Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said Starlink and Starshield satellite communication speeds have returned to pre-restriction levels. He thanked the United States and international partners for their assistance, highlighting the importance of reliable satellite connectivity for frontline logistics and defence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Starlink and Starshield satellite communication services in Ukraine have returned to the speeds available before restrictions were imposed, thanking the United States and other international partners for helping restore the services.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, Zelensky said the restoration began overnight and that connection speeds had reached the required levels by Saturday morning. He stressed that reliable satellite communications were essential for frontline logistics and for defending Ukraine against Russian attacks involving jet-powered Shahed drones.
“The most important thing today is that Starlink and Starshield operations have been restored to the speeds we had before the restrictions,” Zelensky said, adding that the improved connectivity was now sufficient for operational requirements.
The Ukrainian president expressed gratitude to Americans and international partners who took the matter seriously and helped address the situation. He specifically acknowledged members of the US Congress, senators, media organisations, the State Department and the US president for their involvement.
“Protecting lives matters,” Zelensky said, underscoring the importance of dependable communications infrastructure amid the continuing war between Ukraine and Russia.
The restoration comes as Kyiv continues to rely heavily on satellite communication networks to support military coordination, frontline logistics and other defence-related activities. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides satellite-based internet connectivity, while Starshield is designed for government and national security applications.
Reliable connectivity is particularly important for Ukrainian forces operating in areas where conventional telecommunications infrastructure has been damaged or disrupted. Satellite networks can support communication between units, facilitate logistical coordination and help maintain connectivity in challenging battlefield conditions.
Earlier in the week, Zelensky said he had held what he described as a substantive conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Their discussion covered several security priorities, including ballistic missile interceptors, early warnings of Russian missile attacks and the restoration of satellite communication services used by Ukrainian forces.
In his earlier statement on X, Zelensky said ballistic missile interceptors were needed to protect lives and stressed that advance warnings of Russian ballistic missile attacks were vital for Ukraine’s defence. He also highlighted the need to restore Starlink and Starshield services to their required operating levels.
The Ukrainian president said the discussion took place against the backdrop of continuing diplomatic efforts to end the war and stop the loss of lives. He added that the two sides had agreed to communicate again soon to provide updates on the issues discussed.
Zelensky thanked Rubio for what he described as a constructive discussion and expressed appreciation for Americans supporting what he called fair approaches to resolving the conflict.
The latest development highlights the importance of US cooperation with Ukraine in military assistance, intelligence-related capabilities and communications infrastructure. Kyiv has repeatedly emphasised the need for continued international support as it seeks to defend its territory against Russian attacks.
Satellite connectivity has become an important component of Ukraine’s wartime infrastructure, helping maintain communications in areas affected by fighting and supporting the coordination of essential operations. Any restrictions or disruptions to these services can therefore have significant implications for military logistics and operational planning.
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Although Zelensky announced that speeds had returned to their previous levels, his statement did not provide detailed technical information about the restrictions, the precise restoration measures or the duration of the disruption.
The restoration nevertheless represents an important development for Ukraine’s communications capabilities as the country continues to manage battlefield challenges while pursuing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
Zelensky’s remarks also underline Kyiv’s continued emphasis on cooperation with Washington and other international partners to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and protect civilians amid the ongoing war.
