Satellite Speeds Return to Normal

250 megabits per second. That is the current connectivity threshold reported by Ukraine's Defense Ministry, signaling a full return to standard operational capacity for the Starlink and Starshield networks. The restoration marks the end of a disruption that lasted more than a week and had severely limited data transfer rates to approximately 100 megabits per second.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the change in a post on X, noting that the upgrade began overnight. He emphasized that the system is now functioning at the levels required for military effectiveness. The ministry stated that its monitoring tools verified the stability of the connection, confirming that the previous caps, which hindered drone interception and mission planning, are no longer in effect.

The satellite infrastructure is vital for Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion. It supports critical logistics, including the delivery of food and water to troops, and maintains communication channels along the front lines. Zelenskyy also highlighted the system's role in countering Iranian-made Shahed drones. Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the resolution to direct diplomatic efforts by the president, stressing the importance of the fix for service members and drone operations.

The origin of the slowdown had become a source of friction between Washington and Kyiv. Ukrainian officials previously suggested that the United States government had directed the restrictions. On October 14, Elon Musk wrote on social media that Starshield is controlled by the U.S. government, with speed limits determined by the military and the president. Zelenskyy later expressed gratitude to American officials, including members of Congress and the State Department, for their role in the resolution.

The Trump administration has not admitted to interfering with the service. President Trump told reporters on Friday that he would not reveal who ordered the changes, even if he knew. He also defended Musk, describing him as a fair person. This technical resolution occurs as the U.S. pushes for new peace negotiations. Russia has agreed to a trilateral meeting with Kyiv and Washington next month.

In a related development, the two sides agreed to a localized ceasefire in Oleshky, a southern city under Russian occupation. The White House credited First Lady Melania Trump with brokering the deal, which facilitates humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation. Despite these diplomatic steps, combat continues in other areas. On Saturday, Ukrainian forces targeted a chemical plant in Tolyatti, while a Russian drone hit a residential building in Kyiv's Obolon District, starting a fire.