Pentagon Oversight Body Denies Senators’ Request to Investigate Starlink Restrictions in Ukraine

The Pentagon’s oversight body has declined a request from nine senators, comprising four Republicans and five Democrats, to investigate reported restrictions on Starlink services in Ukraine. The senators’ inquiry stemmed from concerns raised by Ukrainian officials about connection speed limitations that hindered the interception of fast-moving Russian drones.

In a response dated October 27, the oversight body indicated that the issues raised by lawmakers would be more appropriately addressed to the U.S. Air Force. A congressional aide familiar with the situation described this as effectively a refusal to probe the actions of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and the operational aspects of Starlink.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized this decision. “It is concerning that the Inspector General evidently chose not to investigate the disruptions in satellite communications, which Ukraine relies on to protect its civilian population,” she stated.

Shaheen noted that both the administration of former President Donald Trump and SpaceX provided conflicting explanations regarding the reasons for the service restrictions. She called for an independent review to establish accountability and prevent future occurrences.

Molly Galpern, spokesperson for the Inspector General’s office, confirmed that the congressional request was carefully reviewed and determined that the issues would be best addressed within the Pentagon itself. “If new information arises, we may reconsider our decision,” she added.

The senators sought to clarify whether Pentagon or other U.S. officials ordered changes to the operations of Starlink and Starshield, including any agreements regarding intelligence sharing with Ukraine, or whether such alterations were known in advance.

Context

• On October 14, it was reported that Starlink terminals used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces began losing high-speed connectivity, complicating drone missions, frontline logistics, and reconnaissance operations.
• Musk stated that the military service restrictions of Starshield are determined by American military officials and the U.S. President. Reuters reported that the directive originated from the White House. Trump has repeatedly claimed no involvement and expressed ignorance about who issued the orders. No one in Washington has publicly accepted responsibility for the restrictions.
• On October 24, Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara announced that the speed restrictions on Starshield in Ukraine had been lifted, with the agency recording stable connectivity at speeds exceeding 400 km/h.