Pentagon IG refuses to investigate Starlink/Starshield slowdown in Ukraine

The Pentagon inspector general declined a Senate request to investigate restrictions on Ukraine's use of SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield services, according to Ars Technica. Senators asked whether a slowdown cutting drone connectivity above 161 km/h for about ten days was ordered by SpaceX, the Defense Department, or other U.S. entities and complied with contracts. The inspector general referred the matter to the Air Force and Space Force.

Disruptions followed a U.S. threat to withhold intelligence over Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries and a diesel deal. Senators said restrictions weakened Ukraine's defenses and endangered American personnel. SpaceX's executive accused Ukraine of violating Starlink terms for lethal drone strikes, saying offensive strikes must use Starshield; Ukraine denied this and said speed limit affected Starshield until restored above 400 km/h. Executive said Starshield limits are set by U.S. military and president, while president and secretary of state denied ordering the slowdown.

Source

Pentagon IG refuses to investigate Starlink/Starshield slowdown in Ukraine — Ars Technica