Russian Security Council Calls for Rapid Deployment of Starlink Rival Satellites

By Reuters Nov. 6, 2026 Ukrainian servicemen set up Starlink satellite internet system near the frontline town of Pokrovsk. REUTERS / Inna Varenytsia Experts on Russia's Security Council warned Friday that Russia needs to urgently expand its homegrown equivalent to Starlink, warning that Elon Musk's satellite network could be used to destabilize countries throughout the world. In a statement cited by state media, the Security Council said "it is necessary to rapidly scale up the mass production of communications satellites and terminal equipment," referring to Russia's Rassvet low-Earth orbit satellite network. Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev told President Vladimir Putin last month that Russia has so far launched just over 30 satellites as part of Rassvet. In comparison, Starlink has more than 10,000 active satellites. On Friday, Russia's Security Council held a meeting of its expert council to discuss issues related to information security and internet access. "During the meeting, the main risks and threats posed by the use of Western space-based communications systems over the territory of sovereign states to destabilize the socio-political situation were highlighted," it said in its statement. "This applies, first and foremost, to the widely used satellite communications services Starlink and OneWeb," it added. Just days ago, Putin praised Elon Musk as a "real genius" for developing Starlink. Ukraine's army has used the military version of the satellite internet network throughout the war with Russia for drone operations and battlefield communications. Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, criticized Musk on Friday for allowing Ukraine to use Starlink. Ukraine said that Russia is already employing its new Rassvet satellite network for military communications in Ukraine. Read more about: Security Council , Space , Technology Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russia Rolling Out Starlink-Style Network Faster Than Expected, Kyiv Says Russian forces had been using gray-market Starlink terminals in Ukraine until Kyiv successfully lobbied SpaceX to disable them earlier this year. 2 Min read Russian Aerospace Company Launches First Batch of Starlink Rival Satellites The satellite internet constellation, known as Rassvet, is intended to provide broadband internet access across Russia and serve as a domestic alternative... 1 Min read Russia Delays Launch of First Batch of Starlink Rival Satellites The launch of 16 satellites, originally scheduled for late 2025, has been pushed back to 2026. 2 Min read Tech Giant Elon Musk Appears at Small Russia Business Forum The organizers invited the billionaire entrepreneur by billboard.