Ukraine Satellite Links Back to 250 Mph After Week of Cuts

Ukraine confirmed on Saturday that its Starlink and Starshield satellite networks have returned to normal operating speeds. The restoration began overnight, ending a period of restrictions that had limited bandwidth for over a week.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the change on X, stating that the systems are now operating at the levels required for defense. He noted that the speeds are where they need to be for current operations. The Defense Ministry verified the recovery, reporting that connectivity is holding stable at speeds above 250 mph.

Previously, the networks were capped at roughly 100 mph. Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara said this reduction hampered efforts to intercept drones and disrupted critical missions. Khmara credited the restoration to direct dialogue led by Zelenskyy. He emphasized that the fix is vital for front-line service members, drone operations, logistics, and communications.

Zelenskyy used the opportunity to thank American officials, including members of Congress and the State Department, along with President Donald Trump. He acknowledged the service's role in protecting Ukraine from Iranian-made Shahed drones and managing logistics such as food and water delivery to soldiers.

The cause of the initial slowdown created friction between Washington and Kyiv. Zelenskyy told NBC's Meet the Press that Ukrainian officials believed the U.S. government was behind the restrictions. He cited a message from the American government to SpaceX. Elon Musk, the SpaceX CEO, wrote on X on October 14 that the U.S. government owns and controls Starshield. He stated that any limits on speed or usage are decided by the U.S. military and ultimately the President.

The Trump administration has denied interfering with Ukraine's access to the system. On Friday, Trump declined to name who ordered the restrictions. He told reporters, "I wouldn't tell you if I did know." He also defended Musk, calling him a fair person whom he knows very well.

The restoration occurs as the U.S. leads a push for peace talks. Russia has agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the United States next month. The sides also agreed to a localized ceasefire in the occupied southern city of Oleshky. The White House said First Lady Melania Trump brokered the deal, which includes humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation. Fighting continues elsewhere, with Ukraine attacking a chemical plant in Tolyatti and a Russian drone striking a building in Kyiv's Obolon District on Saturday.