Ukraine Reports Starlink Service Fully Restored After Restriction

Ukrainian officials confirmed on Saturday that military connections to Starlink are operating normally again, ending a period of restricted access that disrupted combat operations.

The government announced the restoration of service to previous speeds through a video address, noting that the system is now capable of supporting frontline logistics and defending against drone threats. The restoration process began overnight, and by the following morning, speeds were sufficient for operational use.

The issue began ten days prior when the satellite system, produced by SpaceX, was suddenly throttled. This restriction capped operations at a specific speed limit, causing multiple Ukrainian missions to fail earlier in the month. The limits also prevented Ukrainian forces from intercepting attack drones and forced the cancellation of operations targeting areas behind enemy lines. Additionally, Russia was able to launch ballistic missiles without advance warning from the United States.

The timing of the restrictions coincided with President Donald Trump announcing an American deal to purchase Russian diesel. Trump initially denied that his administration was responsible for cutting intelligence sharing with Ukraine, stating, "I don't know if it was anybody, but it wasn't me, and I don't think it was Elon," referring to Elon Musk.

Officials and executives offered differing accounts regarding who ordered the throttling. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the president, stating, "The president has nothing to do with the decisions that are made by Starlink and Starshield and by Mr Musk," and noting that the administration cannot direct the company's operations. Musk responded on X, stating that the systems are controlled by the U.S. government and that the military ultimately decides on speed or usage limits, a position supported by Vice President JD Vance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held both parties accountable, stating that while the American government issued the message to limit speed, SpaceX executed the action. He emphasized that terminals in other countries faced no similar restrictions, describing the situation as a "planned operation" that would result in human losses.

Conflicting reports regarding the status of the service surfaced earlier in the week. On Thursday, President Trump claimed service had returned to full speed, though a European official denied this claim to the Associated Press. When asked on Friday if he would intervene, Trump stated he had not spoken to Musk but might have to, saying, "If there is a problem, I'll get it straightened out." Following the restoration on Saturday, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to American allies, including Trump and the State Department, for resolving the situation.