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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.

Ukraine’s State Railway Partially Restores Online Services After Cyberattack

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Ukraine’s state railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, has partially restored its online services following a large-scale cyberattack that disrupted both passenger and freight transport systems. The attack, first reported on Sunday, caused a major IT failure, forcing passengers to buy tickets on-site or onboard trains.

Restoration Efforts Underway

Ukrzaliznytsia announced via Telegram that online ticket sales have resumed in a backup format, allowing passengers to purchase and refund tickets. However, the system is currently under heavy load, leading to potential temporary technical issues. The company urged passengers to only use the service for urgent travel needs.

Impact and Response

Despite ongoing technical challenges, the first 12,000 tickets have already been purchased since services were restored. Ukrzaliznytsia continues to work on fully stabilizing its digital infrastructure in the wake of the cyberattack.

‘Gamestop Effect’ Drives Eutelsat’s 650% Surge Amid Retail Traders’ Frenzy

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Shares of Franco-British satellite operator Eutelsat surged dramatically this week, with gains reaching nearly 650% over four days, as retail traders appeared to be behind the movement, reminiscent of the “Gamestop effect” seen in 2021. This sudden rally in Eutelsat’s stock follows speculation that the company could replace Elon Musk’s Starlink in providing internet access to war-torn Ukraine, reigniting investor interest in a stock that had previously hit record lows.

On Thursday, Eutelsat’s shares rose another 18%, pushing the company’s value to over €4 billion ($4.3 billion), although they eventually retreated by 11% in the face of heavy trading volumes. This followed a six-fold increase in the prior three sessions, marking a remarkable short squeeze, according to Bernstein analyst Aleksander Peterc. The move is seen as one of the most substantial short squeezes, driven by retail traders amplifying the effects of geopolitical tensions and speculations about the company’s future role in satellite communication for Ukraine.

The rally began after a public dispute between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump last Friday, which led to the suspension of military aid to Ukraine. The excitement around Eutelsat also gained momentum from intense discussions in French retail forums, particularly on Boursorama, and continued interest in platforms like Germany’s Tradegate. Eutelsat has become one of the most traded stocks on these platforms this week, surpassing even major defense stocks.

Stephane Ekolo, an equity strategist, pointed out that retail traders were likely behind the short squeeze, as hedge funds had shorted the stock, leading to heavy covering of positions. Despite this surge, analysts caution that the stock’s price reflects investor hope more than solid fundamentals. In January, Moody’s had downgraded Eutelsat’s rating, citing struggles with its OneWeb satellites and cash flow pressures due to significant investment needs.

Additionally, Eutelsat is reportedly in talks with the European Union about providing more internet access to Ukraine, potentially boosting its prospects further. The company is also discussing a deal with the Italian government for secure satellite communications. Despite this, Fitch downgraded the company’s long-term rating, citing its need for additional funding of $4.2 billion by 2032.