Hoyer Statement on Unannounced Starlink Terminal Restrictions in Ukraine

October 14, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after SpaceX, an American aerospace manufacturer founded by Elon Musk, imposed sudden unannounced data speed restrictions on Starlink terminals utilized by Ukraine, disrupting its defensive military drone operations: “The people of Ukraine have had to endure twelve years of Russian military aggression, occupation, full-scale invasion, the kidnapping of its children into Russia, and air attacks against their cities. Winters have been particularly brutal, with Russia targeting Ukraine’s energy and heating infrastructure. After four years of heroic fighting, Ukraine’s forces are now making steady progress on the battlefield, aided by relentless innovation and access to Starlink satellite networks crucial to command-and-control as well as to drone and missile interception. Members of Congress who traveled to Kyiv recently heard from Ukrainian officials just how critical Starlink is to civilian defense and battlefield progress. “The turning off of Ukraine’s Starlink access today means that fewer Russian attacks against civilians targets will be intercepted. More Ukrainian families will face a harsh and difficult winter. Ukraine’s battlefield gains may slow. If Trump Administration officials were involved in this decision, as Elon Musk claims, it would represent a heinous act of betrayal to our Ukrainian allies and to a fellow democracy under assault by a despot. It would be an inversion of the American people’s will, as expressed by Congress, that we ought to be helping Ukraine win, not tipping the scales in Putin’s favor. This shameful act must be reversed, and I call on SpaceX to ensure that Ukrainian forces have their full connection restored. I also call on our Armed Forces to condemn this act as well. “The surest way to ensure this war comes to an end is not to help Russia prolong it. It is to help Ukraine win. Because the people of Ukraine have shown the world that they will not allow their democracy, freedom, sovereignty, or territorial integrity be taken by a foreign power. They are unbowed and unafraid. America must show the same resolve in our unwavering support.”