Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has detained two men in Kyiv who illegally activated more than 70 Starlink satellite terminals on behalf of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). The counterintelligence operation uncovered a scheme in which the men, recruited by Russia through Telegram channels, registered internet devices using fake passports to help coordinate Russian missile and drone strikes against Ukraine. Reportedly, they were offered “easy money” for completing the task.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “To register the devices without obstruction, the agents unwittingly enlisted the help of a post office employee, who helped them ‘get around’ the established Starlink verification rules,” SBU revealed on Friday. According to the report, posted on social media, the men initially registered the satellite devices in their own names, before handing over access credentials to an FSB handler. Terminals used to guide missile, drone strikes The 76 registered terminals were meant to give Russian forces continued access to satellite systems capable of redirecting airstrikes on Ukraine, as well as detecting the electronic warfare equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) protecting frontline positions. The secret operation comes as Starlink continues to play a critical role in Russia’s war against Ukraine. In February, Elon Musk cut Starlink – satellite-based internet service – access for Russian forces, essentially giving Ukraine an advancement on the battlefield, as it increasingly relies on AI-controlled, unmanned aerial systems (UAVs). Halting Starlink use resulted in Russia losing almost 50% of their capacity for offence, BBC reported.