Pentagon IG refuses to investigate Starlink/Starshield slowdown in Ukraine
Inspector general rejected request from Democratic and Republican senators.
SpaceX has reportedly lifted restrictions on Ukraine's use of Starshield, the military-grade version of the company's Starlink internet system. Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara informed reporters that Starshield is now functioning normally, although the military is still conducting tests and has not received a reason for the prior restrictions.
This development comes after a 10-day period during which Ukrainian drones experienced internet connectivity issues while flying at speeds around 100 miles per hour, leading to some drones losing control and others becoming more vulnerable due to slower flight speeds. President Donald Trump reportedly spoke with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday, urging him to restore Starshield service.
Both Trump and Musk have previously criticized Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, with Musk even posting that Zelensky has "gone too far." The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Musk ordered SpaceX to limit Ukraine's Starlink access, though some sources suggested he had discussed the issue with the Trump administration beforehand.
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