Satellite Speeds in Ukraine Jump From 100 to 250 MPH

Connectivity speeds in Ukraine have climbed from roughly 100 miles per hour to more than 250 miles per hour. This marks a return to normal levels for the Starlink and Starshield satellite networks. The change took effect overnight on Saturday, ending a period of more than a week of disruptions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the news on X. He stated that operations are now at the speeds required before the restrictions began.

Ukraine's Defense Ministry verified the recovery through its monitoring systems. The ministry reported that connectivity is stable at speeds above 250 miles per hour. During the restriction period, speeds were capped at approximately 100 miles per hour. Defense officials said this lower bandwidth hampered the ability to intercept drones. It also disrupted military missions along the front line.

Starlink remains a core component of Ukraine's defense infrastructure against Russia's invasion. The network supports drone operations, logistics for food and water delivery to soldiers, and communications. Zelenskyy noted that the service also aids in protecting against Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Russian forces. Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the restoration to direct dialogue led by Zelenskyy.

Khmara emphasized the impact on the front line, service members, and communications. In his post, Zelenskyy thanked American officials, including members of Congress, the State Department, and President Trump. The cause of the slowdown created tension 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.

Elon Musk wrote on X on Oct. 14 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 the president. The Trump administration has denied interfering with Ukraine's access to Starshield. President Trump told reporters on Friday that he would not say who ordered the restrictions. He described Musk as a fair person who will never do anything wrong.

The speed restoration occurs amid 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 southern city of Oleshky. The White House said First Lady Melania Trump brokered the deal, which includes humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation. Fighting continued on Saturday, with Ukraine attacking a chemical plant in Tolyatti and a Russian drone striking a residential building in Kyiv's Obolon District.