Kyivstar Invests Heavily in Network Resilience Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Event summary
- Kyivstar Group Ltd. invested over 30% of revenue in network resilience and modernization in 2025, totaling approximately $913 million (UAH 40.1 billion) since the start of the full-scale war.
- The company expanded 4G coverage to 630 additional communities in 2025, reaching 96.2% of the population in Ukrainian-controlled territory.
- Kyivstar deployed new base stations along over 300 sections of major Ukrainian highways, including routes between Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Lviv.
- More than 10,000 base station upgrades were completed in 2025, and over 700 sites damaged by attacks have been restored since the war began.
The big picture
Kyivstar’s aggressive investment strategy underscores the critical role of digital infrastructure in maintaining essential services and economic activity within Ukraine during wartime. The company’s commitment to expanding 4G coverage, despite ongoing attacks, highlights the strategic importance of reliable communication networks in a conflict zone. VEON’s backing provides a degree of financial stability, but the company’s performance remains intrinsically linked to the broader geopolitical landscape.
What we're watching
- Geopolitical Risk
- The ongoing conflict poses a continuous threat to Kyivstar’s infrastructure, and the company's ability to maintain investment levels will depend on the evolving security situation and continued international support.
- Financial Sustainability
- While current investment levels are substantial, the long-term financial sustainability of Kyivstar’s network expansion hinges on its ability to generate sufficient revenue and manage operational costs amidst economic uncertainty.
- Technology Adoption
- The pace at which Kyivstar can transition to 5G technology will be constrained by the ongoing conflict and the availability of necessary equipment and expertise.
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