PENTAGON WATCHDOG DECLINES PROBE INTO UKRAINE’S SATELLITE RESTRICTIONS
The Pentagon’s Inspector General has declined a bipartisan request to investigate restrictions on satellite communications that Ukrainian officials say weakened their ability to intercept Russian attack drones.
Nine US senators sought an independent investigation into who authorized or knew about disruptions affecting Starlink and its military counterpart, Starshield. The watchdog instead directed their questions toward the Air Force, according to AP.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen is pressing for answers, warning that the Trump administration and SpaceX have given conflicting explanations. The Inspector General’s office says it may reconsider if new information emerges.
The restrictions affected service on terminals moving above certain speeds—a serious problem for aircraft and drones relying on satellite connectivity. Senators warned that the disruption degraded Ukraine’s defensive capabilities during Russian attacks and raised separate concerns about the safety of American personnel.
SpaceX chief Elon Musk has acknowledged restrictions on commercial Starlink, while maintaining that the US government controls Starshield. Ukraine disputed his explanation that it had violated Starlink’s terms. Responsibility for the military service restrictions remains unresolved.
Service was reportedly fully restored on October 24. That does not answer who imposed the restrictions, under what authority, or how Ukraine can be protected from another sudden interruption.
These are systems Ukrainian defenders depend on to protect lives. An independent review should establish what happened and what safeguards are needed.
Shaheen and her bipartisan colleagues are right to keep pressing. Ukraine needs reliable support—and accountability when capabilities it relies on are disrupted in the middle of Russian attacks.