Slowdown in satellite communications in Ukraine
A group of US lawmakers demanded explanations after reports of a slowdown in satellite communications, crucial for the Ukrainian army in repelling Russian attacks.
In October, Ukrainian officials reported serious difficulties in using the Starlink satellite Internet and its military version - Starshield. Both systems, created by SpaceX, are crucial for communication and coordination of military activities at the front. The restrictions on data transmission speeds were intended to significantly hamper the interception of Russian drones, which caused concern both in Kiev and among Ukraine's allies.
In response to these reports, nine senators - four Republicans and five Democrats - sent a request to the Pentagon to initiate an investigation into the causes and circumstances of the disruptions. The parliamentarians wanted to determine whether the decision to limit access to Starlink and Starshield was consulted or authorized by the American authorities.
The Pentagon pointed to the Air Force
The United States War Department refused to investigate. The Pentagon's inspector general responded that the matter should be reviewed by the Air Force, not the Office of the Independent Audit Office.
According to an Associated Press informant - a congressional adviser who wished to remain anonymous - this decision is perceived as avoiding a direct confrontation with Elonen Musk and SpaceX, which currently plays a key role in defense communication systems.
The agency noted conflicting information between the Trump administration and SpaceX regarding who actually made the decision to introduce restrictions.
Who decided on the restrictions?
From the information provided by representatives of the Trump administration and Elon Musk himself, it is not clear who was responsible for the restrictions on satellite services in Ukraine. Musk admitted that SpaceX intentionally slowed down Starlink services in Ukraine, accusing Kiev of violating its terms of service. At the same time, he maintained that the military equivalent, the Starshield system, was controlled by the US government.
In turn, US President Donald Trump denied that he had given any orders in this matter. Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance suggested that the decisions may have been made in consultation with the White House.
The unclear communication deepens concerns that the private company and its owner have too much influence over key military communications tools, as well as the course of hostilities in Ukraine.
Doubts surrounding the role of Elon Musk
The issue of Elon Musk's influence on the defense systems of the US and Ukraine has arisen not for the first time. Already in 2022, at the beginning of the Russian invasion, Musk ordered Starlink to be disabled over the Kherson and Donetsk regions, explaining his fears of Russia escalating the conflict.
Congress is currently demanding answers to two key questions: whether US officials had any involvement in limiting Starlink and Starshield services in Ukraine, and whether Elon Musk is exploiting loopholes in applicable regulations to make his own decisions about access to communications infrastructure.
Searching for alternative solutions
Due to the disruptions, Ukraine is looking for alternative ways to ensure its communication independence. The Finnish company Iceye announced cooperation with Nokia and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Joint activities are aimed at developing satellite systems that will allow us to become independent from other suppliers and prevent similar incidents in the future.
