{
  "id": 13964685,
  "title": "Zelensky Warns China Is Helping Russia Develop Starlink Rival",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/zelensky-warns-china-is-helping-russia-develop-starlink-rival",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T13:21:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Kyiv Post",
    "slug": "kyiv-post",
    "url": "https://www.kyivpost.com/post/86825"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned in an interview with the Financial Times that China is aiding Russia in developing Rassvet, a satellite system designed to rival SpaceX's Starlink. Zelensky stated that Beijing is working on satellites and may be helping Russia with a system similar to Starlink, as they are \"getting closer\" and \"passing it on to Russia\". The system is being developed by Moscow's \"Bureau 1440\" and is expected to operate at an orbit height of around 800 kilometers (500 miles), including laser links between satellites and a ground-based 5G network. Initial launches occurred in July and August, but the system faced significant technical issues. Bureau 1440 has since stated they are working on improved systems, likely with Chinese assistance. Zelensky warned US President Donald Trump about Rassvet, calling for sanctions against Russian and Chinese companies involved in its development during the UN General Assembly in September. The satellite system could be part of a military alliance between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, known as CRINK, aimed at staying ahead of Western weapons systems. In January 2023, Russia agreed to purchase electronic components from China due to Western sanctions on critical supplies, recognizing electronics as Russia's \"Achilles' heel\". The Ukrainian embassy in Washington reported that Russia is rapidly expanding the Rassvet network, aiming to begin operations in 2027, which would pose serious risks to Ukraine by enabling real-time targeting of Ukrainian targets. Rassvet currently has a limited number of satellites, but its goal is to achieve continuous coverage of Russia's military communications. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of reliable satellite communications in modern warfare, as Starlink has provided critical connectivity in areas affected by conventional communications infrastructure disruptions. China is reportedly developing countermeasures to Starlink, including laser weapons, to attack and destroy satellites. By 2027, Rassvet may transition from experimental to fully operational, posing a threat to European air defense systems and critical infrastructure, according to Anton Gerashchenko.",
  "summary": "Zelensky has warned that Beijing is assisting Russia’s efforts in building a system that could strengthen military communications, reconnaissance capabilities, and long-range drone operations. While Rassvet is still under development and has reportedly faced difficulties, Ukrainian officials say Russia is seeking to make the network operational by 2027.",
  "key_points": [
    "China aiding Russia in developing Rassvet satellite system",
    "Rassvet to operate at 800 km orbit with 5G network",
    "Ukraine warns Rassvet poses risk by 2027"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}