Elon Musk faces congressional scrutiny over Ukraine Starlink restrictions

Investing.com -- Democratic U.S. senators have directed Elon Musk to preserve SpaceX records concerning alleged restrictions on Ukraine’s access to Starlink and Starshield satellite services, The Wall Street Journal exclusively reported Friday, citing a letter they reviewed.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Coons requested communications and internal documents related to service disruptions between October 13 and 24 and again on November 12, which they said impaired Ukrainian military operations.

The lawmakers are seeking records dating from September 1, including correspondence involving Musk, SpaceX executives, the White House and the Pentagon.

They also requested clarification on whether anyone outside SpaceX authorized the restrictions, setting a November 30 deadline for responses and confirmation that relevant records have been preserved.

SpaceX has denied imposing restrictions on Ukraine’s satellite access this week.

The scrutiny follows reports that Musk ordered Starlink speed limitations in October before President Donald Trump intervened and requested their removal.

The reported restrictions affected communications used by Ukrainian drones and interceptors, potentially weakening operations against Russian forces and missile attacks.

Ukraine depends heavily on SpaceX’s civilian Starlink network and military-grade Starshield services for battlefield communications and defensive operations.

According to the senators’ letter, Russia launched nearly 4,000 strikes against Ukraine during October’s disruption.

The controversy has also exposed conflicting accounts from administration officials regarding authorization of the earlier restrictions.

Democrats are preparing broader investigations into the Trump administration’s handling of the Ukraine war after securing congressional majorities in the November midterm elections.

Coons is expected to chair the Senate Foreign Relations Committee when the new Congress convenes in January.

The planned oversight could extend beyond Ukraine, including investigations into Musk’s previous government role and the administration’s use of artificial intelligence systems.

Meanwhile, U.S.-brokered peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi have yet to produce a major breakthrough.