The key facts

  • Senators Shaheen and Tillis demanded the immediate restoration of Starshield for Ukraine
  • Zelensky reported speed restrictions on the front line lasting several days
  • Congress is being urged to investigate who ordered or approved the restrictions

Senators' Demand

US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis on Friday called on the Trump administration and SpaceX to immediately restore Ukraine's capabilities under the Starshield military communications service. The reason was reports of renewed service restrictions which, according to them, weaken Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian drones along the front line. The senators warned that the disruptions could endanger the lives of both Ukrainians and Americans.

What the Ukrainian Side Reported

The senators' statement came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported significant speed restrictions in Starshield's operation on the front line and in Russian-controlled territories of Ukraine over 'several days.' This is already the second such episode in a short period: last month, Ukrainian authorities reported speed restrictions lasting more than a week, and on October 24 Zelensky said the speed had been restored. Shaheen and Tillis called the resumption of restrictions mere weeks after their restoration 'outrageous.'

Call for an Investigation

The senators questioned how restricting Ukraine's defense capability could advance the Trump administration's stated efforts to negotiate an end to the war. 'The Trump administration and SpaceX must immediately restore these capabilities. Ukraine is negotiating in good faith to end this war. Russia has shown no such good faith,' the joint statement said. The lawmakers also called on Congress to investigate who ordered the restrictions or approved them, and to hold those responsible accountable. At their demand, the Pentagon and SpaceX must preserve all records and provide Congress with the contracts and correspondence necessary to establish the facts and develop measures that will prevent a recurrence.