Kyivstar Exceeds $1 Billion Investment in Ukraine’s Network Resilience
By Leo Marchandon and Gianluca Lo Nostro
Kyivstar’s Strategic Investments and Impact on Ukraine’s Digital Infrastructure
April 29 (Reuters) - Ukraine's biggest mobile operator Kyivstar said on Wednesday it had invested $1.3 billion in the war-ravaged country since 2023, exceeding the previously pledged $1 billion ahead of the 2027 deadline.
Background: Veon’s Commitment and Funding Increases
Veon, the telecoms group behind Kyivstar, had originally put forward $600 million to rebuild Ukraine's digital infrastructure between 2023 and 2027. That figure was raised to $1 billion in 2024.
Network Resilience During Wartime
Maintaining Communications Amid Conflict
Much of the spending went toward keeping Ukraine's communications networks alive during the war with Russia, Kyivstar said in a statement.
Expansion and Technological Upgrades
Kyivstar has built nearly 1,900 new mobile base stations and upgraded around 13,200 existing ones, reaching 95% of the population in the Ukrainian-controlled territory with 4G coverage.
5G Rollout Initiatives
It also began rolling out 5G in the country, with a first successful test in Lviv in January.
Power Resilience and Backup Systems
The company, which provides telecoms, entertainment and digital healthcare services, also invested in backup power systems as outages caused by Russian missile and drone attacks became a regular occurrence.
Innovative Partnerships and Acquisitions
Starlink Collaboration for Satellite Connectivity
A partnership with Starlink brought satellite-based mobile connectivity to 5 million users by March 2026, a lifeline in frontline regions where ground infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged.
Strategic Acquisitions to Diversify Services
The mobile operator also acquired Uklon, a Ukrainian ride-hailing and delivery app, Tabletki, a local platform to order medicine, and SUNVIN 11, a solar energy company adding 12.9 megawatts of capacity to the national grid.
Kyivstar’s Market Position and Ownership
Kyivstar is the only Ukrainian company listed on a U.S. stock market exchange. Dubai-based Veon retains at least 80% of Kyivstar's shares after its landmark New York listing last year.
(Reporting by Leo Marchandon and Gianluca Lo Nostro in Gdansk; Editing by)
