Satellite Speeds: Ukraine Reports Full Restoration of Starlink Access

Ukraine restored its access to Starlink and Starshield satellite networks to normal speeds on Saturday, ending a disruption that lasted more than a week. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the return to full capacity on X, noting that the recovery began overnight. He stated that the service levels are now consistent with what the country had before the restrictions took effect.

The Defense Ministry verified the improvement through its monitoring systems. Officials reported that connectivity is holding stable at speeds above 250 mph. This marks a substantial increase from the capped speed of roughly 100 mph during the restriction period. The ministry indicated that the lower speeds had interfered with drone interception efforts and complicated ongoing missions.

Starlink infrastructure serves as a critical component of Ukraine’s defense strategy against Russia’s invasion. The military uses the network for drone operations, logistics, and front-line communications. These services include transporting food and water to soldiers and maintaining data links in the field. Zelenskyy emphasized that the system also supports defense against Iranian-made Shahed drones deployed by Russian forces.

Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the resolution to direct dialogue led by the president. He described the outcome as vital for service members, drone units, and logistics teams at the front. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to American officials, specifically naming members of Congress, the State Department, and President Donald Trump in his public post.

The cause of the initial slowdown created friction between Washington and Kyiv. Ukrainian officials told NBC's Meet the Press that they believed the U.S. government directed the limits. They cited a message from the American government to SpaceX as the trigger. On Oct. 14, Elon Musk posted on X that Starshield is owned by the U.S. government. He added that the U.S. military and the president make final decisions on speed and usage limits.

The Trump administration has maintained that it did not interfere with Ukraine's access. President Trump told reporters on Friday that he would not disclose who ordered the restrictions if he knew. He defended Musk, describing him as a fair person whom he knows well. The statement came as the two nations engaged in renewed diplomatic efforts.

The technical restoration occurs alongside a new push for peace negotiations. Russia has agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the United States next month. The parties also reached a localized ceasefire in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied city in the south. The White House credited First Lady Melania Trump with brokering this deal, which includes humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation amid a food crisis.

Military activity continued on the ground during the same period. Ukrainian forces struck a chemical plant in the Russian city of Tolyatti on Saturday. In Kyiv, a Russian drone hit a residential building in the Obolon District, starting a fire that required emergency response.