Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
Ukraine and Finnish firms plan sovereign satellite communications system
Ukraine signed a letter of intent with Finnish firms ICEYE and Nokia to explore building its own satellite communications network.
The agreement was formalized on Oct.
22 during Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s visit to Kyiv.
Ukraine’s military depends heavily on satellite links for communications and drone operations as it defends against Russia’s invasion.
Recent disruptions to Starlink and Starshield services exposed Ukraine’s reliance on systems it does not control; the accounts differ on which service was affected and who ordered limits.
A sovereign network could give Ukraine ownership and control of its satellites, ground equipment and user terminals.
The proposed system is intended to keep vital communications under Ukrainian control, even if foreign governments change access to other services.
The companies and Ukraine will now explore how to develop the network; no construction schedule is given.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry signed a letter of intent with Finnish companies ICEYE and Nokia to explore developing a sovereign satellite communications system.
The agreement was signed on Oct. 22, during Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s visit to Kyiv.
Ukraine relies heavily on SpaceX’s Starlink and Starshield services, and reports of disruptions to Starshield access have reinforced its desire to control its own communications infrastructure.
The proposed system is intended to give Ukraine control over its satellites, ground equipment and terminals.
ICEYE and Nokia announced plans on Oct. 1 to work together on sovereign satellite communications systems for governments.
- Who
- Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and Finnish companies ICEYE and Nokia.
- What
- They signed a letter of intent to explore developing a sovereign satellite communications system for Ukraine.
- When
- Oct. 22, 2026.
- Where
- Kyiv, Ukraine.
- Why
- Ukraine wants secure communications infrastructure it controls; reported disruptions to Starshield access have reinforced that aim.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Nokia and ICEYE announced plans to work together on sovereign satellite communications systems for governments.
Ukrainian soldiers and officials reported severe throttling of their access to Starshield services.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry signed a letter of intent with ICEYE and Nokia to explore a sovereign satellite communications system.
- Signatories
- Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, ICEYE and Nokia
- Agreement
- Letter of intent to explore a sovereign satellite communications system
- Signing date
- Oct. 22, 2026
- Location
- Kyiv, Ukraine
- Earlier partnership announcement
- Oct. 1, 2026, by ICEYE and Nokia
3 sources
What people are saying
Ukraine needs secure, sovereign, and high-performance satellite communications systems that it controls.
control over the connectivity it depends on
Nations need communications they can rely on in every situation.
Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS