New Russian satellite network seeks to close Ukraine’s communications advantage

The widening technological race in the Ukraine war is increasingly shifting into space, where satellite communications have become as decisive as artillery or drones. Ukraine’s battlefield edge has long depended on reliable satellite internet, prompting Russia to seek its own system to close this critical gap. As both sides adapt their military strategies around secure connectivity, satellite networks are rapidly becoming central to command, control, and drone operations. Russia’s push to develop a domestic alternative reflects both its dependence on foreign technology and its ambition to match Ukraine’s communication advantages. At the same time, Ukraine faces the strategic dilemma of relying on a single private provider for its most essential digital infrastructure. This emerging contest over satellite dominance signals a new phase of the war, where control of space-based communication may shape the tempo and effectiveness of future operations.

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