Ukraine Satellite Network Returns to Full Speeds After Weeklong Disruption

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that Ukraine's Starlink satellite internet service and the Starshield military system have returned to their pre-disruption operating speeds. The restoration began overnight, ending a period of reduced bandwidth that lasted more than a week.

Zelenskyy stated on social media that the system now functions at the levels required for effective operations. "The speeds are now where they need to be," he wrote. Ukraine's Defense Ministry confirmed the recovery through its monitoring systems, reporting that connectivity is stable at speeds above 250 mph. Prior to the restoration, the network operated at a capped speed of roughly 100 mph, a limitation the ministry said hindered drone interception and mission planning.

Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the resolution to direct communication between Zelenskyy and U.S. officials. He noted that the return to full speed is vital for front-line communications, logistics, and drone operations. Zelenskyy thanked members of the U.S. Congress, the State Department, and President Donald Trump for their involvement in the process.

The cause of the slowdown had created friction between Kyiv and Washington. Ukrainian officials previously told NBC that they believed the U.S. government ordered the restrictions, noting that SpaceX acted on a message from American authorities. On October 14, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote that Starshield is controlled by the U.S. government and that speed limits are decided by the U.S. military and the president.

The Trump administration has denied directly interfering with Ukraine's access to the service. Speaking to reporters on Friday, President Trump declined to identify who ordered the restrictions. "I wouldn't tell you if I did know," he said. He also defended Musk, describing him as a fair person who would not make mistakes.

The technical restoration occurs as diplomatic efforts accelerate. The White House announced that a trilateral meeting between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia is scheduled for next month. Additionally, the three parties agreed to a localized ceasefire in the southern city of Oleshky, a deal brokered by First Lady Melania Trump that includes provisions for humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation.

Combat operations continue alongside the diplomatic track. On Saturday, Ukrainian forces attacked a chemical plant in the Russian city of Tolyatti. In Kyiv, a Russian drone struck a residential building in the Obolon District, starting a fire in the structure.