Warren Calls for DoD Investigation into Alleged Russian Use of Starlink Terminals in Ukraine
Senator Elizabeth Warren is urging the Department of Defense to look into claims that Russian forces have acquired and are utilizing the Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine.
The Starlink service was initially deployed in Ukraine by billionaire entrepreneur and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in the spring of 2022 to aid the Ukrainian government and military in their fight against Russian invasion forces. However, reports have surfaced indicating that Russian troops have gained access to Starlink internet service terminals.
Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) first raised concerns about Russian forces using Starlink on Feb. 11. Ukrainian intelligence intercepted radio transmissions in which Russian soldiers discussed obtaining terminals for the satellite internet service from third-party dealers in Arab countries like the United Arab Emirates.
Despite Musk’s denial of the allegations, House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin and Rep. Robert Garcia sent a letter to SpaceX’s COO, Gwynne Shotwell, urging a more direct response to the claims surrounding Starlink.
Warren has now escalated the scrutiny, requesting Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to instruct the DoD to investigate the matter. Citing a report by the Wall Street Journal, Warren highlighted a “shadowy supply chain” of Starlink equipment moving through Africa, Southeast Asia, and the UAE. The report alleges that Starlink terminals have reached not only Russian troops in Ukraine but also a rebel faction in Sudan accused of war crimes.
Warren emphasized the need for DoD contractors to be held accountable for any misuse of their technology by hostile entities. She pointed out the current $23 million contract between DoD and SpaceX for Starlink services in Ukraine.
The senator also criticized the DoD for its approach to addressing claims of Starlink misuse and highlighted remarks made by U.S. Assistant Secretary for Space Policy John Plumb, suggesting a lack of action in reining in the national security threat posed by Starlink sales on the black market.
Warren called on Austin to disclose the number of sanctions violation allegations investigated involving Starlink and identify tools available to restrict Starlink’s use in sensitive areas. She also asked if SpaceX had deactivated any terminals being misused in Ukraine. The senator requested a response from DoD by June 5.
NTD News reached out to SpaceX for comment on Warren’s letter but did not receive a response.
This is not the first time Warren has focused on Musk and SpaceX. In the past, she called for a probe into allegations that Musk prevented a Ukrainian attack on Crimea by blocking Starlink services in the area. Warren has also raised concerns about Musk’s acquisition of Twitter and his involvement in various geopolitical issues. Warren expressed worries about the billionaire’s purchase of Twitter, stating that it may divert his attention from his responsibilities as a leader and fiduciary to Tesla and its shareholders.
