According to an analysis by The Wall Street Journal, Ukraine has retaken the most territory in two years after Russian troops lost the ability to communicate and coordinate actions on the battlefield in February.
— Without Starlink, they were practically reverted to the communication of the Cold War times, says a Ukrainian soldier nicknamed Konosz in an interview with the Kyiv Post (Onet's partner).
After Russians lost access to the Starlink Internet, the Ukrainian army began to report a noticeable decline in drone activity. The Ukrainians began to push back — and regain a record amount of territory. The numbers speak for themselves.
Since February, Ukrainian forces have regained approximately 400 square kilometers of territory in the Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. This is Kiev's greatest achievement in over two years.
SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, has introduced restrictions on access to the Starlink system, allowing only approved users to use it. This allowed Ukrainian forces to maintain communication while cutting off the Internet for Russian units.
— It gave us a real advantage. We were able to take advantage of weaknesses when their communication system was destabilized, says the Ukrainian company commander codenamed Luna in an interview with the Kyiv Post.
President Zelensky, however, noted that Ukrainian progress in the south began even before Russia lost access to Starlink.
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Despite the problems, Russian forces are increasing the pressure on many sections of the front line. The number of daily clashes exceeds 200. However, Ukrainian troops are inflicting heavy losses on the enemy, Syrski said.
“From Tuesday to Thursday alone, approximately 4,840 occupiers were neutralized, killed or injured,” Syrski said. The commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian military claims that Ukraine has the answer to Putin's offensive. He says that the Ukrainian armed forces are adapting tactics and strengthening supplies in the face of growing pressure from Moscow on several sections of the front.
Syrski stated that the increased activity of Russian forces requires the Ukrainian army to adopt new, asymmetric strategies on the battlefield.
“Ukrainian troops are acting, taking the initiative and continuing to regain positions,” Syrski noted.
Russia is pushing in southern Ukraine
During a working visit to the southern operational zone where fighting is ongoing, Syrski met with commanders responsible for offensive operations.
Syrski said the discussions he had with soldiers focused on the current situation on the battlefield, the results of previous missions and the coordination of further actions. Syrski issued orders to strengthen logistical support, including the supply of ammunition and drones.
In another recent statement, Syrski emphasized that the Ukrainian armed forces are maintaining their positions while continuing offensive operations in the south. He said that Ukrainian troops were destroying Russian forces, gradually moving forward and fighting to liberate more towns.
“Our priority is to liberate the territory of Ukraine from the occupiers and protect the lives of our soldiers,” Syrski said.
Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Army Oleksandr SyrskiMaksym Kishka/Frontliner/Getty Images / Contributor / Getty Images
Syrski thanked Ukrainian soldiers for their perseverance and efforts on the front line. “The fight continues,” he said.
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