Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Saturday that Starlink and Starshield speeds have returned to normal, following a week of disruptions that hampered military operations. The restoration comes as tensions with the U.S. rise over the origin of the speed restrictions.
Zelenskyy stated that speeds for Starlink and Starshield were restored overnight, with the system now operating at pre-restriction levels. The Ukrainian defense ministry confirmed stable connections at over 400 kilometers per hour, critical for intercepting Russian drones and supporting frontline logistics.
The incident has raised questions about who ordered the speed caps, with U.S. officials and SpaceX’s Elon Musk both denying direct involvement. Trump administration sources suggest the restrictions were not specifically ordered, though Musk attributed the changes to U.S. military and presidential decisions.
The slowdown followed a reported deal between Trump and Moscow on Russian diesel imports, which Ukraine viewed as a betrayal. The incident has strained U.S.-Ukraine relations, with Kyiv questioning Washington’s support over intelligence sharing and potential White House interference.