Key facts
- Ukraine is seeking U.S. sanctions against Russia's Rassvet satellite network.
- Ukraine fears Rassvet could allow Russia to control attack drones across Ukraine.
- Russia's Bureau 1440 launched 16 satellites for the Rassvet constellation on March 23 and another batch on July 20.
- Commercial operations for Rassvet are planned for 2027, with testing in 2026.
- Ukraine previously struck the Progress plant in Samara Oblast, linked to Rassvet rocket production.
Ukraine is urging the United States to impose sanctions on Russia's developing Rassvet satellite network, which Kyiv fears could provide Moscow with a dedicated communication system for controlling attack drones across Ukrainian territory. Ukraine's acting ambassador to the U.S., Denys Sienik, stated that Kyiv will share details of companies and individuals supporting the Rassvet project with U.S. officials and Congress.
Since February, Russian Starlink terminals have reportedly been blocked, limiting their use to verified devices. The Rassvet network, if operational, could offer Russian forces an independent satellite connection for long-range drone control. Presidential technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, known as "Flash," warned that Rassvet would allow Russian forces to conduct drone attacks throughout Ukraine, while Ukrainian forces remain unable to use Starlink over Russian territory.
Russia's Bureau 1440, a subsidiary of IKS Holding, has launched satellites for the Rassvet constellation, with the first 16 deployed on March 23 and a subsequent batch on July 20. According to a Russian government portal, commercial operations are anticipated in 2027, following testing in 2026. Ukraine has also taken action against Russia's space industry, with President Volodymyr Zelensky announcing on August 15 that Flamingo missiles struck the Progress plant in Samara Oblast. Beskrestnov linked this facility to rockets used for Rassvet launches, though the impact on the network's schedule remains unclear.