Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked U.S. President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Russian and Chinese companies developing a satellite network rivaling Elon Musk’s Starlink system. Musk earlier blocked Russian access to SpaceX’s Starlink after Kremlin forces used it to guide drones against Ukraine. In response, Moscow is accelerating development of its own network, Rassvet, with Chinese assistance, which Zelenskyy claims could become operational by year-end.
He warned that Rassvet would enhance Russian air-strike precision as Vladimir Putin escalates aerial campaigns. Zelenskyy raised the issue with Trump during the UN General Assembly in New York. China’s foreign ministry, the Kremlin, and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.
Beijing has previously denied supplying weapons to Russia. Military expert Rob Lee noted Rassvet may be less effective than Starlink but could still stream drone footage to command posts and support ground, sea, and mid-range strike drones. Before being blocked, Russian forces used Starlink on Molniya and Italmas BM-35 drones.
Zelenskyy also lobbied Trump to allow Ukraine to use Starlink-equipped drones up to 200km inside Russia. Trump reportedly told Zelenskyy to ask Musk, who has not yet responded.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing