Nearly half of companies behind Russia's Starlink rival remain unsanctioned, Ukraine says

HUR published details of the companies on its War&Sanctions portal, warning that Moscow intends to use the low-Earth-orbit satellite network primarily for military communications, including controlling drones, coordinating troops and supporting missile operations.

The project, often described as Russia's answer to SpaceX's Starlink, includes satellites, ground control infrastructure, gateway stations and communications terminals for both fixed and mobile users.

Its lead developer is Bureau 1440, part of Russia's ICS Holding technology conglomerate. Other companies in the group manufacture solar panels, circuit boards, electronic modules and subscriber equipment.

Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos and other aerospace companies are responsible for launch vehicles, propulsion systems and satellite components. According to HUR, Roscosmos itself is among the 23 organizations not sanctioned by any country in the sanctions coalition.

Russia's VTB bank has also provided financial backing for the project, Ukrainian intelligence said.

HUR warned that Moscow plans to integrate Rassvet into military command systems, including communications equipment aboard Iskander-M missile system command vehicles and infrastructure supporting missile targeting.

The network's planned coverage focuses primarily on Ukraine and the European Union, raising concerns about its potential use in future Russian military and hybrid operations.

Russia launched its first 16 operational Rassvet satellites in March 2026. The constellation is expected to grow to 292 satellites by the end of 2030, with 383 launches planned overall. Commercial service is scheduled to begin in 2027.

Unlike Starlink's extensive constellation, Rassvet remains at an early stage of deployment. However, Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi previously reported that the satellites already provide at least two daily communications windows over Ukraine, each lasting more than an hour.

HUR called for coordinated sanctions against companies involved in the project and restrictions on their access to foreign components, equipment and software.