On Saturday, October 24, 2026, Starlink and Starshield satellite systems restored normal speeds in Ukraine. The government and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced full functionality and stable connections over 400 km/h, ending over a week of limitations that blocked speeds at approximately 160 km/h.

The previous restrictions had hindered Ukrainian military operations, compromising the interception of Russian drones and causing cancellations. Zelenskyy stated that the restoration is crucial for frontline logistics and defense against 'Shahed' drones, emphasizing the vital importance of the system.

The cause of the previous limitations remains controversial. The Wall Street Journal reported a unilateral action by Elon Musk of SpaceX. Musk stated that he had restricted the civilian Starlink service due to military use violations, attributing Starshield's limits to the US military and President. Both Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied the Pentagon's involvement.

Trump reportedly asked Musk to 'restore' the service. The situation is part of a context of increasing tensions between Washington and Kyiv, exacerbated by speculation about intelligence sharing and an agreement between Trump and Moscow on Russian diesel. The restrictions had heightened Ukrainian concerns.