Ukraine Satellite Links Back to 250 Mph After Week at 100

Ukrainian internet users and frontline troops regained full bandwidth on Saturday. The Starlink and Starshield networks returned to normal speeds after more than a week of throttling. The Defense Ministry reported connectivity holding stable above 250 miles per hour.

The restriction phase had capped speeds at approximately 100 miles per hour. The ministry stated this slowdown hindered drone interception efforts and disrupted mission logistics. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the change on X, noting the restoration began overnight. He said the speeds are now where they need to be.

Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara attributed the recovery to direct dialogue by Zelenskyy. He stated the result matters for the front line, service members, and communications. Zelenskyy thanked American officials, including members of Congress and President Trump, for their role in the process.

The cause of the slowdown created friction between Washington and Kyiv. Zelenskyy told NBC's Meet the Press that Ukrainian officials believed the U.S. government ordered the caps. He said SpaceX acted on a message from the American government. Elon Musk agreed on X on Oct. 14 that the U.S. military decides limits on Starshield.

The Trump administration has denied interfering with access to the system. President Trump declined to identify who ordered the restrictions on Friday. He said he would not tell if he knew. He also defended Musk, calling him a fair person who never does anything wrong.

The speed restoration aligns 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 city of Oleshky. The White House said First Lady Melania Trump brokered the deal, which includes humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation.

Combat operations continued on Saturday despite the diplomatic movement. Ukraine attacked a chemical plant in the Russian city of Tolyatti. A Russian drone struck a residential building in Kyiv's Obolon District, starting a fire.