Ukraine reports Starlink internet connection restored to normal speeds

Ukraine has regained a stable connection to the Starlink and Starshield satellite networks after a week of service restrictions, BBC News, the Irish Times, and France 24 reported on Saturday, October 24. Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara stated that monitoring systems are now recording stable connection speeds of more than 400km/h. [1][2][6]

The network restrictions had previously slowed connection speeds to 161km/h or 100mph whenever terminals were mounted to moving drones, BBC News and UPI reported. According to the Irish Times and UPI, these limitations disrupted frontline communications and harmed the ability of the Ukrainian military to intercept Russian attack drones. [1][2][4]

Kyiv blamed United States President Donald Trump for advising SpaceX owner Elon Musk to limit the service, BBC News reported. Trump denied ordering the restriction before stating that Musk had restored full capability to the network, according to BBC News and UPI. [1][4]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, unannounced speed restrictions were first placed on Starlink terminals during October. Kyiv relies heavily on Starlink and its military grade counterpart Starshield to conduct operations and pilot military drones. [1][14]