Ukrainian Military Regains High-Speed Satellite Links After Week of Limits

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared on Saturday that Ukraine’s access to high-speed satellite internet has been fully restored, ending a week of disruptions that slowed military communications. The recovery marks the end of a period where connection speeds were capped at roughly 100 mph, a limit the Defense Ministry said hindered drone interception and logistics.

Zelenskyy posted on X that the restoration began overnight, confirming that Starlink and the military Starshield system are now operating at pre-restriction levels. He stated, "The speeds are now where they need to be." The Defense Ministry verified the return to normal service, reporting that connectivity is holding stable at speeds above 250 mph.

The slowdown created friction between Kyiv and Washington. During an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian officials believed the U.S. government was behind the restrictions. He claimed SpaceX acted on a "message from [the] American government." This assessment was supported by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who wrote on Oct. 14 that Starshield is owned and controlled by the U.S. government and that speed limits are decided by the U.S. military and President Trump.

Despite the evidence, the Trump administration has denied interfering with Ukraine’s access. Speaking to reporters on Friday, President Trump declined to specify who ordered the restrictions. He said, "I wouldn’t tell you if I did know." Trump also defended Musk, describing him as a "fair person" who "will never do anything wrong."

Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the resolution to "direct dialogue" led by Zelenskyy. He emphasized that the restored speeds are vital for front-line service members, drone operations, and logistics. Zelenskyy thanked members of Congress, the State Department, and President Trump for their role in the restoration.

The return to full speed coincides with a renewed push for peace talks. Russia has agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the United States next month. Additionally, the White House announced a localized ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky, a deal brokered by First Lady Melania Trump that includes humanitarian aid. Fighting continues elsewhere, including a Ukrainian attack on a chemical plant in Tolyatti and a Russian drone strike in Kyiv’s Obolon District on Saturday.

The satellite network remains central to Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s full-scale invasion. The country relies on it for drone operations, moving food and water to soldiers, and maintaining communications along the front line. Zelenskyy noted that the service also helps protect Ukraine from Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Russian forces.