Ukraine Partners with Nokia and ICEYE to Build Sovereign Satellite Network Amid Starlink Restrictions
- Ukraine is developing a sovereign satellite communications network alongside Finnish partners Nokia and Iceye to reduce its military and logistical dependence on SpaceX's Starlink system.
- The Ukrainian Defense Ministry signed a declaration of intent with Finnish telecommunications firm Nokia and satellite manufacturer Iceye to build an independent satellite communication system under Ukrainian control,...
- Iceye CEO Rafal Modrzewski emphasized that Ukraine requires a secure, high-performance satellite communications network under its own direct command, Economx noted.
Ukraine is developing a sovereign satellite communications network alongside Finnish partners Nokia and Iceye to reduce its military and logistical dependence on SpaceX’s Starlink system. Ukrainian officials announced the move following sudden speed restrictions on Starshield terminals that disrupted active operations, according to hvg.hu. The agreement forms part of a broader €300 million support package signed during Petteri Orpo’s visit to Kyiv on October 22, 2026, Economx reported.
Ukraine Signs €300 Million Agreement With Nokia and Iceye
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry signed a declaration of intent with Finnish telecommunications firm Nokia and satellite manufacturer Iceye to build an independent satellite communication system under Ukrainian control, Economx reported. Petteri Orpo and Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the seven new cooperation agreements during talks in Kyiv on October 22, 2026, according to KISZó. The broader package spans defense technologies, railway modernization, industrial investments, and the supply of ten Dv12 diesel locomotives to Ukrainian Railways.
Iceye CEO Rafal Modrzewski emphasized that Ukraine requires a secure, high-performance satellite communications network under its own direct command, Economx noted. Nokia and Iceye recently established a partnership to develop low-Earth orbit broadband systems where national governments retain full ownership and operational control over satellites, ground infrastructure, and user terminals. President Zelenskyy stated via social media that expanding the use of Finland’s satellite capabilities is essential for national defense and resilience.
Starlink Restrictions Disrupt Ukrainian Defense Operations
SpaceX implemented sudden speed restrictions on Starshield terminals in Ukraine without prior notice, interfering with ongoing military actions and drone operations, hvg.hu reported. Economx.hu noted that Elon Musk ordered the throttling of military-grade satellite communications, complicating Ukrainian defense and strike missions. While Mykhailo Fedorov praised Musk for swift reactions to Russian jamming attempts, lawmakers and officials criticized the unannounced service modifications.
Donald Trump stated that restrictions on the satellite service had been lifted, though Ukrainian officials reported ongoing operational bottlenecks, Economx stated. US lawmakers have demanded investigations into why the company altered its service provisions without warning. Space Capital CEO Chad Anderson estimated that building a comparable alternative network would take at least two to three years, noting that reaching the scale of the roughly 11,000 active Starlink satellites currently in orbit remains a distant prospect, hvg.hu reported.
Alternative Infrastructure Projects Move Forward in Kyiv
In addition to the Nokia and Iceye agreements, Ukraine established a partnership with Norway to jointly develop air defense and communications systems as alternative capabilities, hvg.hu reported. The cooperation with Finland also targets critical logistics and energy infrastructure protection against Russian strikes, with additional funding allocated for energy equipment and mobile shelters, according to KISZó. Neither the Trump administration nor SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has accepted direct responsibility for the initial bandwidth restrictions, hvg.hu noted.