Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pressed President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Russian and Chinese entities developing a satellite communications network called Rassvet as a potential rival to Elon Musk's Starlink system.

Zelenskyy told the Financial Times that he raised the issue with Trump several times, including during their meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month. He said Russia is accelerating the project with Chinese assistance after Musk earlier blocked Kremlin forces from using Starlink to guide drones against Ukrainian targets.

The Ukrainian leader warned that the network could become operational by the end of this year or early next year. He noted that China is working with Russia on satellites and related technology to create an analog to Starlink. Such a system would allow Russian forces to improve the precision of airstrikes and drone operations while reducing dependence on Western infrastructure.

Rassvet has already seen deployments, with reports indicating around 30 satellites launched by mid-2026. Commercial service is targeted for 2027, though Ukrainian officials fear military applications could emerge sooner. Zelenskyy highlighted risks to Ukraine and European allies, including enhanced Russian capabilities for drone guidance and potential sabotage operations.

In addition to sanctions, Zelenskyy has sought Trump's approval for expanded Ukrainian use of Starlink-equipped drones up to 200 kilometers inside Russia to target ballistic missile and drone launch sites. Ukrainian forces currently operate the system only within their own borders. Trump has referred such requests to Musk directly in past discussions.

The push comes amid ongoing Russian drone and missile campaigns against Ukraine. Zelenskyy has argued that countering the Rassvet project is essential to maintain technological advantages on the battlefield. Trump has signaled general support for sanctions measures but has not committed publicly to specific actions against the involved companies.