Starlink speed limit affects Ukrainian military operations, U.S. cross-party lawmakers demand investigation into "who gave the order"

The sudden restrictions on Ukraine's use of Starlink satellite communications and intelligence sharing attracted the attention of U.S. lawmakers. Nine bipartisan federal senators jointly sent a letter to the Inspector General of the Department of War (Defense Department), expressing "serious concern" about the matter and requesting an investigation into whether senior officials of the Department of War were involved in the matter.

The Hill reported on the 15th that Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, led a bipartisan group of lawmakers to send a joint letter to the War Department Inspector General Platte Moring, "urgently requesting the Inspector General to investigate these incidents," including whether the causes of these dangerous situations are related to actions or decisions taken by the War Department.

Four Republican senators, including Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and John Cornyn, and four Democratic congressmen, including Jack Reed, the top Democratic member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, signed the petition.

The letter cited reports that earlier this week, data transmission of the Starlink terminal equipment of the Space Exploration Technology Company (SpaceX) was restricted, interrupting the communications of Uzbek military drones, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The congressman also mentioned that the Uzbek military reported on the 14th that Starlink connections were restricted for aircraft flying at a speed exceeding about 101 kilometers per hour, and SpaceX reportedly admitted that restrictions were imposed on vehicles exceeding 161 kilometers per hour. "These restrictions are reportedly weakening the Ukrainian military's ability to defend itself against attacks by Russian drones and missiles on civilian infrastructure," the lawmakers wrote, expressing "extreme concern" over reports of a disruption in U.S. intelligence sharing and threat warnings.

"These incidents require immediate investigation based on the potential for fatal consequences," the letter said, asking whether intelligence-sharing arrangements, early warning capabilities, or changes affecting Starlink and Starshield services in Ukraine were "directed, authorized, approved, or had prior knowledge of any Department of War or other U.S. government official."

"Star Shield" is the military version of Star Chain. Ukrainian officials stated on the 14th that the interference in Ukraine’s Starlink and StarShield connections stemmed from a decision by Washington. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk pointed out that the Star Shield system is owned and controlled by the U.S. government, and the speed and usage restrictions are determined by the U.S. military and ultimately the President of the United States.