Satellite Link: Ukraine Confirms Speed Cap Lifted for Drones
Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara announced that full data speeds have returned to the Starlink network after a multi-day restriction disrupted military operations.
By Tyler Khalil ·
Ukrainian forces regained full access to their primary satellite communication network on Saturday, ending a period of restricted bandwidth that hampered drone operations. Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara announced that speeds of more than 400km/h are once again possible on the Starlink system. This technical benchmark signals the restoration of full capability for military units relying on the network to pilot aircraft and manage logistics across the front lines.
The disruption began last week when Ukrainian officials alleged that US President Donald Trump instructed Elon Musk to impose limits on the service. Under those restrictions, drones reportedly lost connectivity when traveling at speeds of 161km/h or faster. While Trump initially denied issuing such an order, he later acknowledged that Musk had reversed the changes. Khmara stated that the restoration is vital for soldiers, drone operations, and communications on the front.
Kyiv relies heavily on both the civilian Starlink service and the military-grade Starshield system to conduct operations, particularly in remote areas of the battlefield. Musk has indicated that the US military controls Starshield, suggesting the Pentagon may have played a role in the recent connectivity issues. Russia does not have authorization to use Starlink, which limits the network's utility when Ukraine launches long-range missiles or drones deep into Russian territory to target oil refineries.
The technical dispute unfolded against a backdrop of diplomatic tension between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky alleged that the US threatened to withdraw intelligence sharing if Ukraine continued its strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. Trump denied this threat but argued that the attacks pushed global fuel prices higher. Kyiv maintains that targeting these facilities is essential for cutting off Moscow's war revenue, while Ukrainian and European allies criticized Trump's recent waiver of sanctions and agreement to import Russian diesel ahead of the US midterm elections.
Combat on the ground continued despite the satellite restoration. Russia's defence ministry reported on Saturday that its air defenses shot down 616 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones. These drones struck several regions, including Russian-annexed Crimea, where Governor Sergey Aksyonov said electricity and water restrictions were imposed following power cuts caused by the strikes.
Ukrainian authorities reported that their forces hit a missile component manufacturer, a chemical plant, and an aircraft at a military airfield inside Russia in the past 24 hours. They also stated that Russia carried out 88 air strikes on Friday, deploying 309 glide bombs and 10,270 kamikaze drones.
The next step in the diplomatic process remains tied to the ongoing midterm elections in the United States, which are scheduled for next month.
