Starlink speeds return to Ukraine after week of cuts

For soldiers on the front lines in Ukraine, the digital connection that guides drones and coordinates logistics returned to full capacity on Saturday morning. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that access to Starlink and Starshield satellite links had been restored to previous speeds, ending a period of reduced bandwidth that he said hindered operations for more than a week. The restoration improved the country's ability to defend against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones and manage military movements.

SpaceX owner Elon Musk admitted on X that his company ordered the speed limits. He stated that the civilian commercial service, Starlink, was being used for offensive drone strikes, a practice he claimed was never permitted. Musk argued that the Ukrainian military violated the terms of service by using the system for such attacks and that the loophole was closed last week. He maintained that the U.S. government controlled changes to Starshield, the military-grade version of the service that supports Ukraine's drone operations and communications.

The decision alarmed Ukrainian officials, who reported lost drones and disrupted missions during the throttled period. Zelenskyy noted that the restoration began overnight and was sufficient by Saturday. The episode added strain to relations between Kyiv and Washington, which were already tested by a reported U.S. deal on Russian diesel imports. Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara credited direct dialogue and Zelenskyy's diplomacy for the resolution, stating the outcome was vital for the military's work with drones, logistics, and communications.

President Donald Trump said he did not make the call to slow the internet but added that Musk should not be blamed. Vice-President JD Vance hinted at White House coordination with Musk, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied any administration involvement in the decision.

The restoration of satellite speeds comes as U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the war continue. Russia agreed on Wednesday to resume three-way talks with Washington and Kyiv next month. On Friday, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a localized ceasefire around Oleshky, a Russian-occupied town in the southern Kherson region, a move brokered by U.S. first lady Melania Trump.

Fighting continued on the ground while the internet issue was resolved. Local officials reported that a missile attack on Lozova in the Kharkiv region killed one man and wounded two others. Moscow-installed authorities in Crimea reported blackouts following overnight Ukrainian attacks. Ukraine's General Staff said it struck a chemical plant in Tolyatti that produces materials for rocket fuel and an electronics plant in Oryol that makes components for Russian missiles. Local officials said three people died in the Oryol attack.

Ukrainian drones also reached Russia's Omsk region, more than 2,000 kilometers from the border. Online retailer Ozon stated that a drone attacked its logistics centre in the region, reporting no casualties.