SpaceX Restores Full Speed for Ukraine's Starshield Network

Ukrainian military operations have regained full access to high-speed satellite communications as of October 24, ending a nearly two-week period of restrictions that hampered frontline logistics. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Telegram that the Starshield system is once again operating at its previous speed, a development he described as very important for defending against jet-powered drones and managing supply lines.

Starshield is a military-focused service developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX that complements the commercial Starlink network. Ukraine relies heavily on both systems. Defense Minister Yevheniy Khmara stated that Kyiv’s monitoring confirmed restored connectivity on equipment moving faster than 400 kilometers per hour. This marks a sharp reversal from the previous day, when a Ukrainian official reported that satellite links were still dropping at speeds of about 161 kilometers per hour, which had severely limited the country’s air defense capabilities.

The exact authority that imposed the limits remains unclear. Serhiy Beskrestnov, a defense technology adviser to Zelenskyy, suggested a connection to recent tensions between Kyiv and Washington, although no direct link has been established. The Trump administration denies that the US government requested the changes. Musk has noted that the military, and ultimately President Donald Trump, control decisions regarding the speed and use of the system.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal indicated earlier this week that President Trump spoke with Musk to urge the lifting of restrictions, after which communications improved. When asked about the matter, Trump declined to give a detailed comment but stated that if there is a problem, he will get it straightened out. Lawmakers from both parties in Congress are now demanding to know who authorized the changes and seeking guarantees of reliable access for Ukraine.

The initial reports of limited access emerged during a period of concern over other US moves. In the past two weeks, Trump announced a deal encouraging Russian diesel exports and waived upcoming sanctions. He also urged Kyiv to pause attacks on Russian oil refineries, citing high diesel prices. Zelenskyy had initially shown openness to a pause, but after Putin ordered continued strikes, he declared that Kyiv was done with unilateral pauses.

Fighting continued overnight as Ukraine’s air defense forces shot down 100 of 130 Russian drones. Attacks on 15 locations killed at least two people. The Ukrainian General Staff reported hitting two industrial facilities and a military airport in Russia. One target in Oryol produces components for cruise and ballistic missiles, while another in Togliatti manufactures rubber products used in solid rocket fuel.

Most of Russia-occupied Crimea lost electricity in the early hours of the day, affecting major cities including Simferopol and Sevastopol. Russian-installed authorities said mobile service reached only 40 percent of the area and public transport was suspended. Sergei Aksyonov, the head of the occupation administration, blamed a drone attack on main power lines. Ukrainian channels reported a fire at a substation in Russia’s Krasnodar region that supplies Crimea. With a fifth wartime winter approaching and peace talks stalled, the conflict remains intense.