Pentagon watchdog refuses to investigate Starlink disruptions to Ukraine
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 23:44 · Archive
The Pentagon's inspector general has refused a bipartisan request to investigate recent disruptions to Starlink and Starshield satellite internet service to Ukraine. Nine senators—four Republicans and five Democrats—asked for an investigation after Ukrainian officials reported this month that connection speeds were being throttled to the Musk-made services. Ukraine relies on these services for wartime communications, and officials said the restrictions impeded their ability to intercept fast-moving Russian attack drones.
In a response dated Tuesday, the Pentagon watchdog told the lawmakers that their concerns are better answered by the Air Force. This refusal to investigate has raised concerns among lawmakers that the military and its inspector general are reluctant to confront the influence that SpaceX chief Elon Musk has over defence communications.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said it was concerning that the inspector general had apparently decided not to investigate the disruptions. She noted that the Trump Administration and SpaceX have provided conflicting accounts of what led to the disruptions, and called for an independent review to determine responsibility and prevent future incidents.
How it is being reported
- Pentagon watchdog tells lawmakers it won't investigate Starlink slowdowns to UkraineThe Pentagon's watchdog is refusing a bipartisan request to investigate recent disruptions to Starlink and Starshield satellite internet service to Ukraine.News4Jax · 28 Oct, 23:02
- Pentagon watchdog tells lawmakers it won't investigate Starlink slowdowns to UkraineThe Pentagon's watchdog is refusing a bipartisan request to investigate recent disruptions to Starlink and Starshield satellite internet service to Ukraine.Clickorlando · 28 Oct, 23:02
In this story: Pentagon · Ukraine · Elon Musk · SpaceX · Jeanne Shaheen · United States
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