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FSB Recruited Kyiv Teen on Telegram to Register 148 Starlinks for Russian Troops, SBU Says
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Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) detained an alleged Federal Security Service (FSB) agent in Kyiv who attempted to activate 148 Starlink terminals for Russia, the SBU reported on October 14.
According to the SBU, the operation prevented one of the largest known batches of Starlink satellite terminals from being registered for Russian use. The agency stated that Russian forces intended to use the terminals to plan combat operations in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
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Starlink has become central to Ukrainian combat operations, providing satellite connectivity for command links, real-time drone video, artillery coordination, and unmanned strike missions. Ukrainian forces have also used Starlink-connected drones for medium-range attacks on Russian logistics, while Kyiv has sought expanded access to support deeper strikes against military targets.
Investigators identified the suspect as an 18-year-old former student at a Kyiv college who had trained as a welder. The SBU stated that he was recruited after searching Telegram channels for quick ways to earn money.
According to the investigation, an FSB officer contacted the teenager through one of the chats and offered him payment in exchange for cooperation.
The SBU reported that within several days of his recruitment, the suspect registered 15 Starlink terminals using the passport details of relatives and acquaintances.
Investigators stated that he then prepared false personal data to register another 133 terminals for the Russian security service.
Counterintelligence officers detained the suspect near a post office as he allegedly prepared to activate another batch of Starlink terminals. The SBU also blocked terminals that had already been registered after the suspect transmitted their credentials to his Russian handler through a messaging app.
Several smartphones containing what investigators described as evidence of his cooperation with Russia were seized during searches.
The suspect was notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, covering high treason committed under martial law.
He remains in custody without the right to bail and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property if convicted.
Earlier on October 14, Ukrainian forces reported disruptions to Starlink-based battlefield communications that forced some drone units to cancel missions. The restrictions affected Starshield connections used to control unmanned aircraft, with Ukrainian troops reporting signal losses during flight.
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