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Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin speaks during a news conference in Baghdad, Iraq February 11, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al Mousily/Files |
Earlier on Sunday, the captured chief of staff of the 36th
Ukrainian marines brigade said that Musk's satellite constellation was providing
internet connection to Ukrainian troops in Mariupol.
"Per our information, the delivery of Starlink internet
terminals to the Ukrainian armed forces was done by the Pentagon," Rogozin
said on Telegram, adding that Musk is "thus complicit" and will be held
accountable.
Musk's Starlink project seeks to provide affordable access
to broadband internet connections across the world. Immediately after the
beginning of the Russian special operation in late February, Musk confirmed
that the Starlink service was active in Ukraine and promised to deliver more
terminals to the country.
On March 7, forces of the Donetsk People's Republic
surrounded Mariupol and began a liberation campaign, with the remaining
fighters of the Ukrainian nationalist Azov battalion holing up in the
underground tunnels of the Azovstal plant.