Ukraine urges US to sanction "Russian Starlink" before operational launch – Reuters
Ukraine is calling on the United States to impose sanctions on a number of Russian companies participating in the development of the Rassvet satellite network – Russia's domestic counterpart to Starlink.
Source: Reuters, citing Denys Sienik, deputy chief of mission at the Ukrainian embassy in Washington
Details: Sienik said that Russia is rapidly expanding its Rassvet satellite network, emphasising that plans to begin operations represent a severe threat to Ukraine.
Quote from Sienik: "If they launch Rassvet by the end of 2026, they will be able to hit Ukrainian targets real time on our territory."
Details: He added that the Ukrainian embassy will provide the US government and congress with detailed information on the companies and individuals facilitating the development of the Rassvet project.
Quote from Sienik: "If these entities are not sanctioned, it will actually make this programme possible for Russia and that will be a game-changer."
Details: Russia plans to begin operational deployment of the Rassvet system in 2027. This was announced in June by Alexei Shelobkov, CEO of Iks Holding, the company developing the service.
In March, the company launched its initial batch of 16 low-Earth orbit satellites, with plans to expand the constellation to 900 in the coming years.
SpaceX currently operates over 10,000 Starlink satellites in orbit. Starlink activity is legally prohibited inside Russia and penalties are enforced for using its equipment.
Background:
- Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, technology expert and external adviser to Ukraine's defence administration, warned that the primary threat of Rassvet is the capability it gives Russian forces to conduct real-time, satellite-controlled long-range strike UAV missions over Ukrainian territory.
- Currently, Ukraine cannot utilise Starlink for real-time UAV guidance inside Russian territory due to geofencing restrictions.
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