Disruptions in the operation of a key system, Zelensky raises the alarm. “It makes it easier for Russians to kill.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday about serious disruptions in the operation of the Starshield system, which is the military equivalent of the popular Starlink satellite communications. Problems occur both over Ukrainian territory and in temporarily occupied areas, covering the entire front line.

"Unfortunately, our units have been noticing serious disruptions in the operation of the Starshield system over the territory of Ukraine, along the entire front line and in the temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine for several days now," the head of state said.

According to Zelensky, the Ukrainian military determined that these were not random errors, but a systemic speed limit in the Starshield system of 161 km/h.

Starshield's speed limit has a direct impact on the effectiveness of defense against Russian jet drones, which reach speeds of 320-380 km/h.

Unfortunately, there have already been hits because the means of shooting down these drones are not gaining enough speed to intercept them. Unfortunately, this makes it easier for Russians to kill more Ukrainians and conduct more targeted strikes against Ukraine. We are trying to clarify all circumstances with the American side, Zelensky said on social media.

On Thursday morning, there was another Russian attack on the capital of Ukraine. The mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, announced that a drone hit a nine-story apartment block in the Solomyansky district. "Five people were injured in the Solomansk district. Medics helped everyone on the spot. One woman is also known to have been killed," Klitschko said on Telegram. In the next entry, he added that the number of injured increased to six.

According to information provided by the mayor, the impact caused a fire on the third to sixth floors, and the fifth floor of the building was partially destroyed.

Problems with the Starshield system are not new. Already in the first half of October, Ukraine reported that the connection to Starlink terminals was lost when moving at speeds above 160 km/h, which made it impossible to effectively intercept Russian drones. These restrictions made it difficult to conduct some military operations.

The situation improved at the end of October, when, as Zelensky announced, the system began operating again at a speed of 420 km/h and the transmission of intelligence warning against ballistic attacks was restored.