GoKawiilUkraine signs letter of intent with Nokia and ICEYE on satellite communications
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense announced a letter of intent with Finland's Nokia and satellite maker ICEYE to build new defense and satellite communication capabilities, following disruptions to SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield services. President Zelenskyy also said Ukraine is pursuing a separate partnership with Norway on air defense and communications systems. Ukraine officials said Starlink restrictions, which disrupt connectivity for fast-moving drones and aircraft, were still in effect as of Friday.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The moves suggest Kyiv is working to reduce reliance on a single U.S. supplier for battlefield connectivity after unexplained Starlink restrictions affected drone operations. Brookings fellow Jay Shambaugh suggested the episode fits a broader pattern of the U.S. appearing unreliable to allies, which he said could eventually push European countries to reduce dependence on U.S. technology exports. The dispute has also prompted U.S. lawmakers from both parties to call for scrutiny of SpaceX's unilateral service changes.
- Ukraine signed a letter of intent with Nokia and ICEYE to develop alternative satellite communication systems.
- Starlink and Starshield restrictions have disrupted connectivity for Ukrainian drones traveling over 100 mph.
- U.S. lawmakers and analysts are questioning SpaceX's reliability as a defense partner amid the unexplained service changes.
Source: cnbc.com — Lora Kolodny, 2026-10-23
Published there as: “In hunt for Starlink alternative, Ukraine partners with Nokia and satellite maker ICEYE”
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