Nine US senators have asked the Pentagon’s inspector general to investigate reported satellite and intelligence-sharing disruptions in Ukraine between October 12 and 14. They said the problems may have weakened Ukrainian defenses and endangered American personnel during Russian air attacks.

The request went to Defense Department Inspector General Platte Moring III. Led by Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senator Thom Tillis, the lawmakers want an immediate investigation and an initial briefing by November 1.

Senators question who authorized restrictions

The proposed inquiry covers Starlink and Starshield, satellite communications services used by Ukrainian forces. The senators asked whether US officials ordered, approved or knew beforehand about restrictions affecting those services, intelligence sharing or attack-warning systems.

They also want investigators to establish whether SpaceX imposed restrictions independently and whether its actions complied with US government contracts. Some of the services operate under contracts administered by the US Space Force, according to the senators.

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The letter asks investigators to examine the Pentagon’s oversight of those contracts. It also calls for agencies to preserve technical instructions, contract records and correspondence involving the Defense Department, SpaceX and other parties.

Drone communications and personnel safety

Ukrainian military personnel reported that satellite terminals on moving drones began losing functionality at higher speeds. The senators said speed restrictions could hinder strike and interceptor drones, as well as coordination against Russian missiles and unmanned aircraft.

The lawmakers also cited reports that American diplomats, military personnel and security staff could not reach designated shelters during Russian air raids. They asked whether the US Embassy in Kyiv, American personnel and Ukrainian authorities received adequate advance warning of changes affecting their safety.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said partners had not provided advance warning about some ballistic missiles aimed at Kyiv. Ukraine’s air force said warnings arrived during later waves of the attack.

Services restored, cause unresolved

Elon Musk said Starshield, the military satellite service, is controlled by the US government. He said restrictions on speed or use are set by the US military and ultimately the president.

US President Donald Trump denied that Washington had stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine. Tillis said the disruption could have been an error or a deliberate decision, but presented no evidence that it was intentional.

A Ukrainian official said Starlink and Starshield had returned to full capacity by October 15. Who imposed the restrictions, why they occurred and whether they were connected to intelligence-sharing or warning problems remained unresolved.