Ukraine: US senators demand clarification on Starlink failures
Democratic senators are demanding that SpaceX receive all documents regarding internet throttling in Ukraine and are asking questions about the background.
Quick Look
- Democratic US senators are demanding that SpaceX preserve all documentation regarding Starlink internet throttling in Ukraine.
- They are demanding answers to questions about the restrictions and their consequences for Ukraine and Americans on the ground by November 30th.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Ukrainian army has been using Starlink for communications since the Russian war of aggression began in February 2022.
The investigation is an initiative of Democratic senators, who will take over the majority in the chamber in January. They demand that SpaceX retain all documents on the subject. They also want answers, among other things, to the question of who ordered the speed reduction for the Starlink Internet and for the military version Starshield.
SpaceX is not allowed to destroy any documents
The senators are demanding that SpaceX confirm that it will not destroy any documents relating to the events by November 30th - and that they also answer their questions by then. This includes, for example, which restrictions currently apply - and the question of whether SpaceX has weighed up the possible consequences of the throttling for the Ukrainian population and Americans in the country.
One of the letter's signatories is Chris Coons, who is expected to take over as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in January. Democrats will hold the majority in the House and Senate in the next Congress and are already warming up to investigations into President Donald Trump's administration.
The Ukrainian army has been using Starlink-based internet for its communications since the Russian war of aggression began in February 2022.
Europeans at the negotiating table in peace talks?
Meanwhile, possible peace talks continue to be discussed. Russia, the USA and Ukraine are said to be involved in any case; there is still some uncertainty about the role of the Europeans at the negotiating table.
On Friday night, the USA signaled that Russian President Vladimir Putin was ready to allow the Europeans to take part in the talks. There is agreement to include the European partners in the next round of negotiations, said US negotiator Jared Kushner.
However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was more reserved: Russia has not yet made a decision about "expanding the format of the talks," he said on Friday. »The composition is stable, at least as far as our side is concerned, i.e. the composition of the negotiating delegation. If it makes sense, the president will make a decision about expanding this composition,” said Peskov.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) described Russian behavior as “the usual game.” There was “a clear message. We agree with the Americans,” he emphasized.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
SpaceX will respond to senators' questions by November 30.
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Who ordered Starlink to be throttled?
- What restrictions currently apply to Starlink and Starshield?
- Will European states take part in the peace talks?
