Systematic work for security: why accounting for Starlink matters
On February 1 it became known that unverified Starlink terminals were being disconnected as part of efforts to combat Russian drones; on February 2 the Ministry of Defense published a verification instruction. This is not only a technical issue: the lack of proper accounting creates legal risks for state bodies and their leaders. We look into how to protect both the resources and the people who manage them.
What the audit actually checks
During audits in the defense sector the State Audit Service analyzes not only procurements but also the actual use of property, sources of origin, and accounting procedures. If terminals are used but their legal status is not documented, this can be interpreted as a violation of the rules for accounting for state property or of budgetary discipline.
"Administrative or disciplinary liability is more typical for such cases"
— Dmytro Palyushchenko, head of the business support practice, Juscutum (comment for LIGA.net)
Possible consequences — from most likely to least likely
Legal practice shows several scenarios:
- Recommendations or demands to bring accounting into compliance: auditors may require ensuring balance-sheet accounting and documentarily substantiating sources of acquisition.
- Administrative or disciplinary remarks against responsible persons — a typical option if the lack of accounting creates corruption risks.
- Criminal liability — unlikely without signs of intent or personal gain; the decision depends on additional circumstances and the evidentiary base.
Practical checklist: what to do immediately
To minimize risks for the defense and officials, a lawyer advises focusing on a few simple actions:
- Gather the full set of documents on receipt of the terminals: acts, orders, correspondence, delivery and acceptance acts.
- Formalize the right of use or ownership through local internal documents — for example, commanders' orders, inventories and registers; if necessary, record the transfer in inventory books.
- Create an internal accounting register of terminals and designate persons responsible for their condition and use.
- Submit a notification in the prescribed manner in accordance with Resolution No.115, if required by procedure.
- Seek legal support to assess anti-corruption risks (including in the context of Art. 54 of the Law on Prevention of Corruption) and to develop the evidentiary base for possible inspections.
Context and conclusion
This is a question of two things at once: defense effectiveness and transparency of resource management. Timely orders, registers and documents will not only reduce risks for officials, but also protect units' combat capabilities from bureaucratic surprises during audits.
Now it's up to the command and leadership: declarations about the availability of equipment must turn into concrete orders and registry entries — otherwise, problems at the front may arise not only from the enemy but also from the absence of documents.
