Rep. Turner Calls for Probe Into Ukraine Starlink Outages

U.S. Representative Calls for Investigation Into Starlink Disruptions in Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the CBS News program Face the Nation on Thursday, U.S. Representative Mike Turner of Pennsylvania urged Congress to investigate recent interruptions in Ukraine’s use of the Starlink satellite‑internet service, saying the outages could endanger lives as Ukrainian forces confront Russian attacks.

Turner, a Republican representing Pennsylvania’s 14th congressional district, highlighted the critical role Starlink plays in the country’s war effort. “The lack of reliable internet can have deadly consequences for Ukrainian troops on the front lines,” he said. “We need to understand why these disruptions are happening and how we can prevent them.”

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has become a lifeline for Ukraine’s military and civilian infrastructure since the conflict began in February 2022. The satellite‑based network supplies real‑time communications, navigation, and intelligence data, helping soldiers coordinate defenses and civilians stay connected.

While the source of the outages remains unclear, concerns have mounted that they could stem from Russian interference, equipment damage, or other technical failures. “If these interruptions continue, they could put lives at risk,” Turner added.

The Representative called on lawmakers to examine the situation, suggesting that federal agencies coordinate with the U.S. military and SpaceX to ensure continuous service. He also urged the administration to explore ways to harden the network against future disruptions.

In response to the call, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense said the Pentagon is monitoring the situation and working with allies to maintain communications. “We remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s cyber‑defense capabilities,” the spokesperson said. “We are in contact with SpaceX to address any technical issues that arise.”

Turner’s remarks come amid ongoing pressure from U.S. officials to bolster aid to Ukraine, including satellite and cyber‑security support. The Representative added that a Congressional review could help clarify the nature of the disruptions and guide future assistance.

As Ukraine continues to face heavy aerial and artillery assaults from Russia, reliable communication remains a strategic priority for both military operations and civilian resilience. Turner’s call for investigation underscores the importance of ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services amid an ongoing conflict.