Cornyn, Colleagues Call for Investigation into Starshield Disruptions in Ukraine

Cornyn, Colleagues Call for Investigation into Starshield Disruptions in Ukraine News Cornyn, Colleagues Call for Investigation into Starshield Disruptions in Ukraine October 19, 2026 AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) joined a letter led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), to Department of War Inspector General Platte Moring III calling for an investigation into the disruption of the U.S.-maintained Starshield systems for Ukrainian partners: “ We write with grave concern regarding reported disruptions to critical U.S.-supported communications and intelligence-sharing capabilities in Ukraine that have endangered American personnel and potentially compromised Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian missile and drone attacks… 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, ” wrote the Senators. “ 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. The full text of the letter can be found here and below. October 15, 2026 Honorable Platte B. Moring Inspector General Department of Defense 800 Mark Center Drive Alexandria, VA Dear Mr. Moring: We write with grave concern regarding reported disruptions to critical U.S.-supported communications and intelligence-sharing capabilities in Ukraine that have endangered American personnel and potentially compromised Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian missile and drone attacks. 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. 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. According to reports, speed restrictions imposed on SpaceX’s Starlink terminals between October 12 and 14, 2026, disrupted critical communications capabilities supporting Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Ukrainian military testing on October 14 reportedly identified restrictions at speeds exceeding approximately 63 miles per hour, while SpaceX reportedly acknowledged a service restriction at 100 miles per hour. These restrictions reportedly degraded Ukraine’s ability to conduct defensive operations against Russian drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure. Separately, we are deeply concerned by reports of disruptions or “glitches” affecting intelligence-sharing and threat-warning capabilities relied upon by personnel operating in Ukraine. We understand that American personnel experienced serious difficulties reaching safety during Russian air raids. The precise cause of these incidents, including whether they resulted from technical failures, interruptions in intelligence sharing, changes in U.S. government policy, or other factors, remains unclear. Given the potentially deadly consequences, these incidents require immediate investigation. Starlink and Starshield capabilities are important components of Ukraine’s military communications infrastructure, supporting command and control, unmanned systems, and operational coordination. To use Starshield and Starlink as intended, Ukraine needs access to unlimited speeds, which was its service arrangement prior to this reported restriction. 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. We therefore request that your office immediately investigate: Whether disruptions to intelligence sharing, threat warnings, or other U.S.-supported capabilities contributed to incidents in which American diplomatic, military, or security personnel were unable to reach shelter during Russian attacks; Whether any Department of Defense or other U.S. government officials directed, authorized, approved, or had advance knowledge of changes to intelligence-sharing arrangements, warning capabi