Ukraine Confirms Starlink Speeds Return to 160km/h After Ten-Day Halt

Ukrainian military units regained full access to satellite communications on Saturday, ending a ten-day period of restricted speeds. The government announced that Starlink connections are now stable, restoring the data capacity required for frontline logistics and air defense operations.

The restriction capped terminal speeds at 160km/h, a limit that officials said caused several combat missions to fail earlier this month. The slower connection impeded the military’s ability to intercept Russian attack drones and forced the cancellation of strikes on targets behind enemy lines. Additionally, the limits meant Russia was able to fire ballistic missiles at Ukraine without prior warning from US intelligence systems.

The halt in service coincided with President Donald Trump’s announcement of a US deal to purchase Russian diesel. Trump initially denied his administration was responsible for the cut in intelligence sharing. "I don't know if it was anybody, but it wasn't me, and I don't think it was Elon," Trump said, referring to SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the president, stating that the White House does not run the company and cannot direct its decisions.

Musk pushed back, writing on X that the systems are "owned and controlled by the US government." He argued that any limits on speed or usage are determined by the US military and ultimately the president. Vice-President JD Vance supported Musk, noting that the billionaire did not want to intervene in a war between two state actors without explicit government direction.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attributed the issue to both parties. "It was a message from [the] American government to limit the speed," he said, "and technically, SpaceX did it." Zelenskyy pointed out that Starshield terminals in EU countries faced no similar restrictions, calling the decision a "planned operation" that risked human losses.

The situation remained uncertain earlier in the week. Trump claimed on Thursday that service was back at full speed, but a European official told the Associated Press the system was not fully functioning. When asked if he would instruct Musk to stop "messing around" with Ukraine’s access, Trump said he had not spoken to the billionaire but might have to. "If there is a problem, I'll get it straightened out," he said, describing Musk as "very brilliant" and "very good."

Zelenskyy confirmed the resolution in a video address on Telegram, thanking US allies for resolving the issue. He stated that Starlink and Starshield had resumed operating at pre-restriction speeds. The restoration began overnight, and by Saturday morning, speeds were sufficient for operational use, particularly for defending against jet-powered Shahed drones.