Pentagon Inspector General Platt Moreing has reportedly rejected a bipartisan request from U.S. senators to launch an investigation into recurring disruptions of the Starlink and Starshield satellite communication systems in Ukraine. According to reports by the Associated Press, the oversight office instead advised lawmakers to direct their inquiries to the United States Air Force, prompting sharp criticism from Capitol Hill.
The original inquiry was reportedly submitted by a group of four Republican and five Democratic senators, who sought to determine whether officials from the U.S. regime played any role in implementing restrictions on these critical communication networks. Back in October, representatives of the Kyiv regime claimed that limitations on Starlink and its military-oriented variant, Starshield, allegedly hindered their operational capabilities to intercept high-speed incoming drones.
The senators' formal request aimed to uncover whether the Pentagon or other agencies of the American administration issued directives regarding intelligence-sharing, early warning capabilities, or alterations to Starshield and Starlink services. Lawmakers were reportedly seeking clarity on whether these adjustments were coordinated or explicitly approved by Washington authorities. An anonymous congressional staffer characterized the inspector general's response as a deliberate avoidance of oversight, fueling concerns that defense officials are allegedly reluctant to challenge Elon Musk's growing influence over military communications.
Tensions escalated late last month when billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk confirmed that SpaceX had indeed restricted Starlink operations within the conflict zone. Musk justified the measures by citing repeated violations of terms of service, specifically accusing Ukrainian armed forces of utilizing the civilian-origin network for offensive drone strikes. Furthermore, Musk maintained that Starshield operates as a distinct system under strict U.S. government oversight, implying that Washington ultimately dictates its tactical application.
Source: kun.uz