US Senators Call for Investigation into Starlink Restrictions in Ukraine

A bipartisan group of Democratic and Republican senators sent an official letter to the US Department of Defense Inspector General to determine the root cause of speed limitations and connectivity issues experienced on SpaceX's Starlink network in Ukraine.

Grounds for the Investigation Call

Expressing serious concerns, the senators stated that speed restrictions applied to the Starlink network between October 12 and 14 weakened Ukraine's defense capacity.

It is stated that these restrictions negatively affected Ukraine's defense operations against Russia's drone and missile attacks.

Technical Restrictions and Operational Effects

The speed limit imposed by SpaceX, reduced to 160 kilometers per hour, led to the disconnection of weapon systems exceeding this speed from the network.

Additionally, disruptions in intelligence sharing and threat warning systems made it difficult for military and diplomatic personnel in Ukraine to reach shelters during airstrikes.

Political Debates and Allegations

Elon Musk stated that the control of Starshield systems rests with the US government, implying that the US military may be behind the restrictions.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that the US withdrew intelligence sharing to pressure them into halting attacks on energy facilities.

US officials denied the allegations, stating that President Donald Trump had not made any such request to slow down the network.