Senators demand probe into Ukraine satellite disruptions

A bipartisan group of senators demanded an investigation into disruptions to satellite communications and intelligence-sharing systems in Ukraine, warning the outages undermined defenses against Russian attacks and endangered U.S. personnel. The lawmakers, led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, asked the Pentagon’s inspector general to determine responsibility. The senators specifically questioned whether the Trump administration or contractors, including SpaceX, caused temporary restrictions on Ukraine’s use of the Pentagon-funded Starshield satellite program, which helps detect missiles and drones. Ukrainian officials reported losing critical access without warning, disrupting air defenses and leaving U.S. personnel with insufficient time to reach bunkers during Russian raids. The letter, signed by nine senators, seeks records and an initial briefing by Nov. 1, asking whether Pentagon officials authorized changes or if SpaceX violated contractual obligations. Officials said there was no evidence of deliberate information withholding, but the combination of unreliable warnings and restricted communications created a dangerous environment.