Kyiv Regains Satellite Speeds as Moscow and Ukraine Exchange Blows

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on October 24 that satellite communications operating over Starshield have regained their previous speeds. The update ends a period of restrictions that hampered Ukrainian military operations. Zelenskyy described the restoration of service as "very important and significant" for frontline logistics and for intercepting jet-powered Shahed drones. He stated that the connection speed is now "where we need it to be."

Starshield, developed by SpaceX, functions as a military-focused service that complements the company's commercial Starlink network. Ukraine relies heavily on both systems. Defense Minister Yevheniy Khmara reported that monitoring equipment recorded restored connectivity for assets moving faster than 400 kilometers per hour (250 mph). Khmara attributed the restoration to "direct dialogue and the Ukrainian president's persistent stance."

The reported restrictions, which lasted nearly two weeks, previously limited satellite links to speeds of about 161 kilometers per hour (100 mph). This throttling prevented drone interceptors and other equipment from maintaining connections at higher speeds. Who imposed these limits remains unclear. Adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov suggested a link to recent tensions between Kyiv and Washington, though no such connection has been established.

The Trump administration denies that the president or any U.S. government official requested changes to the service. Musk has said the government controls Starshield, with decisions regarding speed or usage made by the military and ultimately President Donald Trump. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that Trump called Musk and urged him to lift restrictions, after which communications became more reliable. Asked about the call, Trump declined to comment but said, "if there is a problem, I will get it straightened out."

Fighting continued overnight as Ukraine's air defense forces reported shooting down 100 of 130 drones launched by Russia. Attacks on 15 locations resulted in at least two deaths. Ukraine's General Staff reported striking two industrial facilities and a military airport inside Russia, including a site in Oryol that manufactures cruise and ballistic missile components.

Separately, most of Russia-occupied Crimea lost electricity in the early hours of the day, including in Simferopol, Sevastopol, and Kerch. NetBlocks recorded an almost complete loss of connectivity in the region. Russian-installed authorities blamed a disruption to main power lines outside Crimea, attributing the break to a drone attack. Ukraine has not commented on the incident.

With a fifth wartime winter approaching, peace talks have stalled and the Kremlin has offered no concessions. Democratic and some Republican lawmakers in Congress have demanded to know who authorized the communications changes and want guarantees of reliable access for Ukraine.