Ukraine Says Starlink Speed Restrictions Lifted After Two Weeks
Ukraine's Defense Ministry says Starlink and Starshield speeds have been restored after two weeks of restrictions that disrupted military drone operations and fueled tensions between Kyiv and the Trump administration.
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Ukraine said on Saturday that speed restrictions affecting Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network had been removed, ending a two-week disruption that constrained military drone operations and triggered tensions with the Trump administration.
Ukraine's Defense Ministry confirmed that connectivity had returned to normal, crediting "direct dialogue" and a "firm stance at the highest level" by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"Our monitoring systems are detecting a restoration of Starlink/Starshield speeds. We are recording speeds exceeding 400 kilometers per hour, with stable connectivity," the ministry said.
Restrictions Disrupted Drone Operations
Ukraine relies on two SpaceX satellite communications services with distinct military functions.
Starlink supports battlefield communications, ground forces, logistics and defensive drones, while Starshield, a system developed for government and military use, supports more specialized defense operations, including offensive missions.
Reduced performance across these systems had affected Ukraine's intelligence collection and its ability to conduct both defensive and offensive drone missions.
Dispute With Trump Administration
The restrictions fueled tensions between Kyiv and Washington, with Zelensky viewing them as retaliation by Trump and Musk for Ukraine's refusal to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries.
The dispute prompted criticism from lawmakers in both U.S. political parties and disagreements over responsibility between the White House and Musk, SpaceX's founder and chief executive.
Trump denied that his administration had ordered the restrictions and repeatedly maintained that satellite service had already returned to full capacity.
On Friday, the U.S. president also rejected reports that he had discussed the issue with Musk.
He nevertheless indicated that he would contact the SpaceX chief if the limitations remained in place.
Congressional Democrats are reportedly planning oversight of the October slowdown as they discuss about $15 billion in new Ukraine security aid, according to the Financial Times.
On Nov. 12, Zelensky said a systematic 161 km/h Starshield cap had returned along the front, complicating the interception of Russian jet-powered drones.
Senior Ukrainian officials also told the Financial Times on Nov. 12 they believed the renewed cap was meant to pressure Kyiv in talks with Russia.
Kamer Kurunç
Kamer Kurunç is the Team Leader of Clash Report and has led the outlet for four years. He oversees its breaking world news coverage, from the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war to defense and global politics. His focus is fast, verified, source-based reporting. Follow him on X at @kamerknc.
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