US Congress Launches Investigation Into Elon Musk's SpaceX over Russia's use of Starlink
US lawmakers claim that Russia's alleged use of Starlink terminals "poses a serious threat to Ukraine's security, the lives of Ukrainians, and the national security of the United States". Therefore, representatives of the Democratic Party in the US House of Representatives have launched an investigation into Elon Musk's SpaceX company in connection with the use of the US satellite Internet service Starlink by the Russian military, The Washington Post reports.
"House Democrats have launched an investigation into Elon Musk's SpaceX to see if the company took appropriate measures to prevent Russian troops from using the Starlink satellite internet service during the war against Ukraine," the report said.
The congressmen sent a letter to SpaceX on Wednesday evening demanding that the company report complaints about potential illegal acquisitions of Starlink terminals, including in the Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine.
The lawmakers said they were concerned about Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russian troops had deployed the company's terminals in eastern Ukraine, potentially violating US sanctions.
At the same time, the lawmakers warned SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell that Russia's alleged use of Starlink "poses a serious threat to Ukraine's security, Ukrainian lives, and the national security of the United States".
As a reminder, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has confirmed the increased use of Starlink satellite communications systems by Russian occupiers at the frontline. According to the intelligence, radio intercepts of the invaders' conversations show that Starlink terminals have been installed, for example, in units of the 83rd Air Assault Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces operating in Donetsk region near Klishchiyivka and Andriivka to establish Internet access.
Afterwards, SpaceX owner and CEO Elon Musk said he was "not aware" of any cases of Starlink terminals being sold to Russia.