Europe Seeks Satellite Alternative as Ukraine Relies on Starlink

Europe is moving to accelerate efforts to develop a satellite communications network amid concerns over Ukraine’s military dependence on Starlink, owned by US billionaire Elon Musk.

The network has become a crucial communications resource for Ukraine’s armed forces as they confront Russian attacks. That reliance has raised fears about the consequences of any interruption to the service.

A shutdown could weaken Kyiv’s ability to respond to those attacks, putting the continuity of satellite communications at the centre of a broader debate over military resilience.

For Europe, the push to develop an alternative reflects the risks of depending on a privately controlled network for communications vital to Ukraine’s defence.

The challenge is to turn that drive into a viable alternative. The European effort is aimed at reducing a vulnerability that could have direct consequences for Ukraine on the battlefield.