Ukraine Imposes Sanctions on Russia’s Rassvet Satellite System and Shadow Fleet Vessels
President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has enacted a decision by Ukraine‘s National Security and Defense Council to impose sanctions on Russian companies and individuals involved in developing the “Rassvet” satellite communications system. The restrictions also target 39 vessels belonging to Russia‘s shadow fleet and used to transport energy resources.
The sanctions list related to the Rassvet project includes 10 companies and 19 Russian citizens who work with them. According to the Office of the President, these entities are involved in developing and preparing to launch a satellite network that Moscow intends to use to continue its war against Ukraine. Russia views Rassvet as its own alternative to the Starlink satellite system.
Sanctions Target Companies and Individuals Involved in Rassvet Development
The sanctioned companies include those directly developing the satellite system, manufacturers of the necessary equipment, and suppliers of technological components. In particular, the restrictions target Bureau 1440, an enterprise responsible for developing, coordinating, and integrating the Rassvet project’s systems. Its affiliated company, Labs 1440, has also been added to the list. It focuses on manufacturing solar panels for use in spacecraft.
Another sanctioned entity is FAB Rassvet , which is responsible for developing, manufacturing, and providing technical support for low-Earth-orbit communications satellites and user terminals. The restrictions also cover AeroSpace Instruments, a Belarusian enterprise that develops and prototypes individual components needed to create aerospace systems.
Sanctions Aim to Disrupt Russia’s Military-Industrial Sector
Particular attention was paid to companies supplying industrial equipment and electronics to Russia‘s military-industrial sector. These include 5S Group, which supplies Russia with foreign-made equipment and develops industrial computers under the RMatic brand. According to the Office of the President, one of the computers supplied by the company was received by Orlan, a Russian manufacturer of electronic warfare systems and drones that is already under sanctions.
The sanctions list also includes Akvamash Production Association, which specializes in metal machining and the manufacture of high-precision parts that can be used in industrial production. El-Optics, a company that works with optical, telecommunications, and laser equipment, has also been targeted. Its activities include supplying, servicing, and integrating photonic technologies and quantum communications systems.
Ukraine Calls on International Community to Align Sanctions
“Rassvet is Russia‘s attempt to create its own low-Earth-orbit satellite system and use it in the war against Ukraine and to threaten the entire world,” said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the President’s advisor. “The project depends on foreign technologies, equipment, and components, so we are targeting these supply chains at the development stage and calling on our partners to align their sanctions.”
Original Article: Ukraine sanctions developers of Russia’s Rassvet satellite system and 39 shadow fleet vessels — Rubryka