Starlink and Starshield speeds reportedly restored in Ukraine after two weeks of restrictions

Ukraine's defense ministry said Saturday, Oct. 24, that Starlink and Starshield speeds had been restored after two weeks of restrictions, Barak Ravid reported for Axios. The ministry said its monitoring systems detected restored speeds and stable connectivity.

Axios reported that the restrictions limited Ukraine's use of drones to intercept Russian attack drones and send supplies to frontline soldiers. The systems serve different roles: Axios describes SpaceX's Starlink as supporting communications, ground forces, logistics and defensive drones. It says Starshield is controlled by the U.S. government and used for offensive military purposes.

The ministry credited the lifting of restrictions to “direct dialogue” and Zelensky's “firm stance at the highest level,” according to Axios. Axios reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky viewed the restrictions as retaliation by Trump and Musk for his refusal to halt strikes against Russian oil refineries. Trump denied White House involvement. He also denied reports Friday that he had spoken to Musk, but said he would speak to him if the restrictions continued. Axios did not identify who imposed the limits.