Russian Agent Registering Starlink Terminals for Occupiers Uncovered by Ukraine's SBU in Kropyvnytskyi

Woman Detained in Kropyvnytskyi for Aiding Russian Forces

According to Главком: Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) thwarted a plot by a woman in Kropyvnytskyi who was attempting to register Starlink satellite terminals for use by Russian occupation forces at the behest of Moscow's intelligence agencies. The SBU's counterintelligence operation identified and neutralized her activities, which posed a direct threat to national security. This case highlights ongoing efforts by Russian operatives to exploit commercial technology for military advantage in the war.

The detained woman, who was unemployed, had already registered one Starlink terminal in her own name and planned to send its credentials to Russia. She also tried to recruit four acquaintances to register over ten additional terminals under their names and those of their relatives, promising them financial compensation for their cooperation.

SBU counterintelligence uncovered the scheme, leading to the immediate blocking of the satellite station she had registered. Investigators have formally charged her with obstructing the lawful activities of Ukraine's Armed Forces. Under the relevant article, she faces a maximum sentence of up to eight years in prison.

Similar Cases and Broader Threat

This incident is not isolated. Previously, in the Kyiv region, a 24-year-old man was detained for helping Russian military personnel establish satellite communications. In another case in Kropyvnytskyi, an agent working for Russia's FSB was arrested for registering Starlink terminals using fake identities. These patterns show that Russian forces are actively trying to acquire equipment through third countries and proxies, underscoring the serious threat such actions pose to Ukraine's defense.

The SBU press service confirmed these details, emphasizing its ongoing efforts to prevent similar violations. SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, has repeatedly stated that it does not conduct business with the Russian government or its military.

The detention in Kropyvnytskyi demonstrates the SBU's intensified work in countering activities that could compromise Ukraine's national security.

Security Service of Ukraine

During wartime, when information and technical resources are critical for both sides, Russian intelligence agencies' attempts to gain access to technologies like Starlink represent a major challenge. The SBU continues to implement measures to detect and neutralize such threats, which is vital for maintaining the country's defensive capabilities.