US Senators Demand Probe Into Starshield Disruptions in Ukraine

A bipartisan group of US senators, led by Jeanne Shaheen, is demanding an urgent investigation into the loss of high-speed intelligence data from the Starshield satellite network in Ukraine. In a letter to Pentagon Inspector General Platte Moring, lawmakers expressed concern that speed curbs implemented between October 12 and 14 degraded Ukraine's defensive operations and hindered US personnel from reaching bunkers during Russian air raids.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, accused the US of switching off the service and withdrawing intelligence-sharing to pressure Kyiv into ending attacks on Russian energy sites. He characterized the disruptions as a big mistake and dangerous, claiming the restrictions prevented drones from intercepting Russian attacks and contributed to civilian deaths. While access was restored by Wednesday, Zelenskyy noted that speed had not yet fully returned to previous levels.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, denied responsibility for the restrictions, stating that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. He asserted that any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and the president. While some senators are questioning if Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth or Undersecretary Elbridge Colby authorized the restrictions without presidential approval, a US official denied that President Donald Trump requested the slowdown.