USAID Faulted for Oversight Gaps on Ukraine’s Starlink Terminals

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been criticized for its lack of oversight on the Starlink terminals it provided to Ukraine following Russia's invasion in 2022. According to an inspector general's report, USAID did not properly monitor whether Ukraine misused the thousands of Starlink terminals it delivered to the country. The report highlights that USAID failed to establish clear guidelines on the use of the terminals and did not have a comprehensive system in place to track their distribution and usage. This raises concerns about the accountability and appropriate utilization of the critical communication technology. The findings come as the US government continues to provide substantial aid and support to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The report underscores the need for USAID to strengthen its oversight mechanisms and ensure that the resources it provides are being used effectively and in accordance with established protocols.