Satellite Link: Ukraine Restores Full Starlink Speeds
Ten-day cap lifted after US government and SpaceX disputes delayed drone defenses and intelligence sharing.
By Samir Doyle ·
Ukrainian forces regained full access to Starlink satellite communications on Saturday, ending a ten-day period of reduced speeds that disrupted military operations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed in a Telegram video that the system is stable and operating at pre-restriction levels.
The temporary limits capped terminal speeds at 160km/h (99mph). This restriction prevented several combat missions and hampered the interception of Russian attack drones. Some operations targeting positions behind enemy lines were cancelled. Additionally, Russia launched ballistic missiles without prior warning from the United States.
The speed caps coincided with President Donald Trump’s announcement of a US deal to purchase Russian diesel. Trump initially stated that neither his administration nor Elon Musk was responsible for the decision. He said, 'I don't know if it was anybody, but it wasn't me, and I don't think it was Elon.'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Trump by stating the president does not run SpaceX or direct its operations. Musk responded on X, asserting that the US government owns and controls the systems. He noted that the US military and the president decide on speed limits. Vice President JD Vance supported Musk, saying the billionaire does not want to mediate a war without clear government direction.
Zelenskyy attributed the issue to a coordinated effort by the American government and SpaceX. He observed that similar limits were not applied to Starshield terminals in the European Union. He described the move as a planned operation that risked human losses. By Saturday, he announced the resolution, thanking US allies for fixing the problem.
The restoration process began overnight. By Saturday morning, speeds were sufficient for frontline logistics and defense against jet-powered Shahed drones. Trump had claimed on Thursday that full speed had returned, but a European official told the Associated Press the system was not fully functional at that time.
On Friday, Trump said he had not spoken to Musk but might need to intervene if problems persisted. He said, 'If there is a problem, I'll get it straightened out.' He also described Musk as very brilliant and very good.
