Kyivstar Board in Kyiv: A Billion-Dollar Vote of Confidence in Wartime

KYIV, Ukraine – February 26, 2026 – As Ukraine marked the solemn fourth anniversary of the full-scale war, a high-profile delegation from Kyivstar Group Ltd’s Board of Directors, including its parent company's founder and a former U.S. Secretary of State, concluded a visit to Kyiv. The trip was a powerful demonstration of corporate commitment, blending strategic investment discussions with poignant tributes to the human cost of the conflict.

The board members, including VEON Founder Augie K Fabela II and Mike Pompeo, who serves on the boards of both Kyivstar and VEON, were in the Ukrainian capital from February 21-24. Their agenda underscored a dual message: unwavering international confidence in Ukraine's economic future and profound respect for the resilience of the company's Ukrainian team, which has kept the nation connected through unprecedented adversity.

Investing Beyond the Battlefield

At the heart of the visit was the reaffirmation of a massive investment plan. VEON and Kyivstar have committed to injecting USD 1 billion into Ukraine between 2023 and 2027, a figure that signals a long-term belief in the country's viability, even as the war continues. This capital is earmarked for critical infrastructure upgrades, technological development, and strategic acquisitions designed to solidify Ukraine's digital backbone.

"In the face of war, Ukraine remains a promising market for innovative and growing businesses like Kyivstar," said Augie K Fabela II. "The country is functioning quite well, driven by its citizens’ relentless resilience and determination to grow. Kyivstar is just one example of that resilience and growth." Fabela, a frequent visitor to Ukraine since the invasion began, stressed that the company is delivering strong financial results in a functioning economy, making the nation an increasingly attractive, if challenging, investment destination.

The presence of Mike Pompeo, who joined Kyivstar’s board in late 2023, adds significant geopolitical weight to this message. His involvement, along with the company's landmark listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker KYIV, serves as a beacon for other potential foreign investors. While Ukraine's investment climate remains fragile, with ongoing security risks and corruption concerns, such high-profile endorsements are crucial for building the momentum needed for post-war reconstruction.

Engineering Resilience Against a Modern War

While the boardroom discussions focused on future growth, the reality on the ground is a daily battle for operational survival. The board's visit included a town hall with employees who are on the front lines of maintaining Ukraine's connectivity. Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have made power outages a recurring nightmare, forcing Kyivstar to engineer unprecedented levels of resilience into its network.

Since 2022, the company has invested over UAH 2.3 billion (approx. USD 62.6 million) in energy independence. This includes deploying more than 2,700 generators and nearly 200,000 high-capacity batteries to keep its towers online during blackouts. The goal is to provide at least six hours of backup power at key sites and four hours across the entire network, with critical nodes aiming for up to three days of uninterrupted service. This herculean effort involves not just technology but also immense logistical coordination to refuel generators and maintain equipment under hazardous conditions.

Kyivstar's strategy extends to embracing new technologies. It became the first operator in Europe to launch Starlink's direct-to-cell satellite service, providing a vital communication layer for regular smartphones that is independent of terrestrial infrastructure damage. Furthermore, the company continues to expand its 4G network, building over 800 new base stations in the first quarter of 2025 alone and bringing high-speed internet to 95.9% of the population in government-controlled territory.

"Despite the daily challenges, we are not simply maintaining connectivity, we are driving innovation," stated Oleksandr Komarov, President of Kyivstar Group. He emphasized that the board's support enables the company to pursue its ambitious investment program, which is as much about national security as it is about business.

The Human Cost of Connectivity

The board’s itinerary went beyond corporate offices and technical sites, directly confronting the human toll of the war. Members laid flowers at the "Roots of Strength" monument outside the Kyiv headquarters, a solemn tribute to Kyivstar employees who were killed in action or have gone missing while defending Ukraine. This act acknowledged the deep, personal sacrifices that underpin the company's operational success.

The delegation also visited the "Connection Is People" photography installation in Kontraktova Square. The project, by photographers Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberovy, documents the grit and dedication of Kyivstar engineers and technicians. The images capture scenes of specialists working in freezing temperatures, during blackouts, and near shelled areas to repair damaged equipment and restore service. It is a testament to the thousands of employees who have become essential workers in a new and dangerous sense, ensuring that families can connect, first responders can coordinate, and the country can continue to function.

Kyivstar's support for its people and country extends beyond its core business. The company has allocated over UAH 3.4 billion in the past three years to aid Ukraine's Defense Forces, support social projects, and provide free services to subscribers. This deep integration into the national war effort illustrates how a telecommunications company has become a pillar of Ukraine's resistance and resilience, powered by both advanced technology and the unwavering spirit of its people.