After Ukraine blocked “foreign” Starlink terminals, Russians began seeking Ukrainians willing to register the devices in their own names so Russia’s forces could resume using them at the front without risk of disconnection.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) detained a man and a woman in the Odesa region who agreed to help the occupiers for money by registering Starlink in their names, the agency said.
A 36-year-old unemployed resident of Izmail and his 28-year-old partner came to the attention of Russian special services while searching Telegram channels for easy cash.
According to the investigation, Russians offered them $30 each (about 1,300 hryvnias) for the illegal registration of each Starlink terminal used by Russia’s armed forces.
To activate more devices, the pair tried to enlist others. Investigators say they planned to recruit a local drug-dependent person to go to a government administrative services center on their behalf.
SBU officers moved preemptively and detained both recruits.
During searches, investigators found and seized mobile phones containing evidence of their involvement: chats with Russian handlers, instructions on how to legalize the equipment, and arrangements for receiving payment.
Both have been notified of suspicion under Part 2, Article 28 and Part 2, Article 111 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code (state treason committed under martial law by a group acting in prior conspiracy).
The charges carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Both the man and the woman have been taken into custody; the investigation is ongoing.
On January 24, Russian forces used upgraded Shahed-type attack drones equipped with Starlink satellite communications during another strike.
Days later, it emerged that Russian was using Molniya drones with Starlink.
After Russia’s forces appeared to field drones with Starlink terminals, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov appealed to SpaceX owner Elon Musk to address Shaheds’ access to satellite communications.
Musk told Fedorov he would be glad to help.
After that, US company SpaceX apparently restricted the use of Starlink satellite internet in Ukraine. The connection now shuts off if the modem moves faster than 90 km/h, effectively making it impossible to use on UAVs.
Following the Starlink block, Russians encountered battlefield problems. In particular, Russia’s forces had to significantly reduce the number of assaults along the front line.
According to the SBU, Russia is acting both directly and through manipulation—posting online solicitations for registration assistance or resorting to outright lies.
There is also information that the Russians are coercing relatives of prisoners of war to register terminals in their names.
Authorities urge Ukrainians not to fall for such offers and to report these cases to law enforcement.
