Zelensky: Starshield speed limits complicate interception of Russian drones

Issues with Starshield functionality

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported significant malfunctions in the operation of the Starshield system, which have been recorded by Ukrainian forces for several days. According to him, systemic speed limits negatively affect the ability to intercept Russian jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles and have already led to missed strikes.

The head of state emphasised this information following reports from Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevheniy Khmara and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi.

Zelensky noted that disruptions in Starshield's operation have been recorded along the entire front line and in temporarily occupied territories. This refers to a systemic speed limit of 161 kilometres per hour, which corresponds to 100 miles per hour.

The President stressed that the military verified the circumstances and established that this is not a matter of random technical errors, but specifically a systemic limit.

Impact on air defence

Volodymyr Zelensky explained that due to the established speed limit, it has become significantly more difficult for Ukrainian defenders to intercept Russian jet-powered drones.

«На жаль, уже є влучання через те, що засоби збиття не розвивають достатню швидкість та не встигають перехопити. На жаль, це допомагає росіянам вбивати більше українців та завдавати по Україні більше влучних ударів» (Unfortunately, there are already hits because the interception means do not develop sufficient speed and do not manage to intercept. Unfortunately, this helps the Russians kill more Ukrainians and deliver more successful strikes on Ukraine), the President stated.

According to him, the Ukrainian side is trying to clarify all the circumstances of the situation with American partners.