Satellite speeds: Ukraine network returns to full capacity

Ukraine's satellite internet services have returned to standard operating speeds. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that Starlink and the Starshield military system are functioning at 250 mph. This marks a return to normalcy after a week of reduced performance.

The slowdown began in mid-October. During that period, connection speeds were capped at roughly 100 mph. The Defense Ministry stated that the lower speeds complicated drone interception efforts and disrupted logistics. The network supports front-line communications, food distribution, and the tracking of Iranian-made Shahed drones.

Zelenskyy said the restoration process started overnight on Saturday. He posted on X that operations have returned to pre-restriction levels. "The speeds are now where they need to be," he wrote. Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara confirmed that monitoring systems show stable connectivity above the 250 mph threshold.

The cause of the initial slowdown remained a point of contention between Kyiv and Washington. Ukrainian officials believed the U.S. government ordered the restrictions. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, noted on October 14 that Starshield is controlled by the U.S. government. He stated that speed limits are decided by the U.S. military and the President.

The Trump administration has denied direct interference. On Friday, President Trump declined to name who ordered the changes. "I wouldn't tell you if I did know," he said. He defended Musk, calling him a fair person who rarely makes mistakes. Zelenskyy thanked U.S. officials, including members of Congress and the State Department, for the resolution.

Khmara attributed the fix to direct dialogue between the two leaders. He emphasized the importance of the recovery for service members and drone operations. Zelenskyy's post specifically named American counterparts involved in the negotiations.

The technical fix arrives as diplomatic efforts intensify. Russia has agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the United States next month. The parties also agreed to a localized ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky. The White House credited First Lady Melania Trump with brokering that deal, which includes humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation.

Combat operations continue on the ground. On Saturday, Ukrainian forces struck a chemical plant in Tolyatti. Meanwhile, a Russian drone hit a residential building in Kyiv's Obolon District, starting a fire. The restoration of satellite speeds aims to stabilize military coordination during these ongoing exchanges.