Ukraine Satellite Links Hit 250 Mph After Week of Cuts

Ukraine’s satellite internet network returned to 250 mph on Saturday, ending a weeklong period where speeds were capped at roughly 100 mph. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the restoration on X, stating that the service resumed its previous performance overnight. "The speeds are now where they need to be," he wrote.

The Defense Ministry confirmed the recovery through monitoring systems. Officials reported that connectivity held stable at speeds above 250 mph. The previous restrictions had hindered military operations, specifically the interception of drones and the coordination of front line missions. Starlink and Starshield support critical tasks including logistics, food delivery to troops, and protection against Iranian-made Shahed drones.

The slowdown caused friction between Washington and Kyiv. Zelenskyy told NBC’s Meet the Press that Ukrainian officials believed the U.S. government ordered the cuts. He noted that SpaceX acted on a message from American authorities. On October 14, Elon Musk wrote on X that Starshield is controlled by the U.S. government. He stated that speed limits are decided by the U.S. military and President Donald Trump.

The Trump administration has denied interference. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump refused to identify who ordered the restrictions. "I wouldn’t tell you if I did know," he said. He also defended Musk, calling him a fair person who never does anything wrong. Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the resolution to direct dialogue led by Zelenskyy. He described the result as vital for front line service members and drone operations.

Zelenskyy thanked members of Congress, the State Department, and President Trump for their roles in the process. The restoration occurs as U.S. led peace efforts accelerate. Russia has agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the United States next month. The two sides also agreed to a localized ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky.

The White House said First Lady Melania Trump brokered the Oleshky deal. It includes humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation plans amid a food crisis in the city. Fighting continued elsewhere on Saturday. Ukraine attacked a chemical plant in Tolyatti, Russia. A Russian drone struck a residential building in Kyiv’s Obolon District, starting a fire.