Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Russian and Chinese companies developing a Starlink rival satellite network called Rassvet. He warned the system could improve Russian air-strike precision and support sabotage campaigns against Ukraine’s European allies. Zelenskyy said he made the request several times, including during a meeting with Trump at the UN General Assembly in New York last month.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX previously blocked Kremlin forces from using Starlink after they used it to guide drones in Ukraine, prompting Moscow to accelerate Rassvet with Chinese assistance. Zelenskyy claimed Rassvet could become operational by the end of 2026 or early 2027. He also urged Trump to allow Ukrainian forces to use Starlink-equipped drones up to 200km inside Russia to target missile and drone launch sites, a move currently restricted to Ukrainian territory.
Trump reportedly told Zelenskyy to 'Ask Elon' regarding the request. SpaceX, Musk, the Kremlin, China’s foreign ministry, and the White House did not respond to comment requests. Military expert Rob Lee noted Rassvet may not match Starlink’s effectiveness but could still enhance drone operations for ground, sea, and mid-range strikes.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Europe is preparing for severe Russian hybrid attacks as Putin threatens a 'fatal point of no return' in the West conflict.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing