Ukraine says Starlink speed restrictions have been lifted after two weeks of slowdowns

Summary

Ukraine's defense ministry said on Saturday that the speed of the Starlink and Starshield satellite systems used by its military had been fully restored after two weeks of restrictions, and that it was recording speeds above 400 kilometers per hour with stable connectivity. The slowdown hobbled Ukraine's use of Starlink to control reconnaissance and interceptor drones, limiting its ability to intercept Russian attack drones, resupply front-line soldiers with its own drones, and conduct intelligence gathering and long-range strikes, according to Axios and the Financial Times. The Guardian reported that the Ukrainian government said its military now has a stable connection, 10 days after the restriction. Axios reported that President Volodymyr Zelensky saw the restrictions as retaliation by President Trump and Elon Musk for his refusal to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries, and that the episode drew bipartisan criticism in the US. President Trump denied that the White House was involved in restricting the system. CNBC reported that Musk claimed Ukraine violated a Starlink agreement after SpaceX restored high-speed service, and the Guardian reported that neither Musk nor the US government, which operates Starshield, took responsibility for the curbs.

Timeline

1. Axios

   24 Oct 2026, 10:18 UTCSource ↗

   Axios reports that Ukraine's defense ministry said Starlink and Starshield speeds had been fully restored after two weeks of restrictions, with speeds above 400 kilometers per hour recorded.

2. ABC News

   24 Oct 2026, 11:14 UTCSource ↗

   ABC News reports that Ukraine's military has regained full use of Starlink satellite links for its drones and fast-moving equipment, according to the defense minister.

3. ABC News Australia

   24 Oct 2026, 13:09 UTCSource ↗

   ABC News Australia reports that Ukraine says Starlink is back to operating at high speeds after restrictions disrupted its military operations and intensified tensions with the US.

4. CNBC

   24 Oct 2026, 20:38 UTCSource ↗

   CNBC reports that Ukraine says restrictions on Starlink and Starshield have been lifted, and that Musk claimed Ukraine violated a Starlink agreement after SpaceX restored high-speed service.

5. The Guardian

   24 Oct 2026, 21:25 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Ukraine's government said its military has a stable Starlink connection 10 days after its use was restricted, while Musk accused the Ukrainian military of violating the company's terms.

6. Financial Times

   24 Oct 2026, 21:30 UTCSource ↗

   The Financial Times reports that Ukraine's military said Starlink service restrictions had been lifted, after a slowdown that hampered Kyiv's ability to defend itself against Russian strikes.