(WASHINGTON DC) – US Congress is demanding an investigation into Elon Musk’s alleged order to throttle Starlink’s military-grade service in Ukraine, with a Republican congressman suggesting the law may have been violated.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk personally authorised restrictions on the Starshield satellite system, which Ukraine relies upon to defend itself against Russian attacks and conduct its own strikes. According to sources cited by the newspaper, the SpaceX founder capped connection speeds, hampering Ukraine’s ability to use drones, intercept missiles and launch attacks.
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, told CNN: “We have to conduct an investigation. We must summon witnesses, bring them to court, place them under oath, and get to the bottom of the matter. Because this is a very, very serious issue. It cannot be swept under the rug.”
Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent who previously served in Ukraine, suggested that if Musk ordered the slowdown, “that is likely a violation of the law because he has authority and decision-making authority over Starlink, the civilian commercial products, but not Starshield, which is a military-grade national security tool. No individual civilian should have any decision-making authority in how that’s deployed.”
The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk discussed the matter with President Donald Trump and senior administration officials prior to the decision. One source indicated that Musk contacted the White House when public outcry erupted, suggesting they coordinate their messaging. However, some US officials believe Musk acted unilaterally.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Wednesday morning that Starlink service remains limited, stating: “The Secretary told me that he will work with his team on this to unblock this question. God bless. It will be done.”
Democratic Congressman James Walkinshaw of Virginia, who serves on the House Homeland Security and Oversight Committee, said: “Russia has been launching missile strikes against apartment buildings in Kyiv, targeting civilians. As a result of this decision to pull back this capability, those civilians in Ukraine have been at greater risk and some might have died because of the decision.”
Walkinshaw added: “If Elon Musk made this decision on his own, I don’t see how that’s not a violation of that Pentagon contract. There has to be a full investigation to understand exactly who made this decision, whether it violated the contract they have with the Pentagon, whether it violated US law in any other way.”
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated: “The US policy on Ukraine as individuals, that includes Starshield coverage, can pull back. We haven’t pulled anything back. There are terms of service that ultimately need to be complied to. Starlink has the option to make those decisions, but nothing’s changed from our view. We haven’t made any directives or anything like that.”
Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, Advisor to the President of Ukraine on the development of technological areas of defence, said SpaceX’s restrictions on Starlink terminals could complicate efforts to counter jet-powered Shahed drones.
The controversy has raised questions about the unchecked power of private individuals over critical military infrastructure. One CNN panellist noted: “This is not really something that we’ve seen before. It’s a product of the consolidation of power among a select few wealthy people who now can decide who lives and dies in various places on this planet.”
Footage released by CNN.
Be First to Comment