Senator Collins, Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Investigation into Starlink Disruptions in Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) sent a letter to the Department of Defense’s Inspector General, Platte Moring III, calling for an investigation into the disruption of the U.S.-maintained Starshield systems for Ukrainian partners. In the letter, the Senators highlight how the disruptions to these critical systems put U.S. diplomatic, military, and security personnel in danger and diminished Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. They urge the Inspector General to immediately launch an investigation and determine whether any U.S. officials approved of or had advance knowledge of the disruptions in service. The Senators also request that the Inspector General investigate whether U.S. personnel were unable to reach shelter during Russian attacks that occurred during these disruptions and if immediate corrective measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of American personnel. “We are particularly alarmed by incidents in which U.S. diplomatic, military, and security personnel were unable to reach designated bunkers during Russian air raids, amid reported disruptions to intelligence-sharing and early-warning capabilities,” the Senators wrote. “ We urgently request an Inspector General investigation into these incidents, including whether actions or decisions by the Department of Defense or its contractors contributed to these dangerous circumstances.” “To use Starshield and Starlink as intended, Ukraine needs access to unlimited speeds, which was its service arrangement prior to this reported restriction,” they continued. “ We understand that at least some relevant services are provided through contractual arrangements administered by the U.S. Space Force. Any restrictions on these capabilities, particularly without advance notification, raise serious questions about the Department of Defense’s contractual oversight and its responsibility to ensure continuity of essential services.” “The United States government has a fundamental obligation to protect American personnel serving overseas. Disruptions to critical intelligence-sharing, threat-warning, or communications capabilities in an active war zone can have life-threatening consequences. The possibility that American personnel were endangered by preventable disruptions, inadequate coordination, or decisions made by their own government demands immediate scrutiny and accountability,” the Senators concluded. Click here to read the complete text of the letter. ###