Trump dodges blame for Ukraine satellite speed drop

Ukraine's military satellite network returned to full speed on Saturday, ending a week of restrictions that hampered drone operations and front line communications. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the restoration on X, stating that both Starlink and the Starshield system are now operating at pre-restriction levels.

The slowdown began on Oct. 17, capping data speeds at roughly 100 mph. The Defense Ministry reported that this reduction disrupted efforts to intercept Iranian-made Shahed drones and complicated the transport of supplies to troops. Zelenskyy said the speeds recovered overnight, bringing connectivity back above 250 mph.

The cause of the throttling has created friction between Kyiv and Washington. Zelenskyy told NBC's Meet the Press that Ukrainian officials believed the U.S. government ordered the changes, citing a message to SpaceX. On Oct. 14, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk posted on X that Starshield is owned and controlled by the U.S. government, with speed limits decided by the U.S. military and the president. The Trump administration has denied interfering with access to the network.

President Donald Trump addressed the issue on Friday. He declined to identify who ordered the restrictions, telling reporters, "I wouldn't tell you if I did know." Trump also defended Musk, describing him as a fair person who never does anything wrong. Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara credited the resolution to direct dialogue led by Zelenskyy.

Khmara noted that the restoration is vital for service members, drone operations, and logistics. Zelenskyy thanked "all Americans," including members of Congress, the State Department, and President Trump, for their role in the process. The satellite system remains critical for Ukraine's defense against Russia, supporting everything from communications to the delivery of food and water to soldiers.

The technical recovery coincides with new diplomatic efforts. Russia has agreed to a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and the United States next month. The two sides also reached a localized ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky, a deal brokered by First Lady Melania Trump that includes humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation.

Combat operations continue alongside these developments. On Saturday, Ukrainian forces attacked a chemical plant in the Russian city of Tolyatti. A Russian drone struck a residential building in Kyiv's Obolon District, starting a fire in the structure.