Zelenskyy Asks Trump to Sanction Russia-China Satellite Network Rivaling Starlink

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked US President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Russian and Chinese companies involved in developing a satellite communications network that could provide Moscow with an alternative to Elon Musk's Starlink, the Financial Times reported.

The system, known as Rassvet, is being developed by Russia with reported Chinese involvement. Zelenskyy told the Financial Times that he had repeatedly raised the issue with Trump and warned that the network could strengthen Russia's ability to conduct drone and missile operations against Ukraine.

Russia Develops Starlink Alternative

Rassvet is intended to provide satellite-based internet and communications services similar to Starlink. Russia began launching Rassvet satellites in March 2026, while plans call for a much larger constellation to be deployed in the coming years.

Zelenskyy told the FT that China was working with Russia on the technology and that the network could become operational by the end of this year or early next year. The Kremlin and China's foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment cited by the FT.

Ukraine is concerned that a functioning Russian satellite network could improve communications between drones and their operators, potentially allowing Russian forces to transmit battlefield information more efficiently.

Kyiv Seeks US Sanctions

Zelenskyy said he had asked Trump several times to target companies involved in the development of Rassvet. Ukraine's acting ambassador in Washington, Denys Sienik, has separately urged the US to impose sanctions on Russian companies and suppliers connected to the project.

Ukraine argues that restricting the companies involved before the network becomes fully operational could limit Russia's ability to develop an independent satellite communications capability.

The US has not announced a new sanctions package specifically targeting all entities associated with Rassvet. The White House, Kremlin and Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately provide responses to the FT's requests for comment.

Rassvet Could Support Russian Drones

Military analysts cited in reporting on the system say Rassvet may not initially match Starlink's scale or performance. However, even a less capable network could provide Russia with another means of transmitting drone footage and maintaining communications during military operations.

The concern is particularly significant because Starlink has played an important communications role in the Ukraine war. Russia has previously used Starlink terminals for battlefield communications and drone operations, while access restrictions have affected Russian forces' ability to use the service.

Zelenskyy Also Seeks Expanded Starlink Access

During discussions with Trump, Zelenskyy also raised a separate request involving Starlink. He wants Ukraine to be permitted to use Starlink-equipped drones against targets as far as 200 kilometres inside Russian territory, including ballistic missile launchers and drone-launch sites.

According to the FT, Trump indicated that the decision would involve Musk. Zelenskyy has argued that the capability could help Ukraine respond to Russian attacks, while the issue remains connected to broader concerns about the escalation of the conflict.

Trump has also pressed Zelenskyy to reduce Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, saying such strikes have contributed to higher diesel prices in the United States. Zelenskyy has maintained that long-range drone capabilities could strengthen Ukraine's position in the conflict.

With Russia expanding its satellite infrastructure and Ukraine seeking additional US sanctions and military support, control over battlefield communications is becoming an increasingly important part of the wider technology competition surrounding the war.