Ukraine, Nokia to Build Ukraine-Controlled Satellite Net

Ukraine has signed a memorandum with Finland's Nokia and satellite maker ICEYE to explore developing a sovereign satellite communications network after recent disruptions to Starshield access.

Memorandum with Nokia and ICEYE

The Ukrainian military recently signed a memorandum of cooperation with Nokia and ICEYE to examine the feasibility of a satellite communications network that would be independent and under Ukrainian sovereignty. The memorandum was announced on Thursday 22 October.

Rafal Modrzewski, co-founder and chief executive officer of ICEYE, said: "Ukraine needs secure, independent, high-performance satellite communications systems that it controls. We have a proven track record of rapidly executing independent missions, and we can help build such a capability. ICEYE has proudly supported Ukraine since 2022 and remains committed to continuing that support."

On 1 October Nokia and ICEYE had already said they planned to cooperate to help countries develop independent satellite communications systems. The agreement with Ukraine follows that earlier announcement.

Reliance on Starlink and Starshield and October restrictions

Ukraine relies heavily on satellite-based communications and data for its defence against Russia, including for long-range control of high-speed drones. The country does not own the satellites it uses and has primarily depended on SpaceX's Starlink constellation and Starshield, the military-hardened variant used by the United States and its allies.

• Starlink (SpaceX commercial constellation)
• Starshield (military variant controlled by the U.S.)
• ICEYE's radar satellite constellation

On 14 October Ukrainian soldiers and officials reported a sudden reduction in access to Starshield. The restrictions reportedly included speed caps for drone terminals, which Ukrainian forces said caused many drones to fall from the sky. It remains unclear who ordered the limits. Some U.S. officials have reportedly suggested Elon Musk issued the instruction; Musk wrote on X on 14 October: "Starshield systems belong to the U.S. government and are under its control. Any speed or usage limits are determined by the U.S. military and ultimately the president of the United States is responsible." The limits were later described as lifted, according to recent statements.

ICEYE support and a Russian satellite proximity incident

ICEYE and its U.S. subsidiary operate a fleet of synthetic-aperture radar Earth observation satellites in low Earth orbit. Ukraine uses ICEYE constellation data for intelligence and operational planning, and ICEYE has provided support to Ukraine since 2022.

A Russian inspection satellite named Kosmos 2612 recently moved unusually close to ICEYE-X36, a satellite operated by ICEYE's U.S. entity. The purpose of that uncoordinated approach is unknown. Possible explanations include that Russia sought to assess the satellite's capabilities, to interfere with its operations, or to send a message to ICEYE and Ukraine; available reports do not establish a definitive motive.