The Pentagon’s Office of the Inspector General has rejected a request from nine US senators for an independent investigation into restrictions on Starlink and Starshield satellite communications in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials, the reduction in connection speeds has made it more difficult to intercept high-speed Russian strike drones. US lawmakers demanded to find out who had taken the decision to impose the restrictions and whether representatives of the US administration were aware of it.
- The Pentagon’s Inspector General has refused to launch an independent investigation into the restrictions on Starlink and Starshield in Ukraine.
- The request was submitted by nine US senators — four Republicans and five Democrats.
- Lawmakers want to find out who authorised the changes and whether US officials were aware of them.
Why did the Pentagon refuse to investigate the restrictions on Starlink?
On 15 October, nine senators from both US political parties wrote to the Pentagon’s Inspector General Moringa platta calling for an investigation into the disruptions affecting the satellite systems used by Ukraine.
Lawmakers asked whether representatives of the US government had issued instructions to restrict communications, whether they had approved such decisions, and whether they had been warned about them.
In a reply dated 27 October, the Inspector General’s Office stated that it would be more appropriate for the issues raised to be addressed directly to the relevant military authority, specifically the US Air Force.
Spokesperson for the office Molly Halpern She confirmed that the request had been carefully considered. She added that the decision might be reviewed should new information come to light.
Starlink restrictions have affected efforts to counter Russian drones
According to reports from Ukrainian officials, in October the connection speed of Starlink and the military system Starshield was restricted without proper notice.
These systems are used to provide communications, data transmission and the coordination of defence operations. The Ukrainian side has stated that the restrictions imposed have made it more difficult to intercept Russian attack drones travelling at high speeds.
The senators also highlighted the potential risks to American diplomatic and military personnel stationed in Ukraine, who rely on the stable operation of communications and threat-warning systems.
Musk confirmed the restrictions on Starlink, but denied responsibility for Starshield
According to Ukrmedia News, Elon Musk acknowledged, …that SpaceX had restricted Starlink’s speed in Ukraine. He attributed this to an alleged breach of the service’s terms of use by the Ukrainian side. Ukrainian officials have rejected these allegations.
At the same time, Musk stated that decisions regarding changes to the operation of the Starshield military system are under the control of the US government.
President Donald Trump denied that he had personally ordered the restrictions on communications. The Vice-President JD Vance, for his part, suggested that there had been coordination of relevant actions between the White House and Musk.
US senators are calling for an independent investigation
Democratic Senator Jean Shahin, who signed the petition, criticised the Pentagon’s Inspector General’s refusal to launch an investigation. According to her, the Trump administration and SpaceX have provided conflicting explanations for the causes of the disruptions. She insists on an independent investigation into the circumstances to identify those responsible and prevent such situations from recurring.
Congress also wants to find out whether SpaceX to independently alter the parameters of systems that are critical to Ukraine’s defence without proper state oversight.
The Pentagon’s Office of the Inspector General has not ruled out revisiting this matter should further information come to light.
