A group of 23 US lawmakers has sent an official letter to US President Donald Trump, urging him to influence SpaceX founder Elon Musk. The authors of the initiative demand that full access for Ukraine to the Starlink satellite internet systems and their military modification, Starshield, be restored and expanded to conduct operations against Russian missile launchers.
A Bipartisan Appeal to the White House
The appeal to the American leader was signed by 16 members of the Democratic Party and 7 Republicans, including prominent supporters of Ukrainian aid such as Joe Wilson and Brian Fitzpatrick. The parliamentarians emphasize that restricting the operation of terminals at critical moments hinders Ukrainian air protection and strategic offensive operations. In their opinion, intervention by the White House could change the situation on the battlefield with a single phone call.
The Logic of Striking Launchers
In the text of the letter, the lawmakers detail the military feasibility of using satellite communications for preventive measures. They note that if the Ukrainian army lacks the ability to reliably intercept Russian missiles in the air, it must be provided with the means to destroy launch sites on enemy territory. As the authors write, this will not only save civilian lives but also create additional incentives for Moscow to begin the negotiation process.
Lawmakers' Reactions and European Union Demands
Previously, Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick stated that any intentional restrictions on Starlink's operation by the company's management could be considered a violation of the law. Concurrently with the pressure from American politicians, the European Commission intervened, officially calling on the SpaceX management to return high-speed communications to Ukraine in full.
Significance of the Situation and Future Prospects
The issue of the functioning of satellite infrastructure above the combat zone has reached the level of interstate and technological diplomacy. The effectiveness of the Ukrainian defense forces, the overall balance of power in the ongoing conflict, and the legal framework for using commercial technologies for military purposes now depend on the stance of the American administration and SpaceX.
