Democrats order Musk to preserve records on Ukraine's Starlink access, WSJ reports
Photo: Elon Musk (Getty Images)
Democratic senators have ordered billionaire Elon Musk to preserve SpaceX documents related to alleged Starlink restrictions for Ukraine, which disrupted the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operations in October and November, reports The Wall Street Journal.
According to a letter the media obtained, lawmakers are demanding that Musk preserve all documents and records related to restrictions SpaceX imposed on Ukraine's use of Starlink and Starshield satellite services.
The letter states that service disruptions occurred from October 13 to 24, as well as on November 12, complicating Ukraine's military operations.
"The October and November restrictions now raise the disturbing possibility that these vulnerabilities persist even within systems on which the US government relies," Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Coons wrote in their letter to Musk.
They also criticized the lack of transparency in the decision-making process and asked Musk to disclose whether anyone outside SpaceX had authorized these restrictions.
Musk is required to provide a substantial portion of the company's documents dating back to September 1, including all correspondence related to Starlink and Starshield for Ukraine, as well as direct communications between Musk, SpaceX executives, the White House, and the Pentagon.
The businessman has until November 30 to comply with the demands and answer specific oversight questions.
The media noted that Musk had already ordered Starlink to slow down in October, but US President Donald Trump later called him and asked him to reverse the decision.
The WSJ added that in January, when Democrats regain control of Congress, they intend to launch a series of investigations into the Trump administration's actions regarding Ukraine.
What else you need to know
Ukraine recently faced further restrictions on Starlink and Starshield speeds over temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory. The country's Defense Ministry has already contacted SpaceX and the Pentagon seeking clarification about the restrictions.
Axios also reported that following the introduction of the new restrictions, 100% of Ukraine's operations were being disrupted by the third day.
