Russia's Starlink rival could become major threat to Ukraine, presidential adviser warns
Presidential adviser explained what Ukraine should do now to counter Rassvet (photo: t.me_bureau)
The enemy's Rassvet satellite network, an analogue of Starlink, will become a problem for Ukraine, said Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov (call sign Flash).
Why Rassvet will become a problem for Ukraine
Beskrestnov explained that the Rassvet satellite network is Russia's analogue of Starlink. The most straightforward consequence of its launch is that the enemy's communications on the front will improve.
But according to the adviser, the main danger lies elsewhere. Ukraine currently cannot use Starlink for online control of drones over Russian territory because it does not work there.
For the Russians, the situation will be the opposite. Once Rassvet becomes operational, they will be able to attack the entire territory of Ukraine with drones controlled online.
"The enemy's communications on the fronts will improve — that is clear. The main threat is that we currently cannot use Starlink for online control of UAVs over Russia. It does not work there. But the Russians will be able to attack our entire country using UAVs controlled online through their satellites," Beskrestnov wrote.
What solution does the presidential adviser see?
Beskrestnov named the only way to counter this threat — to direct all efforts toward developing electronic warfare systems against Rassvet.
According to him, this should be done while there is still time. The presidential adviser considers this task a personal priority.
What is known about the Rassvet satellites
Meanwhile, Russia is accelerating the deployment of the Rassvet satellite constellation, moving ahead of its own plans.
The first 16 satellites were launched into orbit back in March, and Moscow plans to have 292 satellites by 2027 and 924 by 2035.
At present, the system operates only intermittently — only when a specific satellite passes over Ukraine.
The network will operate fully on the Starlink principle only after the entire constellation has been placed into orbit.
Rassvet is expected to begin commercial operations in 2027.
The second satellite launch took place on July 19, and the developer needs more than 250 satellites to provide the announced round-the-clock coverage.
At the same time, negotiations are underway to connect mobile operators and high-speed trains to the network.
