Ukraine Satellite Speeds Return to Normal
Defense officials confirmed that connectivity rates exceeded 250 mph after a week-long cap at 100 mph hindered drone operations and front-line logistics.
By Lucia Orlov ·
Ukraine confirmed on Saturday that satellite internet speeds had returned to pre-restriction levels.
The disruption began in early October when connection rates dropped from approximately 250 mph to 100 mph. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on X that the recovery process started overnight on Saturday. The Defense Ministry stated that its monitoring systems verified the return to higher speeds, noting that the previous cap impeded drone intercepts and military missions.
The slowdown created friction between Kyiv and Washington. Zelenskyy told NBC's Meet the Press that Ukrainian officials believed the U.S. government initiated the restrictions. He cited a message from the American government to SpaceX as the cause. Elon Musk supported this view on Oct. 14, writing on X that Starshield is controlled by the U.S. government and that speed limits are decided by the U.S. military and the President. The Trump administration has denied direct interference. Speaking to reporters on Friday, President Donald Trump declined to name the decision-maker, stating, "I wouldn't tell you if I did know." He also defended Musk, calling him a fair person.
Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the restoration to direct dialogue led by Zelenskyy. The minister said the result is vital for front-line service members, drone operations, and logistics. Zelenskyy thanked American officials, including members of Congress and the State Department, in his post. The satellite network supports critical defense functions, including protection against Iranian-made Shahed drones and the transport of food and water to soldiers.
The technical fix coincides with new diplomatic efforts. Russia agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the United States scheduled for next month. The two sides also agreed to a localized ceasefire in the occupied southern city of Oleshky. The White House said First Lady Melania Trump brokered the deal, which involves humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation due to a food crisis. Fighting continued in other areas on Saturday. Ukraine struck a chemical plant in the Russian city of Tolyatti, and a Russian drone hit a residential building in Kyiv's Obolon District, starting a fire.
Source: NPR
