By Don Terry | Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 2 min read
In a significant development, French satellite operator Eutelsat Communications is in advanced talks with the European Union to potentially take over from Elon Musk’s Starlink in Ukraine, according to a report from Bloomberg on March 6.
Eutelsat already has a presence in Ukraine, with thousands of terminals deployed—though not all are currently connected. Meanwhile, Starlink has been a critical lifeline on the battlefield, with around 42,000 terminals supporting military operations, medical facilities, businesses, and humanitarian organizations.
Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke confirmed that the company is negotiating with suppliers to provide both military-grade and standard terminals, estimating that it would take a few months to deliver the 40,000 units needed to match Starlink’s coverage.
Concerns over Starlink’s reliability intensified after the U.S. temporarily halted military aid to Ukraine on March 3. According to Reuters, U.S. officials have even discussed the possibility of restricting Ukraine’s access to Starlink—a scenario that could have serious implications for the country’s defense operations.
Musk, who owns Starlink and maintains close ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump, has denied any intention to cut off access. However, uncertainties surrounding U.S. policy have prompted European leaders to explore alternative solutions to ensure Ukraine’s uninterrupted access to satellite communications.
Unlike Starlink, Eutelsat plans to integrate OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which operate at about 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) above the Earth, with its geostationary satellites positioned at 35,000 kilometers (21,748 miles).
This dual-constellation approach could be a game-changer, offering critical connectivity for Ukraine’s military, including support for drone operations—a key element in countering Russian forces.
While OneWeb already provides services in Ukraine through a German distributor, expanding coverage would require European governments to approve procurement and integration plans.
Starlink is facing setbacks as Elon Musk’s political ties create growing concerns. The Canadian government has decided against using Starlink services, while Italy is reconsidering a proposed €1.5 billion deal. Instead, Italian officials are in discussions with Eutelsat, exploring alternatives for secure satellite communications.
Eutelsat, meanwhile, has seen its stock fluctuate. The company’s shares initially surged after the European Union committed to boosting defense spending but later dropped by 11%. Despite the volatility, Eutelsat is pushing forward, though executives admit they need additional financial and logistical backing to accelerate the deployment of satellite terminals in Ukraine.
This shift could mark a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s wartime strategy, as Europe moves to reduce its reliance on a privately owned U.S. satellite network and ensure long-term, stable connectivity for Ukraine’s defense and humanitarian efforts.
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