Ukraine says Starlink at normal speed after delays impede military

Kyiv, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's access to Starlink and Starshield satellite links has been restored to pre-restriction speeds, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday. The restoration occurred overnight and was sufficient by Saturday morning, enhancing front-line logistics and defense against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones.

This development followed a diplomatic push by the U.S. to end the war, with Russia agreeing to resume three-way negotiations with Washington and Kyiv next month. A localized ceasefire brokered by first lady Melania Trump also took effect around Oleshky, a town in southern Kherson region that has been under Russian occupation. Restrictions on Starshield, SpaceX's military-grade version of Starlink, were imposed last week, causing concern among Ukrainian military and government officials due to lost drones and disrupted missions.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara credited direct dialogue and Zelenskyy's diplomacy with Washington for the restoration, emphasizing its importance for frontline operations, drone work, logistics, and communications. The exact individual responsible for the interruptions to the Starlink system remains unclear, with former President Donald Trump denying involvement while Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have suggested White House coordination with Elon Musk.

Meanwhile, a missile attack in the city of Lozova in Ukraine's Kharkiv region resulted in one death and two injuries, while overnight Ukrainian attacks caused power blackouts in cities across Russia-occupied Crimea. Ukrainian forces also targeted industrial facilities in Tolyatti and Oryol, Russia.