Ukraine awaits US answers on Starlink restrictions as lawmakers demand probe

Ukraine has not received answers from the Pentagon or SpaceX regarding restrictions on its military satellite communications, Kyiv's top diplomat in Washington said on October 21, as bipartisan pressure for a congressional investigation grows. The restrictions have not been lifted, according to Denys Sienik. The dispute over Starlink and Starshield systems has raised questions about who authorized the limits and their impact on Ukraine's defenses. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied US government involvement, but a congressional delegation reported the restrictions impaired Ukrainian air defenses and endangered American personnel during a recent Kyiv visit. Russia launched fresh overnight attacks on Kyiv on October 21, injuring at least 15 people. Lawmakers from both parties have called for investigations, with some urging President Trump to press Musk to allow Ukraine to use Starlink to target Russian missile-launch sites inside Russia.