Jetten calls for tougher sanctions against Russia ahead of talks

Ukraine's Military Intelligence has revealed the identities of 49 Russian and Belarusian companies involved in building Russia's own satellite internet system, Rassvet. This system is crucial for Russia's military operations, as Ukraine had previously used SpaceX's Starlink network for military communications before it was cut off in February 2026. Ukraine resumed full-speed satellite internet operations on October 24 after a ten-day sanctions-imposed cap.

Rassvet aims to provide Russia with satellite links under its control for military command and control, strike platforms, and drones. The Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics is working on integrating Rassvet into army communications, including fitting terminals in Iskander-M missile system command vehicles. Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, is launching the satellites, and Belarusian missile maker Belintersat recently signed a partnership with Bureau 1440, a part of the IKS Holding tech group, to integrate Rassvet into Belarus's telecom network.

Out of the 49 companies involved, 23 are not facing sanctions from Ukraine's allies. Russia has already launched 32 Rassvet satellites, with seven more launches planned by the end of 2026. Once there are 200-250 satellites in orbit, Russia could potentially use the system for hybrid attacks on other countries. The agency recommends that partners block Rassvet's access to components, equipment, and software now to prevent Russia's military from becoming too reliant on its own satellite internet system.