Four Republican senators have joined their Democratic colleagues in pressing the Pentagon's watchdog to investigate whether Defense Department officials directed restrictions on Ukraine's access to the Starshield satellite network, a critical component of its military communications.
The bipartisan letter, sent to Acting Inspector General Platte Moring, seeks answers on whether any U.S. government officials "directed" or "authorized" changes to intelligence-sharing arrangements or Starlink and Starshield services affecting Ukraine. The signatories include Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), a senior member of the Intelligence Committee, along with fellow panel member Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Thom Tillis (N.C.).
The push comes after Ukraine's full access to Starshield-provided data was swiftly restored on Wednesday, sparking speculation on Capitol Hill that President Trump did not personally order the cutoff but that the decision may have originated from senior Pentagon officials. A Senate source familiar with internal discussions said senators in both parties have questions about whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth or other senior officials, such as Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, were involved.
Starshield is the military-grade version of SpaceX's Starlink, which delivers high-speed internet from low-orbit satellites. Ukraine relies on this connectivity to operate drones and fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, capabilities essential for defending against Russian strikes. The loss of access hampered these operations, raising alarms about the vulnerability of Ukraine's battlefield communications.
The lawmakers expressed "grave concern" over reports that Ukraine's high-speed internet access was cut, which prevented it from operating vehicles flying faster than 63 mph or exceeding 100 mph. The disruption coincided with renewed Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, as President Trump clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the resumed attacks. Trump denied any involvement, telling reporters, "I didn't do that. No, we didn't do that at all. In fact, I don't even think it was slowed down from what I understood."
The letter to Moring demands an investigation into whether any Defense Department or other U.S. government officials "directed" or "authorized" changes to intelligence-sharing arrangements or Starlink and Starshield services affecting Ukraine. The senators are seeking a thorough review of the decision-making process, including any role played by senior Pentagon officials.
This development comes amid broader tensions over U.S. support for Ukraine. Some lawmakers have warned of consequences if the U.S. abandons Ukraine, while others have raised concerns about the administration's handling of military aid. The Pentagon's recent deployment of troops to Panama for jungle training signals a shift in focus, but the Ukraine issue remains a flashpoint in Washington.
The investigation request adds to the growing scrutiny of the Trump administration's Ukraine policy, particularly regarding the use of commercial satellite services for military purposes. The outcome could have significant implications for U.S. intelligence-sharing arrangements and the broader conflict.
