Ukraine strikes Russian space centre linked to Rassvet satellite network

Ukraine announced on Saturday that it had targeted a Russian rocket and space facility in the Samara region, alleging the site played a role in Moscow's satellite internet network, Rassvet. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Ukrainian-made Flamingo cruise missiles struck the Progress rocket and space centre, aiming to diminish Russia's capacity to continue the war.

Direct hits were confirmed at the Progress facility, alongside a Russian military airfield in Nizhny Novgorod, both engulfed in flames. The Samara facility is integral to Russia's space program, manufacturing Soyuz launch vehicles for satellite deployment. Ukraine's military intelligence reported that Russia is accelerating the deployment of Rassvet, with 16 satellites currently orbiting and plans to expand to 924 by 2035.

The strike follows a surge in Ukrainian attacks on Russian military and industrial infrastructure, as Kyiv continues to battle in the ongoing conflict.