Two Finnish companies have come to Ukraine’s rescue as the latter continues to suffer from the lack of satellite connectivity amidst the ongoing war with Russia. ICEYE, a microsatellite manufacturer and operator, Nokia, a multinational telecommunications, technology, and networking infrastructure company, have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence to explore cooperation on satellite communications, with a focus on strengthening Ukraine’s sovereign defence capabilities.
The agreement was announced on October 22, 2026, during the Finnish Prime Minister’s visit to Ukraine. The proposed cooperation will examine the development of secure satellite communications systems that Ukraine can own and control according to an ICEYE press release.
This follows the slowdown of satellite internet services by Starlink, a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, and Starshield a specialized, military grade satellite network primarily serving the U.S Department of Defence (DoD). Both of them are used for protection of Ukraine sites from drone and missile attacks. However, they were allegedly ordered to slow down their services.
Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and co-founder, ICEYE, said, “Ukraine needs secure, sovereign and high-performance satellite communications systems that it controls. We have a proven track record of delivering sovereign missions at speed to help build that capability. ICEYE has proudly supported Ukraine since 2022, and we remain committed to continuing that support today.”
Mikko Hautala, Chief Geopolitical & Government Relations Officer and Chairman, Nokia Defense, said, “Nations need communications they can rely on in every situation. Satellite networks extend and protect connectivity when networks on the ground are disrupted. This makes them a key part of any secure communications system. Through this Letter of Intent, together with Ukraine and ICEYE, we will explore how trusted, sovereign satellite communications can strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and give it control over the connectivity it depends on.”
ICEYE satellites have high resolution radar technology that take detailed ground pictures and ICEYE had originally signed a deal with the Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence in January to provide images to tactical decisions for national security. Recently, Russian Cosmos satellite 2612 was sighted, following the Finnish ICEYE X36 satellite in the same orbit which passes above Russia and Ukraine as reported by SkyNews.
The initiative follows an earlier partnership between ICEYE and Nokia to develop broadband low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications for government use, including defence, border security and emergency response. The planned systems will use European technology and give governments control over satellites, ground infrastructure and user terminals.