Ukraine Reports Full Speed Restoration for Starlink and Starshield
Satellite internet speeds in Ukraine have returned to 250 mph after a week-long cap at 100 mph, according to the Defense Ministry and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
By Ken Adams ·
Ukraine's satellite internet networks are running at full capacity again after a week of reduced speeds.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that Starlink and the military's Starshield system have returned to pre-restriction speeds. He stated that the recovery began overnight. The Defense Ministry confirmed the data, reporting that connectivity is now stable above 250 mph. Previously, speeds were limited to approximately 100 mph.
Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara said the speed cap hindered drone interception and mission logistics. The ministry noted that the restoration helps protect the front line. Zelenskyy credited direct dialogue for the fix. He thanked American officials, including members of Congress and President Donald Trump, in a social media post.
The cause of the slowdown created friction between Kyiv and Washington. Zelenskyy told NBC that Ukrainian officials believed the U.S. government ordered the limits. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said on X that Starshield is owned by the U.S. government. He noted that speed limits are decided by the U.S. military and the president.
President Trump denied interfering with Ukraine's access to the service. Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said he would not reveal if he knew who ordered the cuts. He also defended Musk, calling him a fair person. The White House has maintained that the administration did not interfere with access.
Starlink has been a key tool in Ukraine's defense against Russia. The country uses it for drone operations, logistics, and front-line communications. Zelenskyy said the service also helps defend against Iranian-made Shahed drones. The network supports the movement of food and water to soldiers.
The restoration occurs as the U.S. pushes for peace talks. Russia agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the U.S. next month. The sides also agreed to a localized ceasefire in the southern city of Oleshky. The White House said First Lady Melania Trump brokered that deal. It includes humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation. Fighting continued on Saturday, with Ukraine attacking a chemical plant in Tolyatti and a Russian drone striking a building in Kyiv's Obolon District.
The speed increase marks the end of a week-long disruption that affected military and civilian communications across the country.
Source: NPR
