US senators seek Pentagon watchdog probe into reported Starshield disruptions in Ukraine

A bipartisan group of nine US senators called Thursday for an immediate Pentagon watchdog investigation into reported Starshield satellite service disruptions in Ukraine earlier this week, warning that the interruptions may have endangered American personnel.

In a letter to Defense Department Inspector General Platte Moring III, the lawmakers urged an investigation into whether US officials approved or had advance knowledge of the reported disruptions.

They also asked whether decisions by the Defense Department or its contractors contributed to the reported interruptions.

The letter was led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and co-signed by Sens. Thom Tillis, Dick Durbin, Susan Collins, Jack Reed, John Cornyn, Chris Coons, Lisa Murkowski and Richard Blumenthal.

The senators said the reported disruptions raised serious concerns the safety of US diplomatic, military and security personnel operating in Ukraine, particularly during Russian air raids.

"We are particularly alarmed by incidents in which U.S. diplomatic, military, and security personnel were unable to reach designated bunkers during Russian air raids, amid reported disruptions to intelligence-sharing and early-warning capabilities," they wrote.

The lawmakers called for an investigation into whether American personnel were unable to reach shelter because of disruptions to critical communications or warning systems.

They warned that interruptions to satellite communications, intelligence-sharing and early-warning capabilities in an active war zone could have life-threatening consequences.

The senators also asked the inspector general to determine whether the disruptions were preventable, whether the Pentagon had adequately coordinated with contractors and whether corrective measures were being implemented.

"The United States government has a fundamental obligation to protect American personnel serving overseas," they wrote.

"The possibility that American personnel were endangered by preventable disruptions, inadequate coordination, or decisions made by their own government demands immediate scrutiny and accountability," they added.

The lawmakers also raised concerns reported restrictions on satellite services used by Ukraine.

Starshield, developed by SpaceX, is a satellite communications system designed for government and national security applications.

Starlink, the company's broader satellite internet service, has also played a significant role in maintaining connectivity for Ukrainian forces and other users during Russia's war.

The senators said Ukraine previously had service arrangements allowing unrestricted speeds and questioned reported limitations on those capabilities.

"To use Starshield and Starlink as intended, Ukraine needs access to unlimited speeds, which was its service arrangement prior to this reported restriction," they wrote.