Krieg in der Ukraine

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Russia Eyes Balloon Communications System To Fill Massive Gap Left After Losing Starlink

Ukraine's defence intelligence says Russian forces used Rassvet satellites for “several hours”

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU, also known as HUR) has told Janes it recorded Russian forces using the first group of Rassvet satellites for satellite communication (satcom) over Ukraine for “several hours” by the end of July 2026.

“These capabilities could be potentially used for real-time data transmissions and for operating reconnaissance and strike UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles],” a senior official from DIU told Janes on 4 September. The deployment of Russia's Rassvet satellite constellation will result in a “significant enhancement of Russia's space-based capabilities”, the official added.

Russia launched a total of 32 satellites for its Rassvet-3 constellation into low Earth orbit (LEO) as of August 2026, according to the official. At least six experimental Rassvet-1 and Rassvet-2 satellites were launched, bringing the total number to 38. “By the end of 2026, Russia plans to further expand the constellation with seven launches,” the official added.

The first 16 satellites of Rassvet, produced by Russian company Bureau 1440, were launched on 23 March 2026, according to a 24 March press release from Bureau 1440. The DIU official confirmed this, adding that Moscow might not be able to “access components, technologies, and equipment to further deployments” of the Rassvet constellation.

https://www.janes.com/defence-intellige ... eral-hours

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Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition.

https://www.elysee.fr/en/emmanuel-macro ... -coalition

Wer's glaubt ...

Commission approves €6.1 billion for Ukraine's defence

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/pressco ... ip_26_1750

In Ukraine, Fraud and Waste Are Rewarded With More Weapons Contracts

Ukraine asks EU to fund first Patriot missiles buy

Ukraine Says It Needs $27 Billion More. Europe Wants to Know Why.

By Jeanna Smialek and Siobhán O’Grady

Reporting from Brussels and Kyiv.
Sept. 9, 2026, 5:05 a.m. ET

When a group of European officials arrived in Kyiv to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day last month, they got some worrying news.

The European Union, a key backer, had earlier this year finalized a loan of more than $100 billion for the country. But Ukraine now faced an unexpectedly large defense budget shortfall, President Volodymyr Zelensky told allies. To get through the year, he would need $27 billion more.

Ukraine’s request surprised and unsettled many officials around Europe at a moment when Kyiv, short on air defenses to protect itself from nonstop Russian drone and missile attacks, faces one of its most dangerous moments since 2022.

Europeans understand Ukraine is in a fight for its existence but did not expect such a large budget shortfall, according to four European diplomats who, like others quoted in this piece, spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. In private, some have questioned whether money is being spent efficiently, two European officials said, or whether needs are being overstated.

Now, European officials are scrambling to understand where the shortfall came from, exactly how large it is and whether, or how, to send more money this year. Kyiv is also asking Britain, Canada and Japan to help cover the gap.

The surprise request threatens to complicate Ukraine’s relationship with allies at a moment it needs their support. The United States has stepped back from backing Kyiv financially, making European money more essential. But national leaders must balance their support for Ukraine with domestic spending priorities, or risk angering voters.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/09/worl ... -cost.html





https://ec.europa.eu/commission/pressco ... nt_26_1818


36th Ramstein-format meeting: Ukraine calls on partners to increase funding for drones and air defense
8 September, 2026, 9:14 PM EEST

Evgeniy Khmara also noted that Ukraine is signing contracts for the supply of around 1,000 missiles for Patriot systems, with support from partners and funding from an EU loan.

However, these future deliveries will take time, so Ukraine needs missiles from partners’ stockpiles now — before the start of winter.

Funding for drones

The Minister of Defence stressed that funding decisions are needed now.

In Ankara, partners pledged €70 billion in security assistance to Ukraine this year. At present, Ukraine sees €62 billion in support, including bilateral assistance and an EU loan. An additional €8 billion is needed to meet the commitments set out in the declaration.

He added that the overall defense funding gap stands at €23 billion, or $27 billion. These funds are needed to finance drones and ensure sustained supplies this year and early next year.

Strengthening air defense before winter

Another priority is decisions on air defense. Ukraine is asking partners to transfer missiles from their stockpiles now — in exchange for improved missiles to be delivered in the future under Ukrainian contracts.

Ukraine also stresses the importance of providing air-to-air missiles and man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) to counter cruise missiles and, as an interim measure, jet-powered Shahed drones.

Support for Ukraine is an investment in our shared security

Evgeniy Khmara stressed that support for Ukraine is not a subsidy, but an investment.

Ukraine offers its partners a win-win model that strengthens Ukraine and its partners alike. This includes joint defense projects, technologies, combat experience, and new capabilities that contribute to the security of the free world.

https://mod.gov.ua/en/news/36th-ramstei ... ir-defense