Ukraine plans Starlink-like satellite network, Zelensky says

Ukraine is developing a satellite communications system similar to Starlink, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The system is intended to support military communications and state institutions, according to reports cited by TechRadar.

Early plans call for launching 120 satellites in 2027, with SpaceX rockets expected to carry them into orbit. Ukraine does not have an orbital launch vehicle suited to heavy-lift launches, the report says. Ukrainian company Stetman has been named in earlier reports as a developer of the communications units.

Zelensky said it would be fair for Ukraine to have access to Starlink for military use, including beyond its borders. He said his concern was that some countries would share relevant technology with Russia later this year or early next year, and specifically named China.

The project is being discussed as Russia’s Rassvet satellite network struggles to provide expected ground coverage. TechRadar reports that all 16 satellites Russia launched in July 2026 are decaying in orbit after failing to reach their operational altitude.

Zelensky’s comments confirm that Ukraine is working on a Starlink-like system, but the reported launch schedule and project details remain early plans. The source attributes the information to Zelensky and earlier reports; it does not establish that the planned network is already operational.