After Musk threat, EU explores ways to replace Starlink to secure Ukraine’s satellite communication

With the differences between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy coming out in the open after the shocking White House clash, one thing is quite clear: Kyiv can no longer rely on US support to fight off Russian forces. It essentially means Ukraine should brace for Trump ally Elon Musk shutting down their access to crucial satellite communication system via Starlink.

Last month, it was reported that US officials were threatening Kyiv to cut off Ukrainian forces’ access to vital Starlink network to press it to sign minerals deal. Ukraine last year was using 42,000 Starlink terminals, half of which were being funded by Poland.

Now, Politico has reported that the European Commission is trying to figure out how it could provide Ukraine with access to alternative platforms.

Kyiv ‘expressed interest’ in Govsatcom

According to Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier, Kyiv has “expressed interest” in Govsatcom.

Govsatcom is a network of EU’s existing national government satellite capacity. The European Union Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) is part of the EU’s space programme.

Kyiv is also exploring using IRIS², a new constellation only set to be operational in the 2030s.

“The Commission will pursue its contacts with Ukraine in that regard,” said Regnier.

Earlier this week, French Renew MEP Christophe Grudler urged the EU executive in a letter to urgently explore alternative satellite solutions for Ukraine instead of relying on Starlink.

Grudler suggested that expediting the deployment of Govsatcom this year—by bypassing the certification process—could serve as a temporary solution while the EU develops its IRIS² satellite network.

EU official Philippe Regnier stated that Govsatcom could provide Ukraine with “precursor governmental services,” without providing any details.

‘Losing Starlink would be a massive blow’

Last month, Reuters quoted a source, familiar with discussions between US and Ukrainian officials over Starlink access, as saying that losing the satellite communication capacity would be a massive blow for Ukrainian forces.

“Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star,” said the source. “Losing Starlink … would be a massive blow.”

US billionaire Elon Musk provided Ukraine with access to SpaceX’s Starlink system shortly after its communications services were destroyed by Russia in 2022. Experts believe Starlink is essential to mount Ukraine’s drone attack and shutdown of the service would be a real setback.

(With inputs from agencies)