Ukraine Reports Starlink and Starshield Speeds Back to 250 mph
Ukrainian officials confirmed satellite connectivity returned to pre-restriction levels on Saturday, ending a week of throttled speeds that hampered drone intercepts and logistics.
By Thomas Obasi ·
Ukraine confirmed on Saturday that Starlink and Starshield satellite networks have returned to normal high speeds, ending a period of reduced connectivity. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the restoration began overnight, stating that the systems are now operating at the levels required for military operations.
The Defense Ministry verified the recovery through its monitoring systems. Connectivity is holding stable at speeds above 250 mph, a sharp increase from the roughly 100 mph cap imposed during the previous week. Officials said the lower speeds hindered drone interception efforts and disrupted essential missions along the front line.
The disruption created friction between Kyiv and Washington. Zelenskyy told NBC's Meet the Press that Ukrainian officials believed the U.S. government was responsible for the restrictions. He noted that SpaceX acted on a message from the American government. On Oct. 14, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote on X that Starshield is owned by the U.S. government, with speed limits decided by the U.S. military and the president.
The Trump administration has denied interfering with Ukraine's access to the network. Speaking to reporters on Friday, President Donald Trump declined to name who ordered the restrictions. He stated, "I wouldn't tell you if I did know." Trump also defended Musk, describing him as a fair person who rarely makes mistakes.
Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara credited the resolution to direct dialogue between Zelenskyy and American counterparts. He emphasized that the restoration is vital for front-line service members, drone operations, and logistics. Zelenskyy publicly thanked American members of Congress, the State Department, and the president for their role in resolving the issue.
The technical fix arrives as diplomatic efforts intensify. The United States is leading a renewed push for peace talks, with Russia agreeing to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the U.S. next month. The two sides also agreed to a localized ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky, a deal brokered by First Lady Melania Trump that includes humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation.
Combat operations continue in other regions. On Saturday, Ukrainian forces attacked a chemical plant in the Russian city of Tolyatti. In Kyiv, a Russian drone struck a residential building in the Obolon District, starting a fire.
