Reuters reported on November 6, 2026, that Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) said Russia was using its Rassvet satellite network for military communications over Ukraine. HUR spokesperson Andrii Yusov said connections were intermittent as satellites passed over relevant areas, rather than providing continuous coverage. (Reuters)
What HUR said about Rassvet
Yusov described Rassvet’s coverage over Ukraine as intermittent. Reuters also reported that Russia’s Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to its request for comment, and that project coordinator Bureau 1440 had not immediately answered its questions about Rassvet.
What the links could enable for drones
HUR said two-way data links could let reconnaissance drones transmit information and allow operators to change strike-drone routes in flight. Yusov cited possible route changes in response to moving targets or air defenses. These are potential functions described by HUR.
A link that lets operators update a drone’s route could matter even when satellite contact is intermittent.
Launches and reported communication windows
HUR said Russia launched 32 Rassvet satellites in two batches, in March and July 2026. The agency also said further launches were planned before the end of 2026 to expand coverage.
Kyiv-based security expert Mykola Zientsev estimated that there were at least two high-quality satellite communication windows per day, each lasting more than an hour. Reuters also compared the reported 32 Rassvet satellites with more than 10,000 Starlink satellites; those figures describe constellation size.
