Who restricted Starlink in Ukraine? The Pentagon Inspector General declined to conduct an investigation
Pentagon Inspector General Platt Moring did not accept a request from senators to conduct an investigation into disruptions in the operation of Starlink and Starshield satellite communications in Ukraine. According to AP, his office recommended contacting the US Air Force regarding this matter.
Who restricted Starlink in Ukraine? The Pentagon's Inspector General refused to conduct an investigation
Citing a report by DW, the request was sent by four Republican and five Democratic senators. They asked to determine whether US officials were involved in the restrictions imposed on communication systems.
In October, Ukrainian officials stated that restrictions on Starlink and its military-focused Starshield system had affected the ability to intercept Russia's high-speed drones.
The appeal asked to investigate whether the Pentagon or other representatives of the US government had given instructions to modify intelligence sharing, warning capabilities, and Starlink and Starshield services related to Ukraine.
The senators also sought answers to whether such changes were agreed upon with officials, approved by them, or if they had detailed information about it.
A congressional staffer who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity interpreted the inspector general's response as a refusal to conduct an investigation. According to the agency, this situation raised concerns among lawmakers about whether the Pentagon and its independent watchdog agency are reluctant to challenge Elon Musk's influence on defense communications.
On October 24, Elon Musk confirmed that SpaceX had imposed restrictions on Starlink's operation in Ukraine. He explained this by a violation of the terms of use, accusing the Armed Forces of Ukraine of using the system for offensive drone strikes.
Musk also emphasized that Starshield is a different system and remains under the control of the US government. According to him, Washington decides how this system is used.
On the same day, Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevgeniy Khmara announced that Starlink and Starshield communications had resumed operating even under conditions of moving at speeds above 400 kilometers per hour.
According to the report, problems were observed on the night of October 14, when Starshield terminals began losing connection while moving at high speeds. The following day, the system's operation was reported to be restored, but disruptions were recorded again shortly thereafter.