Russia’s Starlink substitute poses a security threat far beyond Ukraine
Russia is developing a satellite network, Rassvet, as a domestic alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink, managed by Bureau 1440. The project is intended as a major upgrade for Russian military communications in Ukraine after Starlink disabled unauthorized terminals used by Kremlin forces at the start of 2026, and Russia has contracted Chinese satellite manufacturing through Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology. Ukrainian officials warn that Rassvet poses threats to Ukraine, Europe, and the wider world.
Why it matters: The Rassvet project matters for the security theme because it links Russian military communications to a technological alignment with China, Iran, and North Korea.