Starlink restrictions in Ukraine: US senator demands investigation into Pentagon’s actions

US Republican Senator Thom Tillis is seeking an investigation and report back to Congress on the Pentagon's actions with regard to problems with Starlink satellite communications systems encountered by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Source: Tillis on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Tillis said the error appears to have occurred at a more local level within the US Defense Department's Starshield systems, rather than with Starlink or SpaceX.

Quote: "I'm not holding my breath for Defense Secretary Hegseth to offer transparency, so we'll be asking the DOD Inspector General to initiate an investigation and report back to Congress and the American People."

Details: The senator emphasised that the situation had put the safety of both Ukrainian civilians and US diplomatic and security personnel at risk.

"At best, this was an unacceptable error or lapse, and at worst a conscious decision to clear the field for a Russian attack," Tillis added.

Background:

• Axios previously reported that the White House said it was not involved in the restrictions affecting the Starlink satellite system in Ukraine, pointing out that it does not control SpaceX.
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the US's decision to impose restrictions on Starlink use in Ukraine was a mistake that would result in human losses.
• Zelenskyy also said he would be discussing intelligence sharing and Starlink access with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

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