Ukraine Targets Russia’s Space, Oil Networks

Ukraine has imposed sanctions on companies and individuals linked to Russia’s Rassvet satellite communications project, along with 39 vessels accused of helping Moscow export oil and other energy products. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees enacting decisions by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, according to the Ukrainian presidential website.

The sanctions targeting the Rassvet project cover 10 companies and 19 Russian individuals. Ukraine says the system is being developed as a Starlink-like low-Earth-orbit network that could support Russian troop communications, drone operations and missile targeting in real time.

Named entities include Bureau 1440, the project’s developer and systems integrator; Labs 1440; FAB Rassvet; Belarus-based Aerospace Instruments; and companies involved in industrial equipment, optical systems, electronic components and spacecraft technology. Ukrainian sanctions officials said the measures are intended to disrupt foreign technology and equipment supply chains supporting the project.

A separate package targets 39 vessels operating under the flags of 13 jurisdictions, including Russia, Barbados, Liberia, Panama and the Marshall Islands. Ukraine said the vessels transport Russian crude oil, petroleum products and gas condensate to destinations including China, India, Egypt and Türkiye. One vessel, the Vasily Dinkov, transported about 726,000 metric tons of Russian crude in 15 operations during the first half of 2026, according to the statement. Kyiv said it would share information with international partners to coordinate additional sanctions.