Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick warned that Congress could withhold funding from US agencies responsible for restricting Ukraine’s military satellite service, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, Oct. 15.
“If we start going dark on Ukraine, there will be consequences, mark my words,” the Pennsylvania lawmaker said.
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Asked what those consequences could be, he said: “Agencies won’t get funding if they’re not doing their jobs.”
His warning follows restrictions that disrupted Ukrainian drone operations during Russian attacks and prompted a bipartisan demand for an investigation.
Senators seek investigation into risks to US personnel
Nine senators, led by Democrat Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Thom Tillis, asked the Pentagon’s inspector general on Oct. 15 to investigate disruptions to Starshield, communications and intelligence-sharing in Ukraine.
Their letter cited reports that American diplomatic, military and security personnel had been unable to reach designated bunkers during Russian air raids amid disruptions to intelligence-sharing and early-warning capabilities.
The senators asked whether Pentagon officials or contractors contributed to the incidents, whether US officials approved or knew about the disruptions, and what measures were being taken to protect American personnel.
Separately, Reuters reported on Oct. 15, citing two US officials and a Western official, that the order to restrict Starshield in Ukraine originated inside the White House. The sources did not identify the decision-maker.
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Europe Has No Starlink Replacement as Ukraine Faces Satellite Disruptions
Starlink’s satellite network is unmatched in scale, while its business model and portable terminals give it a major advantage over competitors that rely on bulkier, more expensive equipment.
Reported limits disrupted Ukrainian drone operations
The restrictions affected satellite connections used by Ukrainian attack and interceptor drones. Connectivity was being restored for terminals moving at up to 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour), Ukrainian officials said, but the speed ceiling continued to hamper some operations.
One Ukrainian source told RFE/RL that connections needed to work at speeds of at least 450 kilometers per hour (280 miles per hour) to counter faster Russian drones effectively, as Kyiv Post previously reported.
Elon Musk distinguished commercial Starlink from the military-grade Starshield service, saying Starshield systems were owned and controlled by the US government and operational limits rested with the military and president.
The senators said Ukraine’s previous service arrangement allowed unlimited speeds and noted that at least some services were provided through contracts administered by the US Space Force.
Britain reports service restored
British Defense Minister Wes Streeting said on Oct. 15 that he and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed the restoration of Starlink service in Ukraine, Reuters reported.
Earlier Ukrainian accounts described partial restoration, including the 160-kilometer-per-hour ceiling. Streeting’s statement did not specify whether all speed restrictions had been removed.
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