European governments are accelerating efforts to develop alternatives to Elon Musk’s Starlink after restrictions on the satellite service disrupted Ukraine’s drone operations, exposing risks from dependence on a single provider.
Finnish companies ICEYE and Nokia recently agreed with Ukraine’s defense ministry to explore independent satellite communications. Their first satellites are expected to launch in 2028, an ICEYE spokesperson told Axios. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said reliable communications were essential to national security.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk ordered Starlink restrictions in Ukraine. Musk later said Ukraine had breached the service’s terms by using it for offensive drone strikes. President Donald Trump denied White House involvement.
Eutelsat shares rose following the disruption. Its chief executive said decisions to suspend service require board approval, rather than unilateral executive action.
Related Tweet:
Ukraine's Starlink woes spur Europe to look for non-Musk alternatives https://t.co/3Bc8EadpJ7
— Axios (@axios) October 28, 2026
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