Ukraine Says Starlink Speeds Are Back to Normal

By Saturday morning, Ukrainian forces could use Starlink and Starshield at their previous speeds, after restrictions slowed the satellite links, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. He said the restoration began overnight and thanked Americans and other partners for taking the problem seriously. For a military that depends on the links for frontline logistics and drone defense, the change brings immediate relief. ^1,2

That relief follows more than a week of disruption. Starshield, SpaceX’s military version of Starlink, supports Ukrainian drone operations and communications. Commanders reported lost drones and interrupted missions after restrictions were imposed last week. Zelenskyy said Friday that speed limits were still affecting Ukraine. On Saturday, he said tests showed the service had returned to its earlier speeds, helping troops coordinate logistics and defend against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones. ^2,6

Satellite internet is a key way for Ukrainian forces to communicate and operate in areas where other connections are unreliable. The restrictions also added to tension between Kyiv and Washington, which were already at odds over other U.S. dealings with Moscow. Who ordered the limits remains unclear: President Donald Trump has said he did not make the decision, while officials have offered conflicting accounts of U.S. involvement. SpaceX chief Elon Musk has said the U.S. military decides Starshield limits, with the president having the final say. ^1,2

The restoration does not fully explain how the slowdown happened, but Ukraine’s immediate need is clearer. Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara said direct talks and Zelenskyy’s diplomacy helped bring about the outcome. Zelenskyy also urged partners to deliver air-defense interceptors that Ukraine says have already been approved. Ukraine is preparing meetings in Europe with U.S. presidential envoys and European partners. Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue next week. ^2,8