Ukraine Strikes Russian Space Facility Accelerating Rival Starlink Network

Ukrainian forces launched an overnight cruise missile attack on the sole Russian facility assembling launch vehicles for Moscow’s rapidly expanding satellite internet constellation.

Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday that Kyiv deployed Flamingo missiles to strike the Progress Rocket Space Center in Samara, a southwestern Russian city located roughly 560 miles from the Ukrainian border.

The targeted site produces the Soyuz-2 rocket family, including the Soyuz-2.1b models needed to launch Russia's Rassvet satellites into low-Earth orbit.

Moscow is accelerating the deployment of the Rassvet network, designed to function as an equivalent to Elon Musk's Starlink system.

Ukrainian military intelligence deputy chief Maj. Gen. Vadym Skibitsky confirmed the advanced timeline, noting that Russian forces "have begun launching it much faster than originally planned."

The rapid establishment of the network poses a direct threat to Ukrainian battlefield communications and drone operations, which currently rely on Starlink.

Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to the Ukrainian president, warned that an operational Rassvet constellation would grant Moscow severe tactical advantages.

"Russians will be able to attack our entire country using (drones) with online control via their satellites," Beskrestnov stated.

He estimates Russia already maintains about 40 Rassvet satellites in orbit after initial launches in March and a subsequent deployment in July.

Satellite imagery suggests the Ukrainian attack likely struck the onboard electronics assembly workshop at the Samara space center.

Ivan Noskov, head of the regional capital, reported that local air defenses engaged a massive overnight barrage, and authorities are currently assessing the resulting damage and potential casualties.

The overnight offensive extended beyond the Samara space facility. Ukrainian long-range strikes also hit an oil installation in Ust-Luga, located over 500 miles from the border, and the Savasleyka air base.

Positioned 435 miles from Ukraine, the Savasleyka installation houses MiG-31 fighter jets equipped to carry Kinzhal ballistic missiles. The base previously faced a Ukrainian strike in June 2025.

Video footage released by the Ukrainian president displayed the targeted southwestern facilities burning, with dense smoke rising from the structures.

Zelensky framed the widespread strikes as a deliberate effort to systematically degrade Moscow's combat capabilities.

"The Savasleyka airfield, where the carriers of Russian missiles that strike our cities and villages are based, was also reached by our long-range sanctions," he said.