Ukraine Reports Satellite Internet Speeds Return to 250 mph

Ukrainian authorities confirmed on Saturday that satellite internet speeds have returned to normal levels following a week of restrictions.

The Defense Ministry stated that monitoring systems recorded connectivity holding stable above 250 mph. This marks a sharp increase from the previous cap of approximately 100 mph, which officials said disrupted drone interception and other military missions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the recovery on X, noting that the change began overnight.

"The most important thing today is that Starlink and Starshield operations have been restored to the speeds we had before the restrictions," Zelenskyy wrote. "The speeds are now where they need to be." Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the return to full capacity to direct dialogue led by the president.

Khmara emphasized that the restored speeds benefit front line service members, drone operators, and logistics teams. The satellite network is a central component of Ukraine's defense infrastructure, supporting communications, supply routes for food and water, and the interception of Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Russia. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to American officials, including members of Congress, the State Department, and President Donald Trump.

The cause of the slowdown had strained relations between Washington and Kyiv. Zelenskyy told NBC's Meet the Press that Ukrainian officials believed the U.S. government ordered the restrictions, citing a message to SpaceX. On October 14, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote that the Starshield system is owned by the U.S. government and that speed limits are decided by the U.S. military and the president. The Trump administration has denied direct interference, with Trump telling reporters on Friday that he would not confirm who ordered the cuts. He also defended Musk, describing him as a fair person who does not do anything wrong.

The restoration of satellite speeds occurs as the United States pushes for renewed peace talks. Russia has agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the U.S. next month. The parties also reached an agreement on a localized ceasefire in the occupied southern city of Oleshky. The White House said First Lady Melania Trump brokered the deal, which facilitates humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation. Fighting continues in other areas, with Ukraine striking a chemical plant in Tolyatti and a Russian drone igniting a fire in a residential building in Kyiv's Obolon District on Saturday.