Ukraine says Starshield satellite internet restored at speeds exceeding 400 km/h
Ukraine's Defense Ministry says Starshield satellite internet terminals have resumed operating on platforms traveling faster than 400 kilometers per hour, restoring a capability crucial to Ukrainian military operations after restrictions imposed earlier this month.
Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara told journalists on Oct. 24 that monitoring systems had recorded stable connectivity at speeds exceeding 400 km/h.
"This is another example of how direct dialogue and the Ukrainian president's persistent position at the highest level produce results," Khmara said.
He added that the restoration was particularly important for frontline troops, drone operations, logistics and military communications.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed the restoration, saying the terminals had begun regaining functionality overnight and were operating at sufficient speeds by Saturday morning.
Zelenskyy thanked U.S. President Donald Trump, members of Congress, the State Department and others who had helped resolve the issue.
Restrictions imposed without warning
On Oct. 14, SpaceX restricted the operation of Starshield, the military version of its Starlink satellite communications service used by Ukraine, limiting connectivity on fast-moving platforms.
Ukraine's Defense Ministry said the restrictions had been introduced without prior warning.
The White House denied involvement, attributing the disruption to a technical malfunction. SpaceX owner Elon Musk subsequently said Starshield was owned and controlled by the U.S. government.
Partial restoration began on Oct. 15, but Ukrainian officials continued monitoring the service and seeking clarification from partners.
The Wall Street Journal later reported that Musk had ordered the restrictions amid disagreements over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. The newspaper also reported that Trump had contacted Musk and asked him to lift the restrictions.
The latest restoration allows Ukrainian forces to maintain satellite connectivity on high-speed moving platforms, including those used in drone operations.