In brief
Ukraine has announced a fully restored Starlink service after a brief period of network throttling. The satellite system, key for drone control and frontline communication, now supports speeds above 400 km/h. The restriction, allegedly imposed by former US President Donald Trump on Elon Musk, was reversed, restoring full operational capacity. The incident unfolds amid broader diplomatic tensions, including Russia‑Ukraine strikes on oil refineries and policy shifts in the United States. Ongoing ground fighting and infrastructure damage, such as power cuts in Crimea, underscore the strategic importance of reliable satellite links.
Ukraine’s defence ministry confirmed that its Starlink satellite network is now stable following a brief period of restricted connectivity. The service, along with its military‑grade counterpart Starshield, is critical for the command of drones and communications across the front lines.
Earlier last week, former U.S. President Donald Trump was accused of telling Elon Musk to impose limits on Ukrainian satellite access, causing drones to lose connection at speeds above 161 km/h (100 mph). The U.S. administration denied the claim, and Musk later restored the service in what he said was a response to “technological necessity.”
The Ukrainian ministry stated that speeds now exceed 400 km/h, effectively restoring full operational capability for drones, logistics, and communications—an advantage deemed “essential for our front, for our soldiers.”
Russia remains barred from using Starlink, which underscores why Ukraine can still launch long‑range missiles and drones deep into Russian territory despite the network limitations. The actions tie into broader diplomatic tensions, with Russia’s oil refineries under frequent attack and the U.S. easing sanctions ahead of U.S. midterm elections.
Zelensky’s administration has accused the United States of threatening to withdraw intelligence sharing unless bombings of Russian oil infrastructure ceased, a stance the U.S. denied. Meanwhile, fighting continues: power cuts hit Crimea following a Ukrainian drone strike, and casualties have been reported in Kharkiv following separate attacks.
