Ukraine: Starlink satellite speeds restored to normal
Ukrainian authorities confirmed Saturday that Starlink and Starshield satellite systems are fully functional with speeds returning to normal after over a week of restrictions.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that speeds for both Starlink and Starshield satellite systems started returning to normal overnight. The Ukrainian defense ministry verified on Saturday that the connection remained stable at over 400 kilometers per hour (kph).
Speed Restrictions Lifted
The main thing for today is that Starlink and Starshield have resumed operations at their pre-restriction speeds. The speeds are now at the level we need, Zelenskyy stated on Telegram.
This is crucial. This really matters: for our frontline logistics, for defending Ukraine against jet-powered 'Shaheds.'
Previous Disruptions
The announcement follows over a week of Starlink and Starshield restrictions that disrupted military operations in Ukraine and sparked tensions with the US. Ukrainian officials reported that capped speeds of 160 kph had hampered their ability to intercept Russian attack drones and forced the cancellation of some operations.
Cause Remains Unclear
The Wall Street Journal reported that US officials believed SpaceX owner Elon Musk acted unilaterally in capping the speeds. However, Musk claimed that "any limits to speed or usage" of Starshield were "decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS." Both Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied that the Pentagon directed any changes.
The Starlink slowdown occurred as relations between the US and Ukraine have become strained following Trump's reported deal with Moscow on Russian diesel imports, which Ukraine viewed as a betrayal. Kyiv has begun questioning Washington's support over intelligence sharing.
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