Ukraine Regains 400 km/h Satellite Speeds for Military Drones

Ukraine has regained full speed capabilities on its military satellite network, ending a two-week disruption that reduced data transfer rates for fast-moving assets. The restoration affects the Starshield system, a service developed by SpaceX that supports Ukrainian operations.

Defense Minister Yevheniy Khmara confirmed that equipment moving at speeds exceeding 400 kilometers per hour is now maintaining stable connections. Prior to this fix, Ukrainian officials reported that satellite links dropped at approximately 161 kilometers per hour. This limitation forced drone interceptors and other high-speed platforms to slow down to maintain data integrity.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Telegram that the system is operating at the required level for frontline logistics. He described the change as vital for defending against jet-powered Shahed drones. Khmara attributed the resolution to direct dialogue and the president's persistent stance with the service provider.

The origin of the speed restrictions remains a point of debate between Kyiv and Washington. Serhiy Beskrestnov, a defense technology adviser to Zelenskyy, suggested the limits were tied to recent diplomatic tensions. However, the Trump administration has denied that the US government requested the changes. Elon Musk has noted that the military, and ultimately the president, holds authority over Starshield usage.

The Wall Street Journal reported that President Donald Trump contacted Musk to urge the lifting of the restrictions. After that call, communications became more reliable. Trump declined to provide specific details but said he would straighten out any problems. Lawmakers from both parties in Congress are now seeking to determine who authorized the initial slowdown and what guarantees exist for future access.

The speed reduction coincided with other US policy moves that Ukrainian leaders have criticized. Over the past two weeks, the US announced a deal encouraging Russian diesel exports and waived sanctions that were scheduled to take effect. Trump also urged Kyiv to pause attacks on Russian refineries, a stance Zelenskyy reversed after Russia continued strikes on Ukrainian territory.

Combat operations continued overnight with Russia launching 130 drones. Ukrainian air defense forces reported shooting down 100 of them. Attacks on 15 locations resulted in at least two deaths. Ukrainian forces struck two industrial sites in Russia, including a facility in Oryol that produces components for cruise and ballistic missiles.

Most of occupied Crimea lost electricity in the early morning hours. The blackout affected major cities including Simferopol, Sevastopol, and Yalta. Russian authorities blamed a drone attack on power lines outside the peninsula. A fire was also reported at the Taman electrical substation in the Krasnodar region, which supplies power to Crimea via the Kerch Strait.