Ukraine Confirms Full Restoration of Starlink Network Speeds

Ukraine has confirmed that its access to the Starlink satellite internet network is stable and fully operational once again. This development resolves a period of restricted connectivity that forced the country's military to adapt to reduced speeds over the past several days. The announcement marks a significant step in restoring the digital infrastructure that underpins modern warfare in the region.

Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara made the official statement on Saturday, noting that the network now supports speeds exceeding 400km/h. This figure serves as a technical benchmark for full capability restoration. Previously, during the period of restriction, drones reportedly lost their signal when traveling at speeds of 161km/h or higher. The return to higher speeds ensures that high-velocity assets can maintain their link without interruption.

The military relies heavily on both the civilian Starlink service and the more secure Starshield system to pilot drones and manage operations across the battlefield. These systems are particularly vital in remote areas where traditional ground-based internet is unavailable. The network of 10,000 low Earth orbit satellites forms the backbone of these communications. Khmara emphasized that the restored stability is critical for the front lines, logistics, and overall communication efficiency.

The recent disruption occurred against the backdrop of a diplomatic disagreement between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Last week, Ukrainian officials suggested that Trump had instructed Elon Musk, the owner of Starlink, to impose these limits. Trump initially denied giving such an order but later acknowledged that Musk had resolved the issue. The dispute coincided with broader tensions over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure.

The underlying conflict involves the economic impact of the war. Trump argues that attacks on Russian refineries have driven up global fuel prices, a concern given the upcoming midterm elections. In response, the US waived certain sanctions on Russia and agreed to import Russian diesel. Kyiv maintains that these strikes are essential for reducing Moscow's war revenue, despite the global market fluctuations. The disagreement also touched on intelligence sharing, with Zelensky claiming the US threatened to pull back if strikes continued, a point Trump also denied.

The technical limitations of the satellite network remain a factor in long-range operations. Russia is not authorized to use Starlink, meaning the network does not function when Ukrainian missiles or drones travel deep into Russian territory to target facilities such as oil refineries. This gap in coverage requires the military to switch to other communication methods for deep strikes, highlighting the strategic importance of the restored domestic connectivity.

Fighting continued on the ground during the same period. The Russian defence ministry reported on Saturday that air defenses shot down 616 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones. These attacks affected several regions, including the Moscow-backed Crimean peninsula. Local authorities in Crimea introduced restrictions on electricity and water following power cuts caused by the drone strikes.

Ukrainian authorities provided their own account of the past 24 hours, stating that they targeted a missile component manufacturer, a chemical plant, and an aircraft at a military airfield inside Russia. They also reported that Russia conducted 88 air strikes on Friday, utilizing 309 glide bombs and 10,270 kamikaze drones. The exchange of strikes underscores the intensity of the conflict even as diplomatic and technical channels work to stabilize the situation.

The restoration of full Starlink capabilities allows Ukraine to return to its standard operational tempo. With the speeds back to over 400km/h, the military can once again rely on the rapid data transfer required for real-time drone control and logistics. This stability is viewed as a key factor in maintaining the effectiveness of the front lines and supporting the broader war effort.