The Guardian: A New Front Opens In The War In Ukraine

• 8.11.2026, 14:53

Kyiv is developing its own alternative to Starlink and anti-satellite weapons.

Space is becoming a new front in the Russia-Ukraine war: satellites provide communications, reconnaissance, and weapon guidance, while both sides are seeking ways to disrupt the enemy’s space infrastructure. Ukraine is building its own satellite network, developing means to intercept targets outside the atmosphere, and striking Russian facilities necessary for launching satellites, writes The Guardian.

One such strike was an attack with two “Flamingo” missiles on the "Progress" in Samara on August 15. Buildings were damaged, including Workshop 106A, where electronic components and control systems for “Soyuz-2” launch vehicles are assembled. These vehicles are used to deploy Russia’s “Rassvet” satellite network, which is intended to serve as an alternative to Starlink.

Moscow, for its part, uses satellites to track foreign spacecraft. In particular, the Russian “Kosmos-2612” performed dangerous maneuvers near a commercial satellite operated by the Finnish company Iceye, which transmits radar imagery of the terrain to the Ukrainian military. Russia also employs signal jamming, laser blinding of satellites, and inspection satellites to monitor foreign objects.

“We are already living in this future,” said space security expert Elena Grossfeld, referring to the transformation of space into a military arena.

Meanwhile, Ukraine, in partnership with the Danish company GomSpace, launched the Obria Nano test satellite—the first spacecraft in a future national communications network that could include about 245 satellites.

In addition, Kyiv has conducted at least three tests of near-space target interception systems, including those designed to counter Russian “Oreshnik” missiles. Funding remains the main obstacle to further development amid the enormous costs of the war.