SpaceX Restores Starlink Speeds After Seven-Day Throttle

Seven days. That is the duration of the speed restriction SpaceX imposed on Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine before restoring full access on Saturday. The service provides critical communications for Ukrainian front-line operations.

Elon Musk acknowledged on X that his company ordered the slowdown. He stated that civilian commercial services should not be used for offensive drone strikes. Musk argued the Ukrainian military violated terms of service by using the network for such attacks and that the loophole was closed last week.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the restoration of speeds to their prior levels. He said the fix began overnight and was complete by Saturday morning. Zelenskyy noted the change improved logistics and defense against Russian Shahed drones.

The restrictions created friction between Kyiv and Washington. Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara credited direct dialogue with the U.S. for the resolution. He emphasized the outcome’s importance for military drone work, logistics, and communications.

The episode occurred while U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the war accelerated. Russia agreed Wednesday to resume three-way talks with the U.S. and Ukraine next month. Additionally, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a localized ceasefire in Oleshky, Kherson region, brokered by First Lady Melania Trump.

U.S. officials offered mixed signals regarding their involvement. President Donald Trump said he did not make the call but argued Musk should not be blamed. Vice-President JD Vance hinted at White House coordination, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied administration involvement.

Musk maintained that the U.S. government controlled changes to Starshield, the military-grade version of Starlink. He defended SpaceX’s role in strengthening Ukraine’s defenses since the February 2022 invasion. Ukrainian commanders had reported lost drones and disrupted missions during the restriction period.