Zelenskyy Develops Starlink Alternative as US Weighs Rassvet Sanctions

Ukraine is developing a satellite communications system comparable to Starlink as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks continued access to satellite internet technology and urges the United States to take action against Russia's competing Rassvet network. In comments reported by Interfax-Ukraine on October 4, 2026, Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian initiative was underway amid concerns that Russia could gain access to additional satellite technology from China and other countries.

The effort comes as Kyiv seeks to maintain its technological capabilities during the war with Russia. Zelenskyy has also asked US President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on companies involved in developing Rassvet, arguing that the Russian satellite network could improve Moscow's ability to conduct strikes against Ukrainian territory.

Speaking about Ukraine's domestic satellite communications initiative, Zelenskyy confirmed that development work had begun.

"Developments are underway. We are working on something similar to Starlink," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine.

He also defended Ukraine's request to continue using Starlink satellite internet for operations targeting locations inside Russia. Zelenskyy cited concerns that other countries could provide Moscow with technologies that would strengthen its military capabilities.

"Why fair? Because we know that certain states will share relevant technologies with Russia at the end of this year or the beginning of next year," Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy has emphasized that access to existing satellite technology remains important for Ukraine. He referred specifically to concerns about potential Chinese assistance to Russia as Kyiv seeks to preserve its current technological capabilities.

"We gave corresponding signals as to why we need the continuation of this programme – because the Chinese will share with Russia," Zelenskyy said.

Separately, political analyst Konstantin Blokhin argued that US intervention against Rassvet could substantially escalate the confrontation between Washington and Moscow. In an article published by Voennoedelo.com on October 5, 2026, Blokhin said efforts to block the Russian satellite communications system could expand the conflict into space.

Blokhin assessed that a direct US attempt to interfere with the satellites could create a confrontation between the two countries at a new level. He considered such intervention unlikely, regardless of who occupies the White House, because of the potential military implications.

The analyst also argued that Zelenskyy was seeking greater US involvement in the conflict and believed neither Trump nor another US president would agree to block Rassvet directly. These assessments represent Blokhin's position on the potential consequences of US action.

Zelenskyy's concerns about Rassvet have also been reported by the Financial Times, which previously published his comments about repeated requests for Trump to sanction companies associated with the project. Kyiv has warned that Russia's emerging satellite communications capabilities could strengthen its ability to carry out strikes against Ukrainian targets.

The dispute places competing satellite communications capabilities alongside sanctions and military support as issues in US relations with Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine is pursuing its own system while seeking continued access to existing satellite technology, whereas Blokhin has warned that direct US interference with Rassvet could risk a broader confrontation.