Starlink Speeds Restored in Ukraine After Two-Week Slowdown
The Starlink Ukraine dispute took a new turn this weekend. Ukraine’s defense ministry said on Saturday, October 24, that Starlink speeds for its military had been fully restored after about two weeks of restrictions. Meanwhile, Elon Musk confirmed that SpaceX had limited the service. Here is what we know so far.
What happened to Starlink in Ukraine
Ukraine’s military relies on Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, for communications on the front line. It also uses Starshield, a military-grade version of the system that is controlled by the U.S. government.
According to Axios, the restrictions lasted about two weeks. During that time, they limited Ukraine’s ability to use drones to intercept Russian attack drones. They also limited the use of drones to deliver supplies to soldiers. CBS News reported that commanders described lost drones and disrupted missions.
What Musk said about Starlink Ukraine
On Saturday, Musk wrote on X that "Ukraine military violated Starlink terms of service and used it for offensive drone strikes to kill people." He added, "That loophole was closed last week," according to CBS News.
Musk also said that the U.S. government controls any changes to Starshield. In addition, he defended SpaceX’s support for Ukraine since February 2022.
How Ukraine responded
Ukraine’s defense ministry said its "monitoring systems are detecting a restoration of Starlink/Starshield speeds." It credited "direct dialogue" and a "firm stance at the highest level" by President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Axios.
Zelensky wrote on X that "the speeds are now where they need to be." Ukrainian officials have also disputed Musk’s claim that the military broke Starlink’s terms, according to reports from CNBC and NBC News.
The White House and the wider context
President Trump said he did not make the call to restrict the service. However, he also said Musk should not be blamed, CBS News reported. Axios noted that the episode drew criticism from both parties in Washington.
The dispute comes at a delicate moment. According to CBS News, Russia agreed this week to resume three-way talks with Washington and Kyiv next month. In addition, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a localized ceasefire around the occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region.
What to watch next in the Starlink Ukraine dispute
Several questions remain open. For example, it is not yet clear what terms will govern Ukraine’s use of Starlink going forward. It is also unclear whether the U.S. government will set new rules for Starshield. For the latest reporting, see Axios and CBS News.
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The bottom line
Starlink Ukraine service is back at full speed, according to Kyiv. Musk says SpaceX restricted it over how the military used it, while Ukraine disputes that account. Both sides now face questions about the rules for satellite internet in wartime.
Based on reporting available as of October 25, 2026. Details may change as the story develops.
