Russia’s Rassvet Network Threatens Ukraine With Real-Time Strike Control

Russian President Vladimir Putin's "Rassvet" satellite network poses a significant threat to Ukraine, according to presidential adviser on defense technologies Serhii Beskrestnov. The network, which is expected to be fully operational within six months, could enable Russian operators to control military drones, reconnaissance UAVs, and cruise missiles in real-time across Ukraine.

This could severely degrade Ukraine's electronic warfare capabilities and enable precise attacks throughout the country, posing a major catastrophe for both Ukraine and European defense architectures. The network, still in the early stages of deployment, uses low-Earth orbit satellites to provide temporary data links for up to 40 minutes each time a satellite passes overhead.

However, Beskrestnov estimates that continuous, 24-hour connectivity could be achieved within six months once additional orbital planes are added. Ukrainian defense planners are developing countermeasures, but technical hurdles remain due to the network not being fully active. Meanwhile, Russia has launched two successful orbital missions carrying Rassvet satellites, with plans to deploy 292 units by 2027 and expand the constellation to 924 units by 2035.

Ukrainian officials have petitioned the International Telecommunication Union to exclude Ukraine's territory from Rassvet's service footprint, alleging the network is solely designed for military aggression, while also accusing China of assisting Russia in developing satellite technology.