Ukrainian intelligence: Russia using Rassvet for military communications over Ukraine

Russia is already using the Rassvet satellite network for military communications over Ukraine, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) told Reuters in a report published by Defense News on 6 November 2026. The report was also published by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) and the US specialist defence publication Defense News. Both publications draw on the same source. At the time of publication, Flank had found no independent confirmation of the network’s military use.

32 satellites launched, but connectivity remains intermittent

According to HUR, Russia placed a total of 32 Rassvet satellites into orbit in two batches, in March and July 2026. Reuters also cites an October statement by the Russian government reporting more than 30 satellites launched. The figures are consistent, but do not show how many satellites are actually operational.

HUR spokesperson Andriy Yusov said the network does not provide continuous coverage over Ukraine. According to him, connectivity is available only intermittently, when the satellites pass over the relevant areas. Ukrainian intelligence also reports Russian plans for additional launches by the end of 2026 to expand coverage.

HUR says the aim is to improve the accuracy of Russian strike drones and their resistance to jamming. This is a claim about the network’s intended purpose, not a demonstrated combat outcome. Intermittent coverage does not in itself mean that drones can be controlled continuously via a satellite link.

A network of its own rather than reliance on Starlink

Rassvet is presented as a Russian equivalent of Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite network. According to the Reuters report published by Defense News, Starlink has more than 10,000 satellites. The difference in scale is substantial, but satellite numbers alone are not enough to compare coverage and connection quality.

The same report says Russian forces used Starlink terminals acquired through unofficial channels and that SpaceX deactivated them earlier in 2026 at Kyiv’s request.

In Flank’s assessment, Rassvet’s potential significance lies in Russia’s ability to maintain its own military communications link without relying on access to a foreign service. However, the information reported so far does not demonstrate that this dependence has been overcome or that the Russian network can fully replace Starlink.

No independent confirmation of combat effect

An assessment of the network’s actual capabilities is hampered by the lack of independently verifiable information on the number of operational satellites, the duration and geographical extent of connectivity, the terminals used and the unmanned platforms connected to them. It is unclear whether the link is used for control, mission updates or other exchanges. Nor are there measurements confirming the claimed improvement in accuracy and resistance to jamming.

Distinguishing between satellites launched, an operational communications service and a demonstrated combat effect is crucial to assessing Rassvet. This is a developing story and further information may be added.