Ukraine: Defence Ministry reports Starlink/Starshield restored above 400 km/h
Minister Yevhen Khmara reports stable connectivity and continuing monitoring, in a new Ukrainian update following the restrictions.
Updated 24.10.2026 · 13:08, Athens time — What changed
Ukraine’s Defence Ministry reports restored Starlink/Starshield operation at speeds above 400 km/h, in a statement by Minister Yevhen Khmara published by the ministry’s official ArmyInform agency on 24 October.
The minister describes connectivity as stable and says monitoring continues. Kilometres per hour concern movement speed, rather than data-transfer rates.
This is a newer official restoration report than the article’s previous update. It is attributed to Ukraine, rather than an independent technical certification of every terminal or resolution of the dispute over responsibility for restrictions.
Earlier updates — history
Newer Rubio statement — updated 22.10.2026 · 08:06
Speaking in Mumbai on 21 October, Marco Rubio attributed decisions about Ukraine's Starlink access to SpaceX and Elon Musk, saying usage and permitted speeds were governed by a private commercial contract.
He said he was unaware that the US administration had known about the decision beforehand. This is the secretary's position. Reuters records a conflicting account, citing briefed officials and Zelenskiy, about the White House's role.
The conflicting accounts leave responsibility unresolved. The newer statement does not confirm technical restoration of Starlink/Starshield or new interceptor deliveries after the 20 October phone call.
Earlier update — the 20 October phone call
The Ukrainian presidency confirmed a phone conversation between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an announcement dated 20 October 2026. The discussion focused on Ukraine's air-defence and communications needs.
Three issues discussed
According to the Ukrainian account, the topics were ballistic-missile interceptors, early warning of Russian ballistic-missile attacks and the situation with Starlink/Starshield, which Zelenskyy wants restored.
The presidency says Zelenskyy thanked Rubio for his readiness to help and his position on these issues. This is the Ukrainian account of the contact, not independent verification of the systems' operational condition.
What was agreed and what was not announced
The announcement says the two agreed to speak again soon for an update. It gives no date for the next contact.
It specifies neither the quantity nor a timetable for new interceptor deliveries and does not confirm restoration of Starlink/Starshield services. The conversation is therefore not presented as a completed procurement agreement or an already implemented technical restoration. Zelenskyy linked it to continuing diplomatic efforts to end the war, without announcing a new ceasefire.
English translation of the Greek edition · Read in Greek