The key facts
- Democrats Rosa DeLauro and Betty McCollum demanded that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth explain reports of restrictions on Ukraine's access to Starshield.
- The Pentagon is asked to provide the results of an investigation to the defense committees within 30 days.
- According to UN data cited in the letter, civilian casualties in Ukraine in September were 85% higher than a year earlier; more than 2,500 civilians have been killed since January.
Letter to the Defense Secretary
Two senior Democrats in the House of Representatives — Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro and Defense Subcommittee ranking member Betty McCollum — sent a letter on Tuesday to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. They demanded an explanation of reports about restrictions on Ukraine's access to Starshield satellite communications services, as well as other delays in military aid, and called for an investigation.
Demands to the Pentagon
The lawmakers asked the Defense Department to determine who authorized the restrictions, on what legal basis the decision was made, what its justification is, and what the duration and operational consequences of these measures are. They proposed that the results be submitted to the congressional defense committees within 30 days.
Quotes and Context
“We were alarmed to learn of reports that administration officials authorized restrictions on Ukraine's use of Starshield satellite communications,” the lawmakers wrote. In their view, restricting the use of Starshield “could be construed as military assistance to Russia.” The letter followed media reports that raised questions for the Trump administration about its handling of military and communications support for Ukraine.
Casualty Data
Citing UN data, the lawmakers noted that civilian casualties in Ukraine in September were 85% higher than in the same month a year earlier, and that more than 2,500 civilians have been killed in the country since January. “Allowing Russia to kill innocent civilians is unacceptable,” the letter states.
