SBU Detains Agent for Activating 1,000 Starlinks for Russia

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained a resident of Dnipro accused of illegally verifying and activating more than 1,000 Starlink satellite terminals for Russian forces. According to the SBU, military counterintelligence uncovered a large-scale scheme organized by a native of the Luhansk region who was recruited by Russian intelligence via Telegram. The suspect initially registered a terminal in his own name using credentials provided by a Russian handler.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Following further instructions, the suspect expanded the operation, utilizing the personal data of proxy individuals to mass-activate the satellite systems at various postal branches. The SBU reported that all 1,000 illegally registered terminals have been blocked, effectively cutting off Russian access to those specific devices. During a search of the suspect’s residence, authorities seized a smartphone containing evidence of his communications. He has been served a notice of suspicion under Article 111-2 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which covers aiding a foreign state. Smuggling networks The Dnipro arrest follows a series of similar operations targeting networks that facilitate Russian access to satellite communications. Recently, the SBU detained two men in Kyiv who illegally activated more than 70 Starlink terminals on behalf of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). In that case, the suspects used fake passports and enlisted the assistance of a post office employee to bypass verification protocols. Other Topics of Interest US Downs Shahed with Ukraine-Tested Merops Drone The US military achieved its first combat interception with the Merops drone system, destroying an Iranian Shahed drone in Kuwait. Earlier this year, the SBU dismantled a comparable scheme involving eight individuals in June and detained another suspect in Kropyvnytskyi in March. The SBU stated that Russian forces utilize the smuggled terminals to maintain secure frontline communications, coordinate missile and drone strikes, and detect Ukrainian electronic warfare installations. The reliance on smuggled Starlink systems comes despite official restrictions within Russia. In June, the Russian State Duma approved legislation banning the import, sale, and use of foreign satellite equipment in an effort to tighten state control over internet access and promote domestic alternatives. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.