Kyivstar Stock Jumps 8% as Ukraine Becomes First in Europe with Starlink Direct to Cell Service

Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest mobile operator, has launched Starlink's Direct to Cell satellite technology, making Ukraine the first European nation to offer this service. The announcement, confirmed on November 24, 2025, led to an 8% surge in Kyivstar's stock. This innovative service enables 4G smartphone users to send and receive text messages even in areas lacking traditional mobile coverage.

The new functionality is particularly critical for individuals in war-affected regions, recently de-occupied towns, and rescue teams operating off the grid, where terrestrial networks are often damaged or unavailable. Kyivstar, a subsidiary of global digital operator VEON, has partnered with Elon Musk's Starlink to enhance connectivity resilience across the country.

Oleksandr Komarov, CEO of Kyivstar, emphasized the importance of continuous communication, stating, "In Ukraine, staying connected means staying safe." He added that the company has proactively equipped its network with backup batteries and generators to provide up to 10 hours of coverage during extended blackouts, with the Starlink integration significantly boosting this resilience.

Initially, the service supports SMS capabilities, with plans to expand to voice calls and mobile data in 2026. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, highlighted the strategic significance, noting, "Ukraine ranks first among European countries launching Direct to Cell technology. This is an important step in developing infrastructure that will ensure connectivity even in areas without traditional networks." The service is available to all Kyivstar subscribers with a 4G smartphone at no additional cost, covering most of Ukraine excluding occupied areas and active combat zones.