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Russia’s Starlink Rival, Rassvet, Draws Ukrainian Sanctions Against Its Developers
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Ukraine has imposed new sanctions on Russian companies and individuals involved in developing the Rassvet satellite communications system, which Moscow intends to use in its war against Ukraine, as well as dozens of vessels operating as part of Russia’s shadow fleet.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the corresponding decrees, according to Ukraine’s Presidential Office on October 30.
The sanctions targeting the Rassvet project cover 10 companies and 19 Russian nationals associated with their activities.
“The Russian Federation seeks to establish a satellite system similar to the Starlink network that would enable it to command troops and target and control attack drones, including ‘shaheds,’ and missiles in real time. The deployment of this system could help Russia not only maintain continuous real-time control of its weapons in Ukraine but also pose threats to other countries,” the statement read.
The sanctioned entities include Bureau 1440, the main developer of the Rassvet project, and its affiliate Labs 1440, which produces spacecraft solar panels. The list also includes FAB Rassvet, a manufacturer of communications satellites and terminals, and Belarus-based Aerospace Instruments, which develops aerospace components.
Other sanctioned companies are 5S Group, which supplies industrial equipment and computers to Russia, including technology used in work for Bureau 1440, and Aquamash Production Association, a manufacturer of precision metal parts.
Also on the list are El-Optics, a supplier of optical and telecommunications equipment, Elesar Group, which imports foreign electronic components, and Small Spacecraft, a developer of satellite communications technology.
Russia’s efforts to develop its own satellite communications network come amid restrictions on its access to Starlink services used in military operations.
In early February, Starlink CEO Elon Musk disabled terminals that were not registered on Ukraine’s approved “whitelists,” following a request from former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Following the restrictions, Ukraine’s General Staff reported a significant decline in Russian assault operations, with 56 attacks recorded on February 5, down from approximately 80 to 110 on previous days.
The latest measures follow findings published by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR), which identified 49 companies in Russia and Belarus in developing Rassvet, Moscow’s planned alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet network.
On October 28, HUR released the findings through its War&Sanctions portal, reporting that 23 of the identified organizations, including Russia’s state space corporation Roscosmos, remain outside international sanctions.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the project involves companies specializing in technology, microelectronics, aerospace manufacturing, and scientific research, alongside organizations affiliated with Russia’s Defense Ministry.
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