“Ukrainian forces depend on these services for command and control, intelligence sharing, battlefield communications, and the operation of unmanned systems,” a bipartisan group of US lawmakers wrote in a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, warning that communication degradation gives Russian forces an operational advantage that extends the conflict and puts civilians in harm’s way. Members of the US Congress have urged the Pentagon to expand its contract under the Starshield programme and restore Ukraine’s access to Starlink and Starshield satellite communications following recent disruptions, pravda.com.ua reported.
Lawmakers Press Hegseth to Expand Starshield Contract
In a bipartisan, bicameral appeal, US lawmakers insisted that services be restored without speed restrictions to ensure Ukraine has the technical capabilities it needs. The letter was signed by three senators—Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.)—and five members of the House: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), according to thehill.com. The lawmakers urged the US Department of Defense to maintain the coverage Ukraine needs to conduct legitimate military operations, including over Russian territory, and to ensure that the transition from the commercial Starlink service to the government-run Starshield programme takes place without any interruption to service. “Decisions regarding service availability, coverage, and performance should not be left solely to the discretion of a private provider when they have direct consequences for Ukraine’s ability to defend itself,” the lawmakers added.
Musk and reports conflict over Starshield restrictions
Starshield is a specialized branch of Starlink satellite systems run by SpaceX, which is owned by Elon Musk. Musk has stated that any decisions to restrict Starshield were not his and must have come from President Trump and the Pentagon, though a recent report by The Wall Street Journal contradicted that account by indicating Musk was behind the restrictions, thehill.com reported. The push follows reports that Starshield receivers stopped working earlier this month for Ukrainian military equipment operating above a certain speed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously confirmed on 23 October that speed restrictions for Starlink satellite communications terminals in Ukraine remain in force, according to pravda.com.ua. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that US senators warned the White House they would withhold votes on nominees until the administration ensured the restoration of communications capabilities for Ukrainian troops.
Defense Production Act Powers Proposed for the Pentagon
To secure reliable access, the bipartisan group called on the Department of Defense to consider using its powers under the relevant provision of the Defense Production Act, which allows the federal government to require companies to prioritize government orders. “The United States and Europe have made significant investments in Ukraine’s defence because of how a Russian victory would put our security at risk,” the lawmakers concluded in the letter. President Trump stated on a Thursday that his administration had contacted Musk, who in turn restored the Starshield services to Ukraine, but Ukrainian officials countered on Friday by stating that the systems were still not functioning, according to thehill.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Starshield Dispute
What specific equipment experienced disruptions in Ukraine?
Starshield receivers used by Ukrainian military equipment operating above a certain speed quit working earlier this month, prompting congressional concern over battlefield communications.
Which lawmakers signed the congressional letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth?
The letter was signed by Senators Thom Tillis, Elissa Slotkin, and Mark Kelly, alongside Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Marcy Kaptur, Mike Quigley, Jim Costa, and Jimmy Panetta.
What legislative power did lawmakers suggest the Pentagon use to enforce service continuity?
Lawmakers urged the Department of Defense to consider utilizing relevant provisions of the Defense Production Act to require companies to prioritize government orders for satellite communications services.
Did President Volodymyr Zelenskyy comment on the communication restrictions?
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on 23 October that speed restrictions for Starlink satellite communications terminals in Ukraine remained in force.
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