Ukraine says Russia uses Rassvet satellites for military links
Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) says Russia has launched 32 Rassvet satellites this year and uses them to make strike drones more accurate and harder to jam. Russia's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
GUR spokesperson Andrii Yusov said the constellation is too small to cover Ukraine without gaps, so communication is available only at times. A GUR statement said Rassvet may give Russia two-way data exchange with its drones. That would allow real-time data transfer and route changes in flight.
Kyiv-based security expert Mykola Zientsev said Russia has at least two good communication windows each day, and each lasts more than an hour. He said this is enough to have effects on the battlefield.
Russia launched the satellites in two batches, in March and July. The Bureau 1440 project plans a constellation of more than 900 satellites by 2035. GUR lists 49 companies from Russia and Belarus as involved, and President Volodymyr Zelensky sanctioned 10 companies last week over Rassvet development.
Rassvet is billed as a homegrown rival to Starlink, which has more than 10,000 satellites. Ukrainian battlefield commanders said speed limits placed on Starshield last month hurt their ability to intercept Russian attack drones. No explanation has been given for the limits.
Key facts
- Who
- Andrii Yusov (GUR spokesperson); Mykola Zientsev (Kyiv-based security expert); Vadym Skibitskyi (deputy head of GUR (Maj-Gen)); Denys Sienik (Ukraine's chargé d'affaires in Washington)
- What
- Ukraine's GUR said Russia has launched 32 Rassvet satellites this year in two batches and plans further launches by the end of 2026, and that the system is using for military purposes to make strike drones more accurate and harder to jam. Russia's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
- When
- 6 November 2026
- Where
- Ukraine, Russia
- Status
- Reported