Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Beijing is providing Moscow with the technological backing needed to develop a domestic alternative to SpaceX's Starlink. Speaking to reporters in Pryluky, Zelenskyy stated that the ongoing transfer of satellite technology could eventually grant Russian forces a decisive tactical advantage in the skies over Ukraine. Kyiv has repeatedly raised the alarm with international partners regarding the initiative, pointing specifically to the Russian Rassvet satellite network built by Bureau 1440.
The Rassvet project, overseen by a subsidiary of Russia's IKS Holding, has faced notable deployment hurdles and production delays. Current deployment metrics show that only 32 satellites have reached orbit out of a planned 156 slated for 2026, with the broader timeline calling for 292 satellites by 2027. Intelligence assessments indicate that the existing constellation has experienced mechanical failures, including lost units and propulsion issues that have hindered proper orbit-raising maneuvers.
While Kyiv has not publicly named specific Chinese firms involved in the alleged transfer, defense experts suggest that Russian aerospace efforts rely heavily on off-the-shelf components sourced through international supply chains. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials continue to press international allies for expanded operational capabilities, seeking permission to utilize Starlink hardware over Russian territory to counter incoming missile threats and target remote launch sites.
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