KYIV News & Events

Kyivstar Group announced the nationwide launch of the Starlink Mobile light data service in Ukraine. The service allows customers with compatible fourth-generation smartphones to use applications such as Viber, WhatsApp, and Google Maps via Starlink satellites when terrestrial cellular coverage is unavailable. Currently available on Android devices, the service covers the majority of Ukraine's territory, excluding active combat zones and temporarily occupied areas. The initiative represents a first for the country in building satellite-enabled backup connectivity. "Kyivstar is expanding connectivity options for Ukrainians with the launch of light data based on Starlink Mobile. We already see strong demand for satellite-enabled SMS. Now, subscribers will have even more ways to stay connected, even when terrestrial cellular coverage is not available, they can communicate via messaging apps and access navigation services," said Oleksandr Komarov, president of Kyivstar Group.

Veon (VEON), the parent company of Kyivstar (KYIV), announced that Uklon, part of Kyivstar's digital ecosystem, is evolving from a ride-hailing service into a multimodal mobility platform by adding electric scooter operator E-wings. Uklon has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of E-wings for $2.2M. Uklon's platform currently encompasses ride-hailing, Uklon Delivery, Uklon Ads, and Uklon Travel. The planned acquisition adds micromobility to this offering, bringing together ride-hailing, scooters, delivery and ticketing within a single interface. Following integration, Uklon users are expected to access scooter rides directly through the Uklon interface. This transaction builds on Kyivstar's acquisition of Uklon in April 2025 and Uklon's recent launch of Ukraine's first live autonomous vehicle testing program. Combined with its ride-hailing and micromobility services, Uklon is building an integrated mobility ecosystem that serves customers across the full spectrum of transportation needs-from last-mile trips to intercity and international travel. Founded in Lviv, E-wings operates in 11 cities across Ukraine, with a connected fleet of approximately 3,000 electric scooters. Under the definitive agreement, Uklon will acquire 100% of the shares of E-wings, including its intellectual property, assets, operating agreements and key team members. The agreement was signed on June 5 and the transaction is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Kyivstar announced the appointment of Taner Kzltoprak as CFO of Kyivstar Group effective as of July 1. Taner will officially join Kyivstar Group on June 1 as an advisor to the president of Kyivstar Group, Oleksandr Komarov, working closely with Kyivstar Group's leadership team until Taner transitions to the role of CFO. Boris Dolgushin will serve as CFO of Kyivstar Group until June 30 after which he will serve as an advisor to the president of Kyivstar Group focusing on strategic projects.