Ukraine Signs Exploratory Satellite Communications Pact With Nokia, ICEYE

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense signed an exploratory letter of intent with Nokia and ICEYE on satellite communications, opening a new cooperation track as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says limits on Starlink and Starshield remain in place.

The letter was announced Oct. 22 during Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s visit to Ukraine, at a forum where seven documents were signed. It calls for the parties to explore space cooperation, especially satellite communications capabilities for the ministry. The letter does not identify Starlink as a target or set a Ukraine-specific deployment date.

Zelenskyy said in the announcement, “We must all rely on capabilities that we can control.”

Under Nokia and ICEYE’s broader government program, participating nations would retain ownership and control of the spacecraft, ground segment and terminals. The program’s initial communications satellites are expected to reach orbit in 2028; its network is intended to complement military and commercial systems.

On Oct. 23, Zelenskyy said speed limits on Starlink and Starshield remained in place and had made conditions harder, partly affecting logistics. “First, the speed limits on Starlink and Starshield are still there,” he said.

Ukraine is also exploring other satellite-network options, including Amazon’s developing network and Eutelsat OneWeb.