Ukrainian communication systems are sent in bulk to the Russian Federation – media

Gilat SkyEdge satellite Internet communication systems manufactured in Uzhgorod are being widely imported to Russia, where they will be used in the war against Ukraine. This was stated in an investigation by Investigation.Info published on Wednesday, May 8.

Gilat SkyEdge are satellite systems manufactured in Uzhgorod by the plant of the American outsourcing company Jabil Circuit for the Israeli corporation Gilat Satellite Networks.

Since the early 2000s, Gilat Satellite Networks has been helping the Russians build satellite communications networks for the private and public sectors, investigators report. It is noted that the company is a partner of the largest Russian satellite communications operator – a subsidiary of Rostelecom RTCOMM, as well as a subsidiary of Gazprom – Gazprom Space Systems LLC.

One of the company’s activities is the development of military communication technologies. The systems are also provided to the structures of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

After the start of Russia’s all-out war against Ukraine, Gilat did not close its Russian business and continued to supply products through its subsidiary Gilat Satellite Networks LLC (Eurasia).

Since the beginning of the mass invasion, evidence has continued to appear in the media about the transfer of Gilat SkyEdge to the Russian army at the front, investigators note.

At the same time, supply volumes during this period are likely to only increase: in 2021, such systems were purchased for $982 thousand, in 2022 – for $840 thousand, and in 2023 the total amount jumped sharply – up to $5 million per year.

“Gilat satellite communication systems are sold in bulk by dealers throughout the Russian Federation, and advertisement notes often indicate that they are “suitable for the needs of the Northern Military District,” Investigative.Info wrote. .

According to the customs declarations cited by the journalists, the systems were sent from Israel and Turkey, but the country of origin of the goods was indicated as Ukraine.

As for sanctions, the head of the sanctions department of the Trap Aggressor project, Roman Steblovsky, explained to Investigate.Info that it is difficult to introduce restrictions on such business – it requires “very clear evidence of not only the use of their military products, but their use in the war against Ukraine.”

Earlier, GUR said that the enemy receives Starlink terminals through third countries thanks to the so-called parallel import.

Billionaire Elon Musk also responded to the situation. He assured that his company SpaceX does not sell Starlink terminals to Russia, either directly or indirectly.