Russia’s Rassvet satellite system is already being used in combat operations and is creating serious problems for Ukrainian forces, according to Andrey Yusov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry.

Yusov said Russian troops are actively using the new satellite network to improve the accuracy of drone attacks and overcome Ukrainian electronic warfare (EW) defenses.

Although the satellite constellation cannot yet provide uninterrupted coverage across Ukraine, Russian forces are exploiting its capabilities whenever the satellites pass over Ukrainian territory.

According to the intelligence official, these limited operational windows allow Russian drones to strike targets more accurately despite interference from Ukrainian electronic warfare systems.

Yusov acknowledged that Rassvet is already having a negative impact on the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He warned that once the satellite constellation becomes fully operational, Ukraine’s air defense capabilities could be significantly reduced, while Russian drones would gain the ability to adjust their attacks in real time.

Ukrainian intelligence also believes the system’s potential extends far beyond supporting unmanned aircraft.

Yusov suggested that Rassvet could eventually develop into a global targeting platform for multiple weapons systems, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

Western media previously reported that Russia could bring the Rassvet satellite network into full operation as early as 2027.

Once fully deployed, the system is expected to support video transmission, drone route adjustments and attacks against moving targets over long distances.

For now, however, the constellation can provide communications for no more than three hours per day.

According to earlier reports, approximately 16 to 17 additional launches of satellite groups will be required before Rassvet can reach full operational capability.