Democrats in the US House of Representatives have launched an investigation into Elon Musk's SpaceX to find out whether the company took adequate steps to prevent Russia from using the Starlink satellite internet service in its war against Ukraine. It is reported The Washington Post.
Representatives Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia sent a letter demanding that the company report complaints about possible illegal acquisitions of Starlink terminals, particularly in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine. Lawmakers said they were alarmed by Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russian forces had placed the company's terminals in eastern Ukraine, which could violate US sanctions.
Lawmakers warned SpaceX President Gwynn Shotwell that Russia's alleged use of Starlink "poses a serious threat to the security of Ukraine, the lives of Ukrainians, and the national security of the United States."
"We are concerned that you may not have adequate safeguards and policies in place," Ruskin and Garcia wrote.
The audit highlights how vital the Starlink service has been to Ukraine's military operations, providing the backbone of digital communications on the battlefield since Russia invaded the country two years ago.
SpaceX delivered Starlink terminals to Ukraine at the request of Ukrainian government officials within hours of the Russian attack. The Ministry of Defense has purchased 400 to 500 new terminals for Ukraine in June 2023, the letter says.
Lawmakers fear that Starlink could now give Russia a similar advantage, after Ukrainian intelligence officials said in February that Russian forces were increasingly using Starlink satellite communications systems.
WP notes that lawmakers are just beginning their investigation, but plan to contact the Pentagon and other relevant agencies.
"It remains critical that Russia be deprived of any trade that enhances the capabilities of its military," - they write
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