Ukraine Confirms Satellite Speeds Return to 250 mph

Ukraine's satellite internet speeds have returned to 250 mph, ending a week of restrictions that capped connectivity at roughly 100 mph.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the restoration on Saturday, stating that the return began overnight. He posted on X that Starlink and the military Starshield system are now operating at pre restriction levels. Zelenskyy said the speeds are now where they need to be.

The Defense Ministry confirmed the recovery through its monitoring systems. Officials noted that the previous speed limits hampered efforts to intercept drones and disrupted mission planning. The network supports drone operations, logistics for food and water, and communications along the front line. Zelenskyy added that the service helps protect Ukraine from Iranian made Shahed drones used by Russia.

Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara credited the fix to direct dialogue by Zelenskyy. He said the result matters for the front line, service members, and drone operations. Zelenskyy thanked American members of Congress, the State Department, and President Trump in his post.

The cause of the slowdown strained relations between Washington and Kyiv. Zelenskyy told NBC that Ukrainian officials believed the U.S. government was behind the restrictions. He said SpaceX acted on a message from the American government. On Oct. 14, Elon Musk wrote on X that Starshield is owned and controlled by the U.S. government. He stated that 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 Starshield. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump declined to name who ordered the restrictions. He said he would not tell reporters if he knew. Trump defended Musk, calling him a fair person who will never do anything wrong.

The restoration occurs as the U.S. leads a renewed push for peace talks. 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 Russian occupied southern city of Oleshky. The White House said First Lady Melania Trump brokered the deal, which includes humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation amid a growing food crisis. Fighting continues elsewhere, with Ukraine attacking a chemical plant in Tolyatti and a Russian drone striking a residential building in Kyiv's Obolon District on Saturday.