As Ukraine worries about Starlink access, Russia is developing a system to match it

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Russia Develops Rassvet Satellite System to Rival Starlink

   Russia is building the Rassvet satellite network to provide space-based control for drones and reduce reliance on foreign technology. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims China is transferring the necessary technology to Moscow, which could allow Russia to dominate Ukrainian skies. Currently, the Rassvet network has launched 32 satellites and lost at least one. While Russia views the system as a strategic necessity, Western officials and the president of Destinus warn the network poses a security threat to all of Europe. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to struggle with Starlink access and remote speed restrictions.

   Why it matters

   Ukraine relies heavily on Starlink for military communications, but recent remote speed restrictions have caused multiple mission failures. Russia seeks a similar capability to ensure its own drone operations remain independent of Western-controlled infrastructure. This competition extends into a hybrid war, with reported sabotage of Starlink infrastructure across Europe.

   What is confirmed

   • Russia is developing the Rassvet satellite system to match Starlink capabilities.
   • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims China is helping Russia develop a Starlink rival.
   • The Rassvet network has launched 32 satellites and lost at least one.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Rassvet satellites could provide drones with space-based control, according to a former HUR official.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of Chinese technology transfers to the Rassvet program
   • Further satellite launches or losses within the Rassvet constellation
   • Evidence of additional sabotage against European Starlink infrastructure
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. The Washington Post — As Ukraine worries about Starlink access, Russia is developing a system to match it
   2. Kyiv Post — Russia’s Rassvet Satellites Could Give Drones Space-Based Control, Former HUR Official Warns
   3. NewsCord — Dmitry Medvedev Warns Blocking Russia’s Rassvet Could Trigger Full-Scale Space Warfare: 8 outlets compared
   4. mezha.net — Russia’s Rassvet system could threaten all of Europe – Destinus president
   5. Atlantic Council — Russia’s Starlink substitute poses a security threat far beyond Ukraine
   6. Yahoo — Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims China will transfer a Starlink-alternative to Moscow that could allow Russia to 'dominate the skies over Ukraine'
   7. Kyiv Post — Zelensky Warns China Is Helping Russia Develop Starlink Rival
   8. ua.news — Flash Warned of a Threat to Russia's "Rassvet" Satellite System — Associated Press
   9. Українські Національні Новини (УНН) — Mysterious devices discovered on Russian "Molniya-2" drones: could they be an analogue of Starlink?
   10. www.businessinsider.com — Starlink is getting dragged into Russia's hybrid war against the West
   11. www.independent.co.uk — Starlink dispute underscores Ukraine’s reliance on US in the ...
   12. www.yahoo.com — Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims China will transfer a Starlink ...
   confidence 90%