Ukraine confirms full restoration of Starlink speeds after two-week restriction

Ukraine's defense ministry stated on Saturday that the satellite network operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX has returned to full operational capacity, ending a two-week period of reduced performance. The ministry's statement confirmed that monitoring systems are now detecting a restoration of Starlink and Starshield speeds, recording data transfer rates exceeding 400 kilometers per hour with stable connectivity.

The restrictions, which lasted for two weeks, limited the Ukrainian military's ability to use drones to intercept Russian attack drones and to dispatch its own drones to supply soldiers on the front lines. The Ukrainian military relies on SpaceX's Starlink satellite communications system to control and operate its reconnaissance and intercept drones. When the system does not operate at full capacity, Ukraine's ability to gather intelligence, deploy interceptor drones, and conduct long-range strikes against Russia is impeded. Ukraine utilizes two distinct satellite systems for its operations: Starlink, managed by SpaceX, serves communications, ground forces, logistics, and defensive drone functions, while Starshield is controlled by the U.S. government and used for offensive military purposes.

The imposition of these speed limits became the center of a recent crisis between the Trump administration and the Ukrainian government. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky viewed the restrictions as retaliation by President Donald Trump and Musk for his refusal to halt strikes against Russian oil refineries. This dispute generated bipartisan criticism and pressure, creating a blame game between the White House and Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX.

President Trump denied that the White House was involved in restricting the system. For several days, he claimed the system was fully operational. On Friday, Trump denied reports that he had spoken to Musk but stated that if the system remained restricted, he would speak with Musk about the issue. The Ukrainian ministry of defense attributed the lifting of the restrictions to "direct dialogue" and a "firm stance at the highest level" by Zelensky.