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Ukraine to launch Starlink mobile internet in 2026, becoming Europe’s first

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Ukraine is set to become the first European country to offer Starlink mobile services, with telecom operator Kyivstar planning to roll out messaging by the end of 2025 and mobile satellite broadband by mid-2026, Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov announced.

Under a deal with SpaceX signed in late 2024, field tests have already started for direct-to-cell satellite services, which connect smartphones directly to satellites without relying on traditional cell towers. This technology allows satellite constellations to function like mobile networks from space.

Komarov told Reuters that the initial phase will focus on over-the-top (OTT) messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal, expected to be operational by the end of this year. Full mobile satellite broadband data and voice services are targeted for launch by the second quarter of 2026.

While SpaceX did not comment, the announcement follows a related plan by U.S. carrier T-Mobile, which will offer data services on its Starlink-powered satellite-to-cell network starting October.

Komarov made these remarks ahead of a Ukraine recovery conference hosted by Italy, marking three years since Russia’s invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is also attending the event. Komarov emphasized his goal to support the Ukrainian government and foster new business relations, including partnerships with Italian firms aiming to invest in Ukraine.

Kyivstar, part of telecom group VEON, is progressing with plans for a U.S. stock market listing on NASDAQ, aiming to complete the direct placement of a Ukrainian entity during wartime by Q3 2025 — a first in history, Komarov noted.

Despite ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure causing widespread blackouts last year, Komarov said telecom services have become more resilient. Currently, Kyivstar can maintain fixed and mobile services for up to 10 hours even during national blackouts.

Putin Open to Talks with Trump, But Ukraine Demands Remain Firm, Says Kremlin

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly open to discussing the Ukraine conflict with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, though he remains resolute in his demands regarding Ukraine, the Kremlin confirmed on Friday. Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson, emphasized that Moscow’s objectives in Ukraine have not shifted and that Putin has no intention of revising these terms.

When questioned about whether Putin’s willingness to communicate with Trump indicates any flexibility in Russia’s stance, Peskov clarified that Russia’s goals remain unchanged. “The president has never suggested a shift in the objectives of the special military operation. He has repeatedly emphasized that they are consistent,” said Peskov. He underscored that Russia’s goals pertain to securing the nation’s interests and protecting Russian citizens in the contested areas.

As of mid-2023, Putin’s terms for ending the war require Ukraine to abandon NATO aspirations and withdraw its military from the four regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—that Russia claims as its own. Ukraine has dismissed these conditions, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asserting that accepting such terms would amount to surrender. Instead, Zelenskiy has presented a “victory plan” calling for increased Western military assistance to achieve a decisive Ukrainian win.

Trump, who has previously criticized extensive U.S. support for Ukraine, has suggested he could end the conflict within 24 hours if given the opportunity, though he has not specified his approach. Zelenskiy expressed skepticism over Trump’s promise, warning that a quick resolution could entail significant losses for Ukraine. “If it’s just fast, it means losses for Ukraine. I just don’t yet understand how this could be in any other way,” Zelenskiy remarked.

In recent statements, Putin extended congratulations to Trump following his election win, commending his composure during an attempted assassination in July. He also expressed an openness to dialogue, describing Trump’s comments on resolving the Ukraine conflict as noteworthy. Trump himself has mentioned to NBC that he has not yet spoken with Putin but anticipates a conversation in the near future.

Peskov, however, noted that while there are no confirmed plans for a call between Trump and Putin, the Russian president remains open to dialogue. According to the Kremlin, current U.S.-Russia relations are at an all-time low due to Washington’s ongoing support for Ukraine and extensive sanctions on Russia.

Putin’s last direct communication with U.S. President Joe Biden occurred in February 2022, shortly before Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine. During that call, Biden warned Putin of a swift Western response should he proceed with the invasion.

The Kremlin has also dispelled rumors that Trump had spoken to Putin since leaving office, despite claims in journalist Bob Woodward’s book “War” suggesting otherwise. According to the book, an unnamed Trump aide claimed that Trump and Putin may have had as many as seven conversations since Trump exited the White House in 2021. The Kremlin, however, has denied such claims.

 

Zelensky Pushes Long-Range Weapons as Key to Ukraine’s ‘Victory Plan’ Ahead of US Visit

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As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for his upcoming visit to the United States, he emphasized the critical role that long-range weapons will play in Ukraine’s strategy for defeating Russia. Zelensky revealed that his “victory plan,” which he intends to present to U.S. officials, includes the ability to strike targets inside Russia. However, despite progress, Ukraine has yet to receive permission from allies like the U.S. and the U.K. to use such weapons within Russian territory.

Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine does have some long-range weapons but not in sufficient quantities. He attributed the allies’ reluctance to authorize strikes inside Russia to concerns over potential escalation. He stated that while President Joe Biden is being advised on escalation risks, not all of his advisors share this fear, which Zelensky views as a positive development.

Next week, Zelensky hopes to further convince Biden and other U.S. officials of the importance of loosening restrictions on long-range missile use. He mentioned that previous difficult discussions with Biden had led to shifts in policy and remained hopeful that his arguments would be well-received during this visit. In addition to meeting President Biden, Zelensky plans to consult with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, who has been vague about his stance on the war in Ukraine.

During his U.S. visit, Zelensky is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York and make a stop at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Pennsylvania. The facility produces the 155mm artillery shells vital to Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russia.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue their push to degrade Russian military infrastructure. Ukrainian officials reported on Saturday that two major ammunition depots were struck in Russia’s Krasnodar and Tver regions. These strikes, carried out in coordination with Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), targeted key logistics facilities, including a large base storing Iskander and Tochka-U tactical missile systems. The attacks mark a continued effort by Ukraine to weaken Russia’s artillery capabilities. However, Russian authorities have not confirmed the strikes.

Zelensky’s visit and his focus on securing more military aid come as Ukraine intensifies its counteroffensive, targeting Russian supply lines and ammunition storage facilities, aiming to shift the balance in the war.