Brief
US lawmakers call for probe into Starlink disruption affecting Ukraine
Congressional leaders say the unexplained slowdown of Starlink services in Ukraine could endanger lives and demand answers.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Senior Republican lawmakers on Sunday urged a congressional investigation into recent disruptions of the Starlink satellite service used by Ukrainian forces, saying the unexplained speed limits could jeopardise Ukraine’s defence against Russian attacks.
Rep. Mike Turner, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, told CBS’s Face the Nation that the administration’s explanation – that no White House order caused the slowdown – was insufficient. “Absolutely not,” Turner said, adding that an inquiry was needed to identify who ordered the reduction and to hold responsible parties accountable.
Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, who recently visited Ukraine and met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, echoed Turner’s call. Speaking on the same programme, Cramer said investigators must determine whether the interruption was a deliberate decision or a technical glitch, noting that “nobody’s taking credit for making that call or the blame for it.” He referenced efforts by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis to seek an investigation.
President Zelenskyy has previously blamed a U.S.-mandated restriction on Starlink for slowing missile warnings and drone communications, alleging that the caps affected terminals moving above 100 mph and forced mission cancellations. Ukrainian officials reported that satellite access remained inconsistent, with some areas restored and others still experiencing reduced speeds.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, appearing in the CBS broadcast, denied that the White House ordered any speed reduction, stating, “We had nothing to do with that. I don’t, not the United States, nobody ordered that Starlink speed to be slowed down. It sort of happened.” Rubio added that his understanding was the service had been restored.
Turner and Cramer said the disruption touches on military assistance, intelligence and communications, and that lives are at risk. They suggested Congress could launch its own probe or request an inspector‑general inquiry, building on a bipartisan group of nine senators who earlier asked the Pentagon for a review.
Key facts
- Rep. Mike Turner and Sen. Kevin Cramer called for a congressional investigation into Starlink disruptions in Ukraine. (gulfnews.com)
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the White House did not order the speed reduction. (gulfnews.com)
- Zelenskyy alleged U.S.-mandated speed caps slowed missile warnings and drone communications. (gulfnews.com)
- Turner said the disruptions could endanger lives and demanded accountability. (gulfnews.com)
- Cramer noted the cause could be a technical glitch or a deliberate decision, and cited Senate efforts for an inquiry. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Congress Pushes for Probe into Starlink Restrictions Amid Ukraine-Russia Conflict”
