Russia races to build its own Starlink-like internet, raising fears for Ukraine's battlefield edge

Russia is rapidly building its own satellite internet system, named Rassvet, a move that Ukrainian officials fear could neutralize their battlefield advantage gained through Elon Musk's Starlink. Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine's military intelligence, stated that Russia is launching satellites much faster than initially planned.

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Russia is launching satellites much faster than initially planned.

Ukraine had secured an edge on the battlefield earlier this year after Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov persuaded Musk to block Starlink access for Russian forces. In response, Russia has sped up the development of its Rassvet system, created by its aerospace company Bureau 1440. Russia launched the first 16 Rassvet satellites in March and a second batch last month. Bureau 1440 confirmed that the satellites have begun communicating with ground control and will move to their operational orbits to provide communication services.

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The spacecraft began communicating with the flight control center after separating from the launch vehicle. After the inspection and completion of the subsystems' operation, the satellites will begin moving to their target orbits to provide communication services.

According to Serhiy Bezskrestnov, an advisor to the Ukrainian president, Russia currently has about 40 Rassvet satellites in orbit. Skibitskyi detailed Russia's ambitious plan to expand its constellation to 292 satellites by 2027, covering Eastern Europe, and further to 924 by 2035. Once operational, Rassvet could pose a significant challenge for Ukraine, enabling Russian forces to control drones across the entire country via their own satellite network.

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The Russian military will be able to attack our entire country with drones using online control through their own satellites.

In response to the threat posed by Rassvet, Ukraine is pressuring Musk to permit Starlink usage over Russian territory. Such access would enhance Ukraine's ability to target deep within Russia using missiles and drones. Iryna Terikh, CEO of Ukrainian drone manufacturer Firepoint, emphasized that "it would be easier if Elon Musk turned on Starlink for us over Russia." Skibitskyi noted that Rassvet already has partial capabilities over Ukrainian territory.

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it would be easier if Elon Musk turned on Starlink for us over Russia.