VEON Ltd., a global digital operator and the parent company of Kyivstar Group Ltd., announced that Kyivstar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine to advance the development of Ukraine’s digital infrastructure and economy. The collaboration includes exploring the establishment of a sovereign, AI-ready data center in Ukraine, with VEON expected to support implementation through its financial backing and global expertise. This initiative aims to develop next-generation computing infrastructure, strengthen Ukraine’s technological sovereignty in artificial intelligence, and catalyze investment into the country’s digital economy.

The proposed facility would represent a sovereign AI data center, ensuring that critical data processing and storage remain within Ukraine. This is particularly important for sensitive sectors such as public administration, financial services, defense technology, and research and development. By enabling secure, in-country data capacity aligned with national regulatory and security frameworks, the project would enhance resilience and safeguard critical information.

Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy of Ukraine, emphasized that domestic AI infrastructure is an important step in strengthening economic resilience and technological independence. He noted the potential of initiatives that enable secure, sovereign data processing capacity within the country to support public sector modernization and private sector innovation.

Oleksandr Komarov, President of Kyivstar Group, stated that the development of artificial intelligence is creating a new level of demand for computing infrastructure. He reinforced the need for countries to build local AI infrastructure to stay competitive globally. Komarov mentioned that Kyivstar has long partnered with the government to develop digital infrastructure and would aim to fund and phase any investment within existing capital expenditure plans.

Kaan Terzioglu, Chief Executive Officer of VEON Group, highlighted that sovereign AI infrastructure keeps a country’s most important data and capabilities at home. He noted that through the AI1440 strategy, VEON is bringing augmented intelligence into everyday life, and supporting this data center is a natural extension of that commitment in Ukraine.

Hosting an AI data center in Ukraine would enable minimal data transmission latency and support the fast operation of AI solutions. This is critical for sectors where response time is vital, including industrial facilities, robotic systems, and real-time services. The project is expected to require long-term investment, advanced technical expertise, and a reliable energy supply.

Key Details of the Agreement

Kyivstar Group Ltd. is a Nasdaq-listed holding company that operates JSC Kyivstar, Ukraine’s leading digital operator. The company provides connectivity and digital services, including mobile and fixed-line voice and data, ride-hailing, e-health, digital TV, and enterprise solutions such as Big Data, cloud, and cybersecurity. VEON is a digital operator listed on NASDAQ, providing services to over 150 million connectivity users.

VEON Ltd., the parent company of Kyivstar Group Ltd., announced on June 16, 2026, that Kyivstar customers in Ukraine can now access satellite-ready apps, even where there is no terrestrial coverage or during prolonged power outages. Starting with Viber, WhatsApp, and Google Maps, customers with compatible smartphones can message and navigate using data connectivity from Starlink Mobile. This service builds on Kyivstar's earlier launch of text messaging via Starlink Mobile satellites, now extending capabilities to include voice and video notes, photos, and maps.

In situations where the traditional mobile network is unavailable, supported apps will switch automatically to a satellite data connection. This initiative aims to keep people connected to what matters most, particularly during disruptions to the terrestrial network. Kyivstar plans to extend this service to more digital services over time, including its own Helsi e-health service and the ride-hailing app Uklon, as the technology develops.

"Our job as a digital operator is to keep people connected to what matters, even when they are far from the nearest town or facing disruptions to the terrestrial network," said Kaan Terzioglu, Chief Executive Officer of VEON Group. "This starts with messaging and maps, and we plan to extend it to more digital services, including Kyivstar's own Helsi e-health service and the ride-hailing app Uklon."

"We have already seen strong demand for text messaging powered by Starlink Mobile. Now, where there is no terrestrial coverage, customers can also communicate over apps and use maps they already rely on. We will build on this as the technology develops," said Oleksandr Komarov, President of Kyivstar Group.

Service Details

The light data service is currently available on Android smartphones supporting 4G (LTE), with support for additional devices expected over time. The service covers the entire territory of Ukraine, except temporarily occupied territories, border zones, and active combat areas. Accessing the "Kyivstar–SpaceX" satellite network requires an open outdoor location in an area without mobile coverage.

Key Stakeholder Quotes