According to the Associated Press, the Pentagon inspector general denied a request from a cross-party lawmaker to investigate the recent interruption of Internet service on Ukraine's “Starlink” and “Starshield” satellites. The move raised concerns among lawmakers that the military, even its independent inspector general, would be reluctant to confront SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's influence on defense communications. Earlier, Ukrainian officials reported this month that the connection speed of the “Starlink” service created by Musk and its military version of “Starshield” was limited. A cross-party panel of senators then requested the Pentagon Inspector General to investigate the matter. These satellite networks are critical to Ukraine's wartime communications. Ukrainian officials said that these restrictions hampered Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian military high-speed attack drones.

According to the Associated Press, the Pentagon inspector general denied a request from a cross-party lawmaker to investigate the recent interruption of Internet service on Ukraine's “Starlink” and “Starshield” satellites. The move raised concerns among lawmakers that the military, even its independent inspector general, would be reluctant to confront SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's influence on defense communications. Earlier, Ukrainian officials reported this month that the connection speed of the “Starlink” service created by Musk and its military version of “Starshield” was limited. A cross-party panel of senators then requested the Pentagon Inspector General to investigate the matter. These satellite networks are critical to Ukraine's wartime communications. Ukrainian officials said that these restrictions hampered Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian military high-speed attack drones.