Nine US senators ask Pentagon watchdog to probe Starshield and Starlink disruptions in Ukraine

Centre · 2Nine US senators from both parties sent a letter on Thursday 15 October to Defense Department Inspector General Platte Moring III. They asked for an immediate investigation into reported disruptions to SpaceX's Starshield and Starlink satellite services in Ukraine. 1 2 Centre · 2The letter was led by Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. The other signatories were Republicans Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and John Cornyn, and Democrats Dick Durbin, Jack Reed, Chris Coons and Richard Blumenthal. 1 2 Centre · 1The senators asked whether US officials approved or knew in advance of the disruptions. They also asked whether decisions by the Defense Department or its contractors contributed, whether the disruptions were preventable, whether the Pentagon coordinated adequately with contractors, and whether corrective measures are under way. 1

Centre · 2The letter said it was "particularly alarmed" by incidents in which US diplomatic, military and security personnel were unable to reach designated bunkers during Russian air raids. It linked these to reported disruptions to intelligence-sharing and early-warning capabilities, and said they could have deadly consequences. 1 2 Centre · 2The letter also raised reported restrictions on Ukraine's access. The senators said Ukraine previously had unlimited speeds, which it needs to use Starshield and Starlink as intended. According to the BBC, the letter cited speed restrictions reported between 12 and 14 October and said they reportedly degraded Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian drone and missile attacks. 1 2 Centre · 1The BBC reported that Ukraine said on Tuesday night that speeds had been unexpectedly restricted, to 100mph (160km/h), so weapons flying faster than that lost connectivity. It described Starlink as a vital tool for Kyiv to guide drones to Russian targets and protect its skies. 2

Centre · 1Elon Musk wrote on X on Wednesday that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. He said any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately the US president. The BBC said the White House and Pentagon had not responded to the suggestion that the US might have had a role. 2 Centre · 2Starshield, developed by SpaceX, is a satellite system for government and national security use and relies on the Starlink network. Starlink is the company's civilian internet service, which has helped keep Ukrainian forces connected during the war. 1 2 Centre · 1The BBC placed the episode in a wider dispute. President Zelensky has accused the US of withdrawing intelligence-sharing to pressure Kyiv into ending attacks on Russian energy sites. This came as an "energy ceasefire" announced by President Trump on Sunday was disputed: Zelensky said Russia ignored it, while the Kremlin said it never agreed to it. 2