Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) says it has arrested two alleged Russian agents accused of illegally registering 76 Starlink satellite internet terminals for Russian forces, which investigators say were intended to support missile and drone strikes against Ukraine and identify Ukrainian electronic warfare systems.
According to an SBU statement on 24 July, the suspects were unemployed Kyiv residents allegedly recruited by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) through Telegram channels advertising "easy money."
Agents allegedly used fake passports to activate Starlink terminals
The SBU said the two men initially registered Starlink terminals in their own names before passing the account credentials to their FSB handler.
Investigators allege they later used forged Ukrainian passports to activate additional terminals while unknowingly involving an employee at a postal branch to bypass Starlink's identity verification procedures.
Authorities say the scheme enabled the suspects to register 76 satellite internet terminals for Russian intelligence.
During searches of the suspects' homes, investigators said they seized mobile phones containing evidence of communication with the FSB.
The SBU added that all Starlink terminals allegedly registered through the scheme have now been blocked.
SBU says terminals were intended to support Russian military operations
According to the SBU, Russian intelligence planned to use the Starlink systems to coordinate missile and drone strikes against Ukraine and identify Ukrainian electronic warfare systems protecting frontline positions.
The agency did not say whether any of the terminals had already been deployed by Russian forces.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has become one of the most important communications systems on the modern battlefield, providing fast, reliable satellite internet that is difficult to jam. Ukraine has relied extensively on the network throughout Russia's full-scale invasion to maintain communications between military units and operate drones.
Russian forces have also sought access to the system, but their use has been significantly constrained. In cooperation with SpaceX, Ukraine has worked to limit Russian access by introducing verification measures and whitelisting legitimate users on the territory of Ukraine, disrupting Russian battlefield communications and forcing Moscow to seek alternative systems.
According to the SBU, the suspects' alleged scheme was designed to bypass those restrictions by fraudulently registering Starlink terminals using fake Ukrainian identities, allowing Russian forces to regain access to the satellite network.
Suspects face life imprisonment
The two suspects have been charged with high treason committed under martial law, an offense punishable by life imprisonment with confiscation of property under Ukraine's Criminal Code.
Both remain in custody pending further investigation.
The operation was carried out by the SBU's Main Directorate in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast under the procedural supervision of the regional prosecutor's office.
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