the statements of Ukrainian intelligence that Russia is placing Starlink terminals in eastern Ukraine, which is a violation of sanctions.
Lawmakers warned SpaceX President Gwynn Shotwell that Russia's alleged use of Starlink «poses a serious threat to the security of Ukraine, the lives of Ukrainians, and the national security of the United States».
The audit highlights how vital the Starlink service has been to Ukraine's military operations, providing the backbone of digital communications on the battlefield since Russia invaded the country two years ago.
At the same time, Democrats fear that Starlink could now give Russia a similar advantage.
It was previously reported that Russian troops can use Starlink systems at the front. For the first time, the Ukrainian side discovered the Starlink systems in the Russian troops «several months ago.» Since then, Russia's use of satellite systems at the front has only increased.
The Central Intelligence Agency reported that Russia is buying Starlink in Arab countries. The cost of one satellite communication terminal is 200,000 rubles.