Pentagon IG refuses to investigate Starlink/Starshield slowdown in Ukraine

Key Points:

• The Pentagon inspector general declined a request from bipartisan US senators to investigate recent restrictions on Ukraine’s use of SpaceX’s Starlink and Starshield satellite services, directing inquiries to the US Air Force and Space Force instead.
• The restrictions, which temporarily limited drone satellite connectivity above 161 km/h, were removed after about 10 days, but senators remain concerned about the impact on Ukraine’s military communications and intelligence-sharing capabilities during the conflict with Russia.
• Elon Musk accused Ukraine of violating Starlink’s terms by using it for offensive drone strikes, asserting that such operations should use Starshield; Ukraine denied misuse and confirmed the speed limit issue was resolved.
• Senators from both parties have called for an independent investigation to clarify the causes of the disruptions and ensure accountability, highlighting the importance of Starlink and Starshield for Ukraine’s defense and US personnel safety.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk as a “genius” while unveiling Russia’s plans for a satellite constellation, acknowledging Musk’s role in Starlink, which has been critical to Ukraine’s military efforts, and noting ongoing coordination to avoid orbital conflicts.