Russia’s Starlink analogue has provided regular satellite coverage over Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
Russia’s satellite system “Rassvet” is already providing two stable communication windows over Ukraine every day. Ukraine has limited time to counter it before the system is fully deployed.
The Russian satellite system "Rassvet," being developed as an analogue of Starlink, already provides at least two stable communication windows over Ukrainian territory every day. Defense Blog reports this, citing Militarnyi and satellite communications expert Volodymyr Stepanets, writes UNN.
Details
According to Stepanets, after the first batch of satellites was placed into orbit, a constellation was formed that provides reliable coverage lasting more than an hour twice a day. In total, the satellites pass over Ukraine four times a day, but only two or three passes allow stable communication with ground terminals to be maintained.
According to Militarnyi, during such communication windows, Russian forces could theoretically use the system to control naval drones, as well as strike and reconnaissance UAVs.
Ukraine has limited time before the system is fully deployed
Russia launched the first batch of 16 "Rassvet" satellites in March 2026, and the second in July. Officially, the system's operator, Bureau 1440, states that commercial operation of the network will begin in 2027.
According to Defense Blog's assessment, if the pace of satellite launches is maintained, Russia could achieve round-the-clock satellite coverage over Ukraine as early as mid-2027.
At the same time, the publication notes that, in order to counter the new system, the Ukrainian side needs to develop effective electronic warfare capabilities or other means of neutralizing satellite communications in advance.