Network vendor Nokia and Finnish microsatellite operator ICEYE have partnered with Ukraine's Ministry of Defence to explore cooperation in space.

The companies have penned a Letter of Intent with Ukraine's Ministry of Defence to support the country's defense capabilities, particularly around building sovereign satellite communications.

The timing of the announcement comes amid strained tensions between Ukraine and Starlink, after the latter was accused by Ukraine of restricting the military version of the service in the country.

Nokia and ICEYE signed the letter yesterday (October 22) during the visit of Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Earlier this month, ICEYE and Nokia announced a partnership to develop secure, sovereign and high-performance broadband low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications systems for governments, supporting missions from defense and border security to emergency services and disaster response.

According to Nokia, this partnership is built on "trusted European technology," while the jointly developed satellite communications systems will give nations ownership and control of satellites, ground segment, and terminals.

"Modern warfare has proven that reliable communications are a matter of national security. We must all rely on capabilities that we can control. The Letter of Intent between the Ministry of Defense, ICEYE, and Nokia is an important step in this direction," said Zelenskyy. "We value partners who not only help Ukraine, but also work with us to build Europe’s long-term security."

"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," added Mikko Hautala, chief geopolitical & government relations officer and chairman, Nokia Defense.

Ukraine's decision to explore satellite cooperation beyond Starlink could suggest the country doesn't want to become too reliant on Starlink.

Starlink has been a key part of Ukraine's communications infrastructure since the country's war with Russia began in 2022. In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, thousands of Starlink terminals were given to Ukraine.

However, it was reported earlier this week by The Wall Street Journal that SpaceX founder Elon Musk had ordered the Starlink shutdown in Ukraine, impacting offensive drones and interceptor drones in the process.

Musk previously blamed Trump for the slowdown, though Trump told reporters at the White House last week that neither he nor ‌Musk ⁠was responsible for Ukraine losing Starlink access.

Beyond Starlink, Ukrainian satellite communications company Stetman is on track to launch its own 360-satellite low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation at an altitude of 550 kilometers next year.