Ukraine reports full satellite speed restoration
Kyiv confirms that satellite internet speeds have returned to pre-limitation levels, resolving a critical logistical bottleneck for the front line.
By Yuna Patel ·
The flow of data across the eastern front has stabilized after a period of significant technical friction. On the morning of October 24, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that the speed caps previously placed on satellite communications had been fully removed.
In a video address to the public, the president expressed gratitude to those who facilitated the return of full connectivity. He stated that the Starlink and Starshield networks were now functioning at the same velocities they had achieved before the limits were introduced. According to Zelenskyy, the necessary speed for military operations was secured by early morning.
The restoration of bandwidth is viewed as a critical development for frontline operations. Zelenskyy highlighted that the improved data flow supports logistics and enhances the ability to defend against jet-powered Shahed drones. The rapid recovery of speeds overnight allowed the military to resume standard drone usage without the previous constraints.
Official measurements corroborate the president’s claims. Prior to his statement, defense forces and Ministry of Defence experts recorded speeds exceeding 161 km/h. The ministry subsequently issued an official confirmation, noting that stable connections were being registered at speeds above 400 km/h.
This resolution follows a disruptive few days for Ukrainian command. Earlier this week, Zelenskyy reported that equipment in several sectors along the contact line was limited to speeds between 130 and 161 km/h. Those restrictions interfered with supply chains and reduced the effectiveness of drone operations during that window.
The technical issue also sparked political discussion in Washington. On October 16, US President Donald Trump stated that the White House had not played a role in limiting Ukraine’s use of the satellite system. This comment emerged as the restrictions were still affecting military capabilities on the ground.
Separate reporting by The Telegraph suggests a different origin for the bandwidth limits. The outlet reported that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk approached President Trump with the proposal to restrict the bandwidth available to the Ukrainian military. This detail adds another layer to the recent communications between the US, Ukraine, and the private sector.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda
