Ukraine restores satellite internet speeds to 250 mph

Ukraine confirmed on Saturday that its primary satellite internet services have returned to their previous high-speed standards after more than a week of operational limits. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on the social media platform X that the restoration process began overnight. He stated that Starlink and Starshield operations are now functioning at the speeds established before the restrictions were implemented.

The Defense Ministry of Ukraine verified the technical recovery through its monitoring systems. Officials reported that connectivity is stable at speeds exceeding 250 mph. During the period of disruption, network speeds were capped at approximately 100 mph. The ministry noted that these lower speeds hindered the ability to intercept incoming drones and disrupted various military missions.

Starlink infrastructure has become a central component of Ukraine's defense strategy against Russia's invasion. The network supports drone operations, logistics for supplying food and water to troops, and communications along the front line. Zelenskyy also indicated that the service aids in protecting against Iranian-made Shahed drones utilized by Russian forces.

Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the resolution to direct dialogue initiated by the president. He described the outcome as vital for front-line service members, drone units, and logistics teams. Zelenskyy extended thanks to American officials, including members of Congress, the State Department, and President Donald Trump.

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 influenced the changes, noting that SpaceX acted on a message from American authorities. On October 14, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote on X that Starshield is owned and controlled by the U.S. government. He added that limits on speed or usage are decided by the U.S. military and ultimately by the president.

The Trump administration has denied interfering with Ukraine's access to Starshield. On Friday, President Trump declined to identify who ordered the restrictions, telling reporters he would not reveal the information if he knew it. He also defended Musk, describing him as a fair person who never does anything wrong.

The restoration occurs as the United States pushes for renewed peace negotiations. Russia has agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the U.S. next month. The two sides also reached an agreement for a localized ceasefire in the occupied southern city of Oleshky. The White House stated that First Lady Melania Trump brokered the deal, which includes humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation amid a growing food crisis. Fighting continued in other areas on Saturday, including a Ukrainian attack on a chemical plant in Tolyatti and a Russian drone strike in Kyiv's Obolon District.