Musk Commits to Supplying Mobile Coverage to Ukraine from Space
Musk is set to deliver cellphone coverage to Ukraine from space, a move anticipated to improve the nation's connectivity during its ongoing conflict with Russia. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The partnership with Starlink is anticipated to enhance the nation’s connectivity amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest mobile operator, has finalized a contract with Elon Musk's Starlink to implement satellite-powered cellular service, as announced on Monday by its parent company, VEON Group.
The service, projected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, will initially offer SMS and over-the-top messaging, with plans to later incorporate voice and data capabilities. VEON hailed the agreement as a “game-changing” advancement aimed at improving connectivity in Ukraine, particularly in light of frequent blackouts stemming from Russian airstrikes targeting energy infrastructure.
The financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed. Ukraine is poised to be among the first nations to embrace Starlink’s direct-to-cell services, according to Reuters.
”With access to Starlink direct-to-cell technology, Kyivstar customers will benefit from satellite-powered connectivity even when the terrestrial network is unable to service an area,” VEON Group emphasized.
Starlink, a division of SpaceX, launched its first satellites enabling direct-to-cell service in January. Last month, the US Federal Communications Commission granted approval for Musk’s company to provide mobile phone coverage in areas lacking access to land-based networks through a partnership with T-Mobile.
During the early stages of the conflict with Russia, the government of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky considered Musk a supporter, especially when SpaceX donated $80 million in Starlink satellite internet terminals to Ukraine. Kiev's military has relied significantly on this system for their communications.
However, Musk found himself in a disagreement with Ukrainian officials and social media users in October 2022 after he proposed a plan to resolve the conflict, suggesting that Russia should “redo elections of annexed regions under UN supervision,” in exchange for Ukraine's commitment to neutrality and relinquishment of its claim to Crimea. Four regions in Ukraine voted to join Russia in the fall of 2022, and Crimea had a similar referendum in 2014 following a Western-backed coup in Kiev.
In response to Musk's proposal, Zelensky initiated a social media poll asking followers to choose which version of “Elon Musk” they prefer—the one “who supports Ukraine” or the one “who supports Russia.” Former Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Andrey Melnik, further escalated the situation by telling Musk to “f**k off.” Soon after, reports emerged indicating that the Ukrainian military was experiencing issues with Starlink services.
Since that time, Musk has frequently mocked Zelensky on X regarding the Ukrainian leader's calls for increased Western aid and NATO membership. Earlier this year, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla stated that there is “no way in hell” Russia would face defeat in its conflict with Ukraine.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest mobile operator, has finalized a contract with Elon Musk's Starlink to implement satellite-powered cellular service, as announced on Monday by its parent company, VEON Group.
The service, projected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, will initially offer SMS and over-the-top messaging, with plans to later incorporate voice and data capabilities. VEON hailed the agreement as a “game-changing” advancement aimed at improving connectivity in Ukraine, particularly in light of frequent blackouts stemming from Russian airstrikes targeting energy infrastructure.
The financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed. Ukraine is poised to be among the first nations to embrace Starlink’s direct-to-cell services, according to Reuters.
”With access to Starlink direct-to-cell technology, Kyivstar customers will benefit from satellite-powered connectivity even when the terrestrial network is unable to service an area,” VEON Group emphasized.
Starlink, a division of SpaceX, launched its first satellites enabling direct-to-cell service in January. Last month, the US Federal Communications Commission granted approval for Musk’s company to provide mobile phone coverage in areas lacking access to land-based networks through a partnership with T-Mobile.
During the early stages of the conflict with Russia, the government of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky considered Musk a supporter, especially when SpaceX donated $80 million in Starlink satellite internet terminals to Ukraine. Kiev's military has relied significantly on this system for their communications.
However, Musk found himself in a disagreement with Ukrainian officials and social media users in October 2022 after he proposed a plan to resolve the conflict, suggesting that Russia should “redo elections of annexed regions under UN supervision,” in exchange for Ukraine's commitment to neutrality and relinquishment of its claim to Crimea. Four regions in Ukraine voted to join Russia in the fall of 2022, and Crimea had a similar referendum in 2014 following a Western-backed coup in Kiev.
In response to Musk's proposal, Zelensky initiated a social media poll asking followers to choose which version of “Elon Musk” they prefer—the one “who supports Ukraine” or the one “who supports Russia.” Former Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Andrey Melnik, further escalated the situation by telling Musk to “f**k off.” Soon after, reports emerged indicating that the Ukrainian military was experiencing issues with Starlink services.
Since that time, Musk has frequently mocked Zelensky on X regarding the Ukrainian leader's calls for increased Western aid and NATO membership. Earlier this year, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla stated that there is “no way in hell” Russia would face defeat in its conflict with Ukraine.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
