Ukraine has introduced new sanctions against Russia’s defence industry and companies that help the Russian Federation circumvent restrictions on energy exports. Those targeted include the developers of the “Rassvet” satellite communications system, which Moscow plans to use for military purposes, as well as 39 vessels from Russia’s “shadow fleet”.
The relevant decrees were signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Office of the President reported.
The sanctions linked to the “Rassvet” project cover 10 companies and 19 Russian citizens. These are entities directly involved in satellite development, the manufacture of components and the supply of technological equipment.
What is known about the “Rassvet” project?
Russia is counting on creating its own low-Earth-orbit satellite network modelled on Starlink. The idea is that it would provide communications for command and control of troops, and also enable real-time control of strike drones, including “Shaheds”, and missiles. The occupiers plan to use such a system on Ukrainian territory.
Among the companies placed under sanctions is “Bureau 1440”, which is responsible for developing and coordinating the entire project. The list also includes its affiliated “Labs 1440”, a manufacturer of solar panels for spacecraft, and “FAB Rassvet”, which is involved in creating low-Earth-orbit communications satellites and subscriber terminals.
The restrictions also affect enterprises that provide the project with the necessary technologies and components. In particular, the Belarusian company “AeroKosmichni Prylady”, the Russian suppliers of foreign industrial equipment “5S Group” and electronic components “Elesar-Group”, as well as manufacturers and integrators of specialised equipment “Akvamash”, “El-Optics” and “Small Spacecraft” have been sanctioned.
As the Office of the President explained, the implementation of “Rassvet” depends on Russia’s access to foreign technologies and equipment. The sanctions are therefore aimed at restricting the supply chains needed to develop and deploy the satellite network.
Restrictions apply to 39 vessels transporting Russian oil and gas
The second package of restrictions concerns 39 vessels used to transport Russian crude oil, petroleum products and gas condensate. They sail under the flags of 13 states and jurisdictions, including Russia, Barbados, Liberia, Panama, Hong Kong and the Marshall Islands.
These vessels facilitate exports of Russian energy resources to China, India, Egypt, Turkey and other countries. The Office of the President noted that some of the vessels on the new sanctions list are already subject to restrictions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Switzerland and Australia. Ukraine plans to share the relevant information with partners in order to extend sanctions against these vessels in other jurisdictions.
- On 24 October, Ukraine imposed sanctions on Russian companies and citizens involved in the production of ballistic missiles and the supply of components for the Russian Federation’s military-industrial complex. The restrictions covered, in particular, manufacturers of equipment for Iskander, Kalibr, Kh-101 and Kinzhal missiles, suppliers of electronics for drones, as well as enterprises of the industrial group “RUSAL”, whose products are used in the manufacture of weapons and military equipment.