Ukraine has restored normal operating speeds for SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system and its military-focused Starshield service after more than a week of restrictions disrupted military operations and raised concerns over Kyiv’s reliance on US-linked technology.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that both systems had returned to their pre-restriction speeds, providing relief to Ukrainian forces that depend on the services for frontline communications and drone operations.
“The main thing for today is that Starlink and Starshield have resumed operations at their pre-restriction speeds. The speeds are now at the level we need,” Zelenskyy said in a statement published on Telegram.
He said the restoration began overnight, adding that the systems were critical to frontline logistics and efforts to intercept Russian attack drones.
Ukraine’s Defence Ministry also confirmed that its monitoring systems had recorded a return to normal operating speeds, with connections remaining stable at more than 400 kilometres per hour.
The restrictions, first reported in mid-October, reportedly capped the systems’ operation at around 160 kilometres per hour, affecting the Ukrainian military’s ability to intercept fast-moving Russian drones and forcing the cancellation of some operations.
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has become a crucial communications tool for Ukrainian forces since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Its military counterpart, Starshield, also supports secure communications and military operations.
The restrictions triggered concerns in Kyiv about the country’s dependence on satellite technology controlled by a private US company, particularly as the systems have become increasingly important to Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.
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The disruption also intensified tensions between Ukraine and Washington amid disagreements over military support and efforts to negotiate an end to the war.
US President Donald Trump had said on Friday that he would resolve any continuing problems with Ukraine’s access to Starlink if the restrictions persisted.
Reuters previously reported that the order to restrict Starshield came from within the White House. However, neither the US government nor SpaceX has publicly accepted responsibility for the restrictions, with both sides indicating that the other had authority over the decision.
The restrictions came as Trump announced a deal to purchase Russian diesel and pressed Kyiv to stop attacking Russian oil refineries. Ukraine, however, has said it does not rely on Starlink and Starshield for long-range drone operations targeting refineries inside Russia.
Despite the restoration, the episode has highlighted the strategic importance of satellite communications to Ukraine’s war effort and the potential consequences of disruptions to services controlled by foreign companies.
Zelenskyy thanked US lawmakers, officials and other partners who helped address the issue, while indicating that Kyiv would continue discussions with Washington on other aspects of military cooperation.
The Ukrainian government has also continued to seek support for air defence, including supplies of interceptors needed to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
