Ukraine has begun discussions with the U.S. on a possible replacement for its SpaceX Starshield agreement, which is due to expire in mid-2027, according to Breaking Defense’s report on remarks by Ukrainian Chargé d’Affaires Denys Sienik. The talks involve Washington and Pentagon officials, but they have not produced a signed contract, disclosed price, quantity or confirmed funding.
Sienik said Ukraine hopes the agreement will be completed and described Starshield as having no effective alternative for the country’s current needs. He also said Kyiv is examining short- and long-term backup options, including domestic Ukrainian capabilities and systems being developed in Europe. The report does not establish that any alternative system has been purchased, delivered or entered operational service.
The renewal discussions follow reported problems with Starshield in October. CBS News reported that Ukrainian officials and soldiers described service degradation affecting fast-moving drones, with some units reporting link losses at speeds as low as 90 km/h. CBS also reported that SpaceX, the Pentagon and U.S. officials gave differing accounts of how the restrictions were imposed and that the cause remained disputed.
That episode is the documented operating constraint behind Kyiv’s interest in a new agreement, but it does not establish the terms of any future deal. Breaking Defense reported that Sienik said the network was working again while Ukrainian officials still lacked an explanation from the Pentagon and SpaceX for what happened. For procurement purposes, the current milestone is negotiation—not an award, delivery or fielding decision.