Ukraine Says Starlink and Starshield Speeds Restored After Military Disruptions
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence announced on October 24, 2026, that operations on the Starlink and Starshield satellite networks had returned to normal speeds following disruptions that hampered military communications and drone operations.
Speed Restorations Recorded on Ukrainian Monitoring Systems
Ukrainian military monitoring systems registered speeds exceeding 400 kilometres per hour on frontline terminals. When limitations were in place, Ukraine experienced problems trying to operate at speeds over 160 kilometres per hour. Connectivity remained stable as of Saturday, according to official statements from Kyiv.
The speed restrictions hindered the military’s ability to intercept Russian attack drones. Several combat missions and operations to strike behind enemy frontlines had to be cancelled during the disruption. Russia was able to launch ballistic missiles at Ukraine without any advance warning from the US.
⚡️⚡️ Enemy command post, UAV launch site and depots struckUnfortunately, cases of Starlink/StarShield connectivity loss at certain speeds are still being recorded. Nevertheless, Ukrainian forces continue to strike the enemy.On 22 October and overnight into 23 October, units… pic.twitter.com/wyKgGeI3Oc
Washington and SpaceX Deny Responsibility for Throttling
Responsibility for the speed restrictions remained contested among officials in Washington and at SpaceX. US President Donald Trump denied involvement, stating that the administration was not behind decisions to cut intelligence sharing or limit the satellite systems. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the president by pointing out that SpaceX operates as a private company not directed by the White House. Elon Musk countered those assertions on X by writing that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. JD Vance supported Musk, stating that the billionaire did not want to intervene in a war between state actors without direct US government direction. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy maintained that the limitations were a planned operation originating from the American government, noting that SpaceX executed the technical restrictions.
Diplomats Prepare for Talks as Regional Attacks Continue
The resolution of the satellite speeds coincides with preparations for upcoming diplomatic negotiations. Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are expected to meet in Abu Dhabi in the first half of November. Meanwhile, deadly attacks continued across the region. A Russian missile strike in the Kharkiv region killed a man and wounded others, while drone strikes in the Dnipropetrovsk region killed three people.
More on Ukraine
The most important thing today is that Starlink and Starshield operations have been restored to the speeds we had before the restrictions. The speeds are now where they need to be. The restoration began overnight, and by this morning, speeds were already sufficient. This matters:… pic.twitter.com/qxBtluSD3G
The speed limits on Starlink and Starshield are still there. The speed has not been restored. And the delivery of interceptors to protect us against Russian ballistic missiles is still delayed. We’re waiting for interceptors that were already agreed on. But they are still not… pic.twitter.com/LeP1kBkpYw