Satellite Internet: Ukraine Reclaims High-Speed Links
Starlink and Starshield connections recovered to over 250 mph after a week of caps, according to Kyiv officials.
By John Ferrari ·
Ukrainian officials confirmed on Saturday that satellite internet speeds have returned to normal levels. The restoration affects both the commercial Starlink service and the military-focused Starshield system. These networks had operated under speed limits for more than a week.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the change on social media, stating that operations have returned to pre-restriction levels. He noted that the speeds are now sufficient for current needs. Ukraine's Defense Ministry verified the recovery through its own monitoring systems. The ministry reported that connectivity is holding stable at speeds above 250 mph.
The previous restrictions capped speeds at roughly 100 mph. The Defense Ministry said this reduction hindered drone interception efforts and disrupted other military missions. Starlink serves as a backbone for Ukrainian defense operations. The network supports drone control, logistics for food and water, and communications along the front line. Zelenskyy added that the service aids in protecting against Iranian-made Shahed drones.
Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the restoration to direct dialogue led by the president. He emphasized the importance of the fix for service members and drone operations. Zelenskyy thanked American officials, including members of Congress, the State Department, and President Trump. He previously suggested the U.S. government influenced the slowdown. Zelenskyy told NBC that SpaceX acted on a message from the American government. Elon Musk, the SpaceX CEO, wrote on October 14 that the U.S. military and the president decide limits on Starshield usage.
Washington has denied directly interfering with Ukraine's access to the network. President Trump told reporters on Friday that he would not reveal who ordered the restrictions. He described Musk as a fair person and said he knows the SpaceX CEO well. The speed restoration arrives as the U.S. pushes for new peace negotiations. Russia has agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the United States next month. The two sides also agreed to a localized ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky. The White House said First Lady Melania Trump helped broker that deal, which includes humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation.
Fighting continued elsewhere on Saturday. Ukrainian forces attacked a chemical plant in the Russian city of Tolyatti. A Russian drone struck a residential building in Kyiv's Obolon District, starting a fire.
