Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that access to Starlink and Starshield satellite links has been restored to pre-restriction speeds, which had previously hindered front-line operations for over a week. “The speeds are now where they need to be,” Zelenskyy wrote on X, adding that restoration began overnight and were sufficient by Saturday morning, improving front-line logistics and defence against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones. Following Ukraine’s announcement of restored services, Elon Musk commented on the speed restrictions that were implemented the previous week. In a post on Saturday on X, Musk acknowledged that his company, SpaceX, has throttled the Starlink satellite internet service. “Using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people has never been allowed, nor should it be,” Musk wrote. “Ukraine military violated Starlink terms of service and used it for offensive drone strikes to kill people. That loophole was closed last week.”
However, he asserted that the US government dictated any alterations related to Starshield, the military-grade iteration of Starlink that serves as the foundation for Ukraine’s drone operations and communication. He also defended the role of SpaceX in strengthening Ukraine’s defences since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Restrictions imposed last week on Starshield have raised concerns among military and government officials, as commanders have reported lost drones and disrupted missions. The restoration aligns with a recent diplomatic initiative from the United States aimed at concluding the conflict. On Wednesday, Russia consented to recommence trilateral discussions with Washington and Kyiv in the upcoming month. On Friday, Kyiv and Moscow reached an agreement for a localised ceasefire facilitated by first lady Melania Trump in Oleshky, a town in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region that has been significantly affected by the conflict and is currently under Russian occupation. The episode heightened tensions between Kyiv and Washington, a relationship already strained by President Donald Trump’s reported agreement with Moscow regarding Russian diesel imports, which Ukraine perceived as a betrayal.
Ukraine’s Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara attributed the success to “direct dialogue” and President Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts with Washington, emphasising that the most significant aspect was “for our front, for the military, the work of drones, logistics and communications”. Questions have lingered since last week regarding the authority behind the disruptions to the satellite internet system developed by Elon Musk, which Ukraine has depended on for years to combat Moscow’s assaults. Trump has asserted that he did not make the call, while simultaneously stating that Musk should not bear any responsibility. Vise President J D Vance has suggested a potential alignment between the White House and Musk, whereas Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have refuted any claims of administration participation. Meanwhile, local officials reported on Saturday that a missile attack in the city of Lozova, located in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, resulted in the death of one man and injuries to two others. Moscow-installed authorities in cities across Crimea reported power blackouts on Saturday, a consequence of overnight attacks attributed to Ukraine. Ukraine’s General Staff reported on Saturday that its forces targeted a chemical plant in the Russian city of Tolyatti, known for producing materials utilised in rocket fuel.
Tolyatti Mayor Ilya Sukhikh reported that the overnight attack resulted in damage to industrial facilities within the city. Ukrainian forces have targeted an electronics plant in the city of Oryol, as confirmed by Ukraine’s General Staff on Saturday. Local officials in Oryol reported on Saturday that three individuals lost their lives in the attack that occurred on Friday. The General Staff indicated that the plant produces components for the cruise and ballistic missiles that Russia deploys against Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian drones have successfully penetrated the Omsk region of western Siberia, located over 2,000 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. Omsk regional Governor Vitaly Khotsenko stated that drones “reached a northern industrial hub”. Online retailer Ozon reported on Saturday that its logistics center in Omsk experienced a drone attack; however, there were no casualties. Ozon stands as a competitor to Wildberries, with facilities that have also been targeted by Ukraine.
