SpaceX restores full Starlink speeds in Ukraine after week of restrictions

SpaceX has returned Starlink satellite internet speeds in Ukraine to their previous levels after a seven-day reduction that hampered military operations. Elon Musk confirmed on Saturday that his company ordered the slowdown, a move he said was necessary to enforce service terms regarding the use of civilian infrastructure for offensive strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that access to Starlink and the military-grade Starshield system had returned to full capacity. He stated that the restrictions disrupted front-line logistics and defenses against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones for more than a week. Zelenskyy noted that the restoration began overnight and was complete by Saturday morning.

Musk explained the decision in a post on X, arguing that Starlink is a commercial service and should not be used for offensive drone strikes. He claimed the Ukrainian military had violated the terms of service and that the company closed a loophole allowing such usage last week. Musk maintained that the U.S. government controls changes to Starshield, the system that supports Ukraine's drone operations and communications.

Ukrainian officials reported that the speed limits caused significant disruptions, with commanders citing lost drones and interrupted missions. Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara said direct dialogue and diplomacy with Washington resolved the issue. He emphasized that the restoration was critical for the work of drones, logistics, and communications on the front lines.

The episode occurred against a backdrop of new diplomatic efforts to end the war. Russia agreed on Wednesday to resume three-way talks with the U.S. and Kyiv next month. Kyiv and Moscow also agreed to a localized ceasefire around Oleshky in the southern Kherson region, a deal brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump on Friday.

White House officials offered mixed signals regarding their involvement in the decision. President Donald Trump said he did not make the call but suggested Musk should not be blamed. Vice-President JD Vance hinted at coordination between the White House and Musk, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied any administration role in the restriction.

Combat continued during the disruption. Local officials reported one death and two injuries in a missile attack on Loziva in the Kharkiv region. Moscow-installed authorities in Crimea reported blackouts following overnight Ukrainian strikes. Ukraine's General Staff said it targeted a chemical plant in Tolyatti and an electronics plant in Oryol, where three people died. Ukrainian drones also reached the Omsk region, more than 2,000 kilometers from the border, striking an Ozon logistics center without causing casualties.