Ukraine Satellite Speeds Rebound to 250 mph After Week of Caps
Defense officials confirm the restoration of full bandwidth following a period of restrictions that limited connectivity to 100 mph.
By Carmen Wojcik ·
Ukraine reported on Saturday that satellite internet speeds have returned to full capacity after a week of operational limits.
The Defense Ministry confirmed that monitoring systems now show stable connectivity above 250 mph. This marks a return to the previous standard, as the recent restrictions had capped data transfer rates at approximately 100 mph. Officials stated that the lower speeds hindered drone interception efforts and disrupted essential military missions.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the change on the social platform X, noting that the restoration began overnight. He described the return to previous levels as the most important development of the day. Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the outcome to direct dialogue led by the president. He emphasized that the restoration is vital for front line service members, drone operations, and logistics.
Zelenskyy directed thanks to American officials, including members of Congress, the State Department, and President Donald Trump. The satellite network remains a core component of Ukraine's defense strategy against the Russian invasion. It supports drone operations, supplies food and water to troops, and maintains communications along the front line. The system also aids in protection against Iranian-made Shahed drones.
The cause of the initial slowdown created friction between Washington and Kyiv. Ukrainian officials previously told NBC that they believed the U.S. government directed the changes. They cited a message from the American government that led SpaceX to act. Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, posted on X on Oct. 14 that Starshield is owned by the U.S. government. He stated that speed limits are decided by the U.S. military and ultimately by the president.
The Trump administration has denied interfering with the service. President Trump told reporters on Friday that he would not reveal who ordered the restrictions. He defended Musk, calling him a fair person. The restoration occurs as the U.S. pushes for peace talks. Russia has agreed to a trilateral meeting next month. The two sides also agreed to a localized ceasefire in Oleshky, a move the White House credited to First Lady Melania Trump.
Combat operations continued on Saturday. Ukrainian forces attacked a chemical plant in Tolyatti, Russia. A Russian drone struck a residential building in Kyiv's Obolon District, starting a fire.
