Ukraine Moves Toward Its Own Satellites as Access Limits Persist
WHO:
The Washington Post - President Donald Trump said Elon Musk had lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s access to Starshield, the military equivalent of Starlink.
The Washington Post - Ukraine disputed Trump’s claim.
Al Jazeera - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine had agreed to partner with Finnish firms Nokia and ICEYE on satellite capabilities.
Al Jazeera - Zelenskyy said he reached the agreement with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
Al Jazeera - A Ukrainian Ministry of Defence source said “instances of signal loss are still being observed” on Starshield.
Al Jazeera - ICEYE CEO Rafal Modrzewski said Ukraine needed a secure satellite communications system it controls.
WHAT:
The Washington Post - Ukraine said access to Starshield remained restricted despite Trump saying Musk had lifted the restrictions.
Al Jazeera - Ukraine announced plans to develop an independent satellite communications system with Finnish firms.
Al Jazeera - Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence reported continuing problems with Starshield military services.
Al Jazeera - Zelenskyy said Ukraine would use more of Finland’s satellite capabilities, which he called important for Ukraine’s defence and resilience.
Al Jazeera - Zelenskyy thanked the Finnish companies for their willingness to support Ukraine’s logistics and energy sector, which he said were key Russian targets.
Al Jazeera - Nokia and ICEYE signed a letter of intent with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence.
Al Jazeera - ICEYE said its satellites provide reconnaissance data in all weather and at any time of day.
Al Jazeera - Ukraine’s military was reportedly left scrambling after sudden Starlink restrictions; service returned, but connectivity reportedly remained spotty.
Al Jazeera - Ukraine recently launched more than 1,000 drones at Russia in one of its largest aerial attacks in the war.
WHERE:
Al Jazeera - Orpo visited Kyiv, where the Finnish firms signed the letter of intent with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence.
Al Jazeera - Russia has attacked Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine.
WHY:
Al Jazeera - Ukraine’s move toward an independent system follows ongoing Starshield issues and reported connectivity problems.
Al Jazeera - Ukraine needs secure satellite communications under its own control, according to ICEYE CEO Rafal Modrzewski.
Al Jazeera - Satellite services support Ukraine’s defence, air defences, logistics, energy sector, and resilience.
HOW:
Al Jazeera - Ukraine plans to develop its system through cooperation with Finnish companies Nokia and ICEYE and to use more of Finland’s satellite capabilities.
Al Jazeera - The Starshield restrictions’ origin remained disputed, with Musk and Trump administration officials trading blame, according to Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera - Starshield is the military arm of Musk’s Starlink system; the system has become central to Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion.
(UPDATED October 23, 2026 20:12 UTC)
Ukraine says access to Starshield remains restricted, disputing President Trump’s claim that Elon Musk lifted the limits. The Ukrainian Defence Ministry says signal losses are still occurring, after service interruptions left the military scrambling and connectivity spotty. In response, Ukraine is moving to develop satellite capabilities with Finnish companies Nokia and ICEYE. During Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s visit to Kyiv, the firms signed a letter of intent with Ukraine’s Defence Ministry. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine will use more Finnish satellite capabilities, which he calls important for defence and resilience. ICEYE says its satellites provide reconnaissance data in all weather and at any time of day. The company’s chief executive says Ukraine needs secure communications it controls. The partnership is also intended to support logistics and energy infrastructure, which Zelenskyy says are key Russian targets.