Ukrainian investigative journalists have revealed that Gilat SkyEdge satellite systems manufactured in Ukraine are being imported to Russia in large quantities and likely being used by the Russian military in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Approximately 22,000 of these internet communications systems, valued at $5 million, were imported to Russia in 2023. The systems were produced at a facility in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, operated by the U.S. outsourcing company Jabil Circuit for the Israeli corporation Gilat Satellite Networks. Despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Gilat has not ceased its operations in Russia and continues to import equipment through its subsidiary, Gilat Satellite Networks (Eurasia) LLC. The company has a history of collaborating with Russian firms since the early 2000s, including the development of military communications technology and providing equipment to entities such as the Russian Interior Ministry.
Roman Steblivskyi, head of the sanctions department of the monitoring and advocacy project Trap Agressor, highlighted the difficulties in imposing sanctions on a company like Gilat. He explained that the U.S. government permits companies in this sector to operate in Russia under the pretext of protecting freedom of speech and information access to civilians. Imposing sanctions on Gilat would require clear evidence not only of the military’s use of their products but specifically their use in the conflict against Ukraine on the battlefield. The Wall Street Journal also uncovered how Russian troops in Ukraine are obtaining Starlink terminals through black market supply chains and intermediaries, while SpaceX, the provider of Starlink, has not taken actions to shut them off. This raises concerns about the indirect support provided to the Russian military through the use of advanced satellite communication systems in the conflict.
The importation of Gilat SkyEdge systems from Ukraine to Russia and the acquisition of Starlink terminals by Russian troops demonstrate the complex dynamics of technology and its infiltration into conflict zones. These satellite systems can play a crucial role in military operations, providing communication capabilities and connectivity essential for coordinating troops and operations. The revelation that such systems are being used by the Russian military in the war against Ukraine underscores the challenges faced in regulating and monitoring the flow of advanced technology in conflict areas. It also raises questions about the role of technology companies in ensuring that their products are not used to support military aggression or human rights violations.
The involvement of Gilat Satellite Networks in supplying satellite communication systems to Russia, despite the conflict in Ukraine, highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by companies operating in regions of geopolitical tension. The decision to continue business operations in Russia, where equipment could potentially be utilized for military purposes, raises concerns about corporate responsibility and ethical considerations. It also underscores the need for increased scrutiny and regulation of technology exports to conflict zones to prevent the misuse of advanced equipment in armed conflicts. The report by Ukrainian journalists and the Wall Street Journal sheds light on the complexities of the technology supply chain and the challenges in holding entities accountable for enabling military actions through the provision of advanced communication systems.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, the use of satellite communication systems and advanced technology in military operations underscores the evolving nature of warfare in the digital age. The reliance on satellite networks for communication, intelligence gathering, and coordination highlights the critical role of technology in modern conflicts. The revelation of Ukrainian-produced satellite systems being used by the Russian military in the conflict further emphasizes the need for international cooperation and regulatory mechanisms to prevent the exploitation of technology for aggressive purposes. The ongoing investigation into the supply chain of satellite systems and the acquisition of advanced communication equipment by military forces in conflict zones underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the tech industry to prevent the escalation of conflicts through the use of sophisticated technology.
