Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) says it has detained a suspected Russian agent accused of illegally verifying more than 1,000 Starlink satellite terminals for use by Russian forces.
The suspect reportedly helped Russia circumvent restrictions on the satellite internet system, which Russian forces use to coordinate units, control drones, and conduct operations over Ukrainian territory, including strikes on cities and frontline positions.
According to the SBU, the suspect was arrested in the central city of Dnipro after allegedly organizing a large-scale scheme to activate Starlink systems using the identities of third parties.
Investigators identified the suspect as a native of Luhansk Oblast who was allegedly recruited by Russian intelligence through Telegram channels advertising "easy money."
SBU says suspect recruited others
The SBU says the suspect initially registered a Starlink terminal using credentials provided by his Russian handler.
He was then allegedly instructed to recruit as many people as possible to help verify additional terminals. According to investigators, the suspect used the identities of third parties to activate Starlink systems through postal service branches.
The SBU says the scheme resulted in more than 1,000 Starlink terminals being verified for Russian use.
During a search of the suspect's home, investigators said they seized a mobile phone containing evidence of contacts with Russian handlers. The agency also said it had blocked all Starlink terminals allegedly registered through the scheme.
The suspect has been charged with aiding the aggressor state under Article 111-2 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. If convicted, he faces up to 12 years in prison.
One day earlier, the SBU announced the arrest of two other alleged Russian agents in Kyiv accused of fraudulently registering 76 Starlink terminals for Russian intelligence. According to investigators, those terminals were intended to support Russian missile and drone strikes and help identify Ukrainian electronic warfare systems protecting frontline positions.
Ukraine arrests two alleged Russian agents in Kyiv accused of activating Starlink terminals to support Russian missile and drone strikes
Why Starlink matters
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 support drone operations.
Russian forces have also sought access to the system, but their use has been significantly constrained. In cooperation with SpaceX, Ukraine has introduced verification measures and whitelisted legitimate users operating on Ukrainian territory, limiting Russian access and forcing Moscow to seek alternative communications systems.
The SBU did not specify where or how the more than 1,000 allegedly verified terminals were intended to be used by Russian forces.
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