Starshield, Starlink and Ukraine: Fitzpatrick vows scrutiny over access limits

Fitzpatrick’s warning

Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said he would seek accountability for anyone attempting to limit Ukraine’s use of Starshield, SpaceX’s military satellite platform based on Starlink technology. He said he planned to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week.

Fitzpatrick said the matter could lead to congressional oversight hearings and budget cuts for any responsible agency or agency head. He also argued that the United States should provide Ukraine with what it needs for self-defense and impose stronger sanctions on Russia.

Speed limits disrupt operations

Ukraine began using Starshield in 2024. The article says standard Starlink Mini terminals installed on drones have a speed limit of 160 km/h, which is inadequate for some missions; faster drones require access to Starshield.

On the night of October 14, SpaceX restricted Starshield terminals when they moved above 160 km/h, without notifying Ukrainian Defense Forces in advance. Some connections reportedly failed at speeds as low as 72 km/h, hindering interceptor and medium-range drone missions as well as logistics, reconnaissance and signal relay.

The terminals were functioning again at speeds of up to 160 km/h by the end of that day. Ukraine was told that the 160 km/h limit applied only within its territory.

Officials differ on responsibility

SpaceX founder Elon Musk said the U.S. military and president make decisions about Starshield restrictions, and that commercial Starlink cannot be used for offensive military operations. President Donald Trump later said Washington had not slowed Starshield for Ukraine.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Starshield was not available to Ukraine and that the White House was not connected to Starlink service disruptions. The Telegraph, citing sources, reported that Musk had approached Trump with a proposal to limit satellite communication speeds for the Ukrainian military.

Calls for an investigation

Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he would ask the Defense Department inspector general to investigate the restrictions and report findings to Congress. He said the changes, made without warning, had put Ukrainian civilians, U.S. diplomats and security personnel at risk. Fitzpatrick said he believes Congress will support Ukraine’s defense. He also invoked former President Ronald Reagan, saying, “this is, after all, what Ronald Reagan would do.”