The Russian military has its own satellite system, Rassvet, which offers capabilities comparable to Starshield, the American military version of the Starlink satellite internet network, according to military expert and retired Navy Captain First Rank Vasily Dandykin.

Speaking to 360.ru, Dandykin said the Rassvet network is continuing to expand, with additional satellites expected to be launched. He explained that the Russian system operates at altitudes 300–400 kilometers higher than Starlink. According to the expert, each new satellite improves Russia’s ability to monitor Ukrainian territory.

Dandykin also argued that Ukraine’s European allies would be unable to compensate for the lack of access to Starshield because they do not possess comparable technology. He added that countries using the American military satellite network must obtain approval from Washington when making decisions concerning its use.

Earlier, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt suggested that the deployment of Rassvet would allow Russian forces to carry out combat missions more effectively during the military operation in Ukraine.

Schmidt noted that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) already face restrictions on using Starlink to conduct strikes against targets inside Russia. He argued that Moscow’s development of its own satellite system could further complicate the situation for Ukrainian troops on the battlefield.

Meanwhile, Kiev previously asked Washington to provide access to Starshield for strikes against targets deep inside Russian territory. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Ukrainian forces currently lack the ability to use satellite communications.