Kyiv Urges ITU to Keep Russian Satellite Services Off Ukrainian Territory

Kyiv Takes Its Case to the Global Telecom Regulator

According to Мінцифра: Ukraine has filed an appeal with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), teaming up with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ukrainian Centre of Radio Frequencies. The move challenges Russia's bid to extend the reach of its RASSVET-1 and RASSVET-3 satellite networks over Ukrainian territory. The protest is laid out in three separate official submissions, each recording Kyiv's objection to the Russian action.

The Ukrainian government is demanding that its territory be removed from the coverage zones of those Russian satellite systems. Supporting documents have already been handed over to the ITU's Radiocommunication Bureau. Kyiv has also signaled it will continue to defend its stance through international procedures. This effort reflects Ukraine's broader determination to protect its interests in telecommunications and radio-frequency regulation. The ITU is the UN body responsible for coordinating global radio spectrum and satellite orbit usage.

Why International Norms Matter

Kyiv's appeal highlights the importance of shared international rules and standards in telecommunications, particularly amid today's geopolitical tensions. By taking this route, Ukraine may strengthen international support for protecting national interests and deterring unlawful interference by other states.