Ukraine Satellite Links Hit 250 Mbps

Ukraine confirmed on Saturday that the Starlink satellite network and the military Starshield system have returned to normal high speeds. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the change began overnight, ending a period of reduced connectivity.

The Defense Ministry stated that monitoring systems now record connectivity holding stable above 250 megabits per second. This marks a return to the speeds recorded before the restrictions took effect. During the disruption, speeds were capped at roughly 100 megabits per second.

Ministry officials reported that the lower bandwidth hampered efforts to intercept drones and disrupted active missions. The network supports drone operations, logistics for food and water, and front-line communications. Zelenskyy noted the service also aids in protecting Ukraine from Iranian-made Shahed drones.

Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the resolution to direct dialogue led by Zelenskyy. He described the result as vital for front-line service members, drone operations, logistics, and communications. Zelenskyy publicly thanked American officials, citing members of Congress, the State Department, and President Donald Trump.

The cause of the slowdown remained a point of tension between Washington and Kyiv. Zelenskyy told NBC's Meet the Press that Ukrainian officials believed the U.S. government ordered the limits. He said SpaceX acted on a message from the American government.

Elon Musk stated on X on Oct. 14 that Starshield is owned and controlled by the U.S. government. He added that speed and usage limits are decided by the U.S. military and ultimately the President. The Trump administration denied interfering with access. Trump told reporters on Friday he would not say who ordered the restrictions, describing Musk as a fair person.

The restoration coincides with a renewed push for peace talks. Russia agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the United States next month. The sides also agreed to a localized ceasefire in the occupied southern city of Oleshky, a deal the White House credited to First Lady Melania Trump. Fighting continued elsewhere as Ukraine attacked a chemical plant in Tolyatti and a Russian drone struck a building in Kyiv's Obolon District.