Key facts
- Starlink connectivity for Ukrainian military units has been restored.
- SpaceX had previously imposed speed limits on Starlink services.
- The speed restrictions affected the use of drones and other military equipment.
Connectivity for Starlink systems used by the Ukrainian military has been restored and remains operational, a source in the Defense Ministry told the Kyiv Independent on October 15. SpaceX, the owner of Starlink, had implemented speed restrictions on October 14 without warning, limiting speed to 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour). The unexpected restriction disrupted active military operations, including the use of mid-range strike and interceptor drones. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's former minister of digital information, announced on Wednesday afternoon that SpaceX was working to restore satellite speeds and was reinstating speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously warned of dire consequences following reported slowdowns in Starlink services, calling the limitation a "big mistake" and stating that "people will die" if Starlink services were not functional. A source familiar told The Hill on Wednesday that Starlink services were cut off for objects traveling more than 100 miles an hour, impacting the capabilities of Ukraine's drones, airplanes and helicopters. The Defense Ministry is continuing its engagement to clarify all the reasons and circumstances surrounding the restrictions.