SpaceX Restores Full Speed for Ukrainian Military Satellites

The number 400 became the benchmark for normalcy on Friday as Ukrainian leaders confirmed that satellite communications have returned to full capacity. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that the Starshield network is once again operating at the required velocity, a development he described as vital for frontline logistics and air defense. This announcement marks the end of a frustrating period where connectivity was throttled, effectively grounding many of the technologies that Kyiv relies on for modern warfare.

For nearly fourteen days, military equipment moving faster than 161 kilometers per hour lost its satellite signal. Defense Minister Yevheniy Khmara told RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service that monitoring data now shows stable connections at speeds exceeding 400 kilometers per hour. The previous restrictions prevented drone interceptors and other fast-moving assets from maintaining reliable links. Khmara attributed the resolution to persistent diplomatic pressure from the Ukrainian president and direct discussions with relevant parties. He emphasized that the current speed is exactly where the military needs it to be.

The exact origin of the slowdown remains a subject of debate and speculation. Serhiy Beskrestnov, an adviser on defense technology to Zelenskyy, hinted at a connection to recent diplomatic friction between Kyiv and Washington. However, no formal link has been established. Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX developed the military-grade Starshield service, stated that the US government holds ultimate control over the system. He noted that decisions regarding speed and usage are made by the military, with President Donald Trump holding the final authority.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal indicated that Trump personally called Musk to request the restrictions be lifted. When asked about the incident, the US president declined to elaborate but promised to fix any problems. Lawmakers from both major political parties in Congress are now seeking clarification on who authorized the changes. They also want assurances that Ukraine will have reliable access to these communications in the future, given their critical importance to the war effort.

The timing of the disruption coincided with other US policy moves that raised concerns in Kyiv. Trump recently announced a deal to encourage Russian diesel exports and waived sanctions that were set to take effect under a law he signed last month. He also criticized Ukraine for striking Russian oil refineries, arguing these attacks drove up diesel prices rather than reduced flows from the Middle East. After initially considering a pause, Zelenskyy declared Ukraine was done with unilateral stops following orders from Vladimir Putin to continue strikes.

Combat operations continued through the night, with Ukrainian air forces downing 100 out of 130 incoming drones. At least two people were killed in attacks on fifteen different locations. In response, the Ukrainian General Staff reported strikes on two industrial sites and a military airport in Russia. One target in Oryol manufactures components for cruise and ballistic missiles, while a facility in Togliatti produces rubber products essential for solid rocket fuel. Additionally, most of Russian-occupied Crimea suffered a major power outage early Friday, with Russian authorities blaming a drone attack on main power lines outside the peninsula.