Russia's Satellite Network Could Cripple Ukraine's Defenses

Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov warned that Russia's satellite network could become a "catastrophe," enabling direct control of drones and missiles across Ukraine and rendering the country's electronic warfare systems useless. Russia may achieve full satellite coverage of Ukrainian territory within six months using its Rassvet network, allowing real-time control of Shahed drones, reconnaissance UAVs, and low-cost missiles like Banderol and Dan-M. Beskrestnov called this the top technological threat to Ukraine and Europe. Ukraine is developing countermeasures, including sanctions, but faces challenges since Russian engineers could test methods against Starlink, while Ukraine must prepare defenses against a system not yet fully operational. Russia has launched a second batch of Rassvet satellites, with up to 40 units in orbit.