Fitzpatrick threatens agency funding over Ukraine satellite disruptions
U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick said he would seek to withhold funding from federal agencies if they were found responsible for restricting Ukrainian military satellite communications, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The newspaper said Ukrainian diplomat Denys Sienik had sent an urgent message to U.S. lawmakers about problems with military Starlink terminals. Fitzpatrick warned that agencies failing to fulfill their responsibilities could lose funding.
The disruptions began overnight into October 14 when terminals were moving faster than 160 km/h. Former Ukrainian defense ministry adviser Serhii Sternenko later reported connections failing at 60–70 km/h, disrupting several missions. He said ordinary terminals continued to function.
The Financial Times, citing Ukrainian officials and military personnel, reported effects on drone control, unit resupply and strikes on rear-area targets. By the evening of October 14, former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Starlink was working again at speeds up to 160 km/h and called for restrictions on its military counterpart, Starshield, to be lifted.
SpaceX chief Elon Musk said the U.S. government controlled Starshield while his company operated commercial Starlink. A U.S. official cited by Axios denied that Donald Trump's administration was responsible for the alleged restrictions.
Ukrinform and RBC-Ukraine subsequently reported, citing Ukrainian defense ministry sources, that Starshield service had been restored while terminals were moving. They said military personnel had confirmed the restoration.
