**Germany Funds Ukraine‘s Alternative to Starlink Satellite Network**
In a move that could provide a lifeline to Ukraine’s military communications, Germany is financing the country’s access to Eutelsat’s satellite internet network. This alternative service, operated by French company Eutelsat, has been providing high-speed internet connections in Ukraine through a German distributor for about a year.
According to Reuters, citing Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke, the number of terminals connecting to Eutelsat’s network currently stands at fewer than 1,000. However, the company aims to increase this to between 5,000 and 10,000 terminals relatively fast. This expansion would provide a significant boost to Ukraine’s military communications capabilities.
**Starlink Uncertainty**
The move by Germany comes as uncertainty surrounds Elon Musk‘s Starlink satellite network, which has played a key role in Ukraine’s battlefield communications. Starlink currently serves over 50,000 Ukrainian military, medical, and civilian users. However, concerns have grown about continued access to the service after Reuters reported that the U.S. threatened to cut it unless Kyiv agreed to a critical minerals deal.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has denied these claims, stating that cutting Ukraine off from Starlink would cause the country’s entire front line to collapse. The dispute escalated after a tense meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 28.
**Eutelsat as Alternative**
Eutelsat’s OneWeb network operates using a dual-constellation approach, combining low Earth orbit and geostationary satellites. This system could provide essential connectivity for Ukraine’s military, including for drone operations. Bloomberg reported that Eutelsat is in advanced talks with the EU to potentially replace Starlink in Ukraine.
The move by Germany to fund Ukraine’s access to Eutelsat’s network could provide a much-needed alternative to Starlink, which has been a critical component of Ukraine’s military communications.
**Commentary**
The German funding for Ukraine’s use of Eutelsat’s satellite internet network is a significant development in the ongoing conflict. It demonstrates Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s military efforts and provides a vital lifeline to the country’s communications capabilities.
However, the uncertainty surrounding Starlink remains a concern. The service has been instrumental in Ukraine’s battlefield communications, and any disruption or cut-off could have severe consequences for the country’s military operations.
The fact that Eutelsat is in advanced talks with the EU to potentially replace Starlink in Ukraine suggests that there are concerns about the reliability of the U.S.-operated network. This highlights the importance of having alternative communication options, particularly in a conflict zone where communications can be critical to military success.
**Analysis**
The German funding for Eutelsat’s satellite internet network is a strategic move by Germany to support Ukraine’s military efforts and reduce its dependence on Starlink. By providing an alternative service, Germany can help ensure that Ukraine’s military communications are not disrupted or cut off, which would be critical in a conflict zone.
The fact that the EU is also involved in these talks suggests that there is a broader effort underway to provide a stable and reliable communication network for Ukraine. This could have significant implications for the country’s military operations and its ability to communicate with its allies.
In conclusion, the German funding for Eutelsat’s satellite internet network is a significant development in the ongoing conflict. It provides a vital lifeline to Ukraine’s communications capabilities and demonstrates Germany’s commitment to supporting the country’s military efforts.