Russia has threatened the United States with a “full-scale space war” after Ukraine called for sanctions on companies and individuals linked to Moscow's rival satellite system, Rassvet.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of the Kremlin's Security Council and a former Russian president and prime minister, warned that Moscow could take down Elon Musk's Starlink satellites. Starlink uses thousands of low-Earth-orbit satellites to provide high-speed broadband, including to remote areas and Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.
Zelensky calls for sanctions
The threat came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged US President Donald Trump to sanction Russian and Chinese companies and individuals involved in Rassvet. “We know that China works on satellites, works on the possibility of helping Russia with a similar Starlink,” Zelensky said.
Medvedev hit back, saying “the Kyiv moron's request to 'block' Russia's Rassvet satellite constellation can only imply its destruction. And that will lead to a full-scale space war.”
Medvedev's warning
“I hope the US understands this. Otherwise, their low-orbit Starlink satellites will then come dropping like decorations off a dried-out Christmas tree. Space is a very cramped place so it's a must to be mutually polite,” Medvedev said.
Rassvet has been fast-tracked after Musk blocked Russian armed forces from using Starlink. More than 30 satellites were launched in March and July 2026, but the programme has reportedly encountered technical problems, with at least three satellites believed to have failed. Russia is planning a constellation of hundreds of satellites.
