In a historic move for European telecommunications, Ukraine is set to become the first country in Europe to launch mobile services via Starlink, the satellite internet network developed by SpaceX. According to Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov, the rollout will begin with messaging capabilities by late 2025 and expand to full mobile broadband and voice services by mid-2026.
A Leap in Connectivity for a Nation at War
Under a groundbreaking agreement signed in 2024 between Kyivstar and SpaceX, Ukraine is now testing direct-to-cell technology that allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites—bypassing the need for terrestrial towers.
“The first phase will support OTT messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal. By Q2 of 2026, we expect to offer full mobile satellite broadband and voice services,” Komarov said during a tech event in Rome.
The initiative is especially critical for Ukraine, where ongoing war conditions have damaged infrastructure and disrupted communication lines. This satellite-powered mobile service offers a resilient alternative.
Ukraine’s Global Business Vision
Komarov made the announcement ahead of a major recovery conference in Italy, where Ukrainian officials are actively seeking foreign investment and partnerships—particularly with European firms.
Kyivstar, owned by the Dutch-based telecom group VEON, is also eyeing a listing on NASDAQ, signaling strong confidence in the country’s long-term economic viability. Komarov stated that the IPO process is “progressing steadily” with expectations for completion in Q3 2025.
“This will be the first time a Ukrainian company is directly listed on the U.S. stock exchange during wartime—a milestone for our economy,” he added.
Adapting to Wartime Challenges
Ukraine’s telecom infrastructure, despite facing repeated assaults on power grids and communication networks, has shown remarkable resilience. Kyivstar now ensures service uptime for up to 10 hours even during nationwide blackouts, a vast improvement from the early days of the invasion.
Warren Buffett’s 2025 Strategy: Timeless Lessons from the Oracle of Omaha
While Ukraine pioneers satellite technology, legendary investor Warren Buffett continues to shape the financial world with timeless wisdom and a changing portfolio. At 94, Buffett recently confirmed he will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of 2025, naming Greg Abel as his successor.
Let’s explore Buffett’s investment approach, current holdings, and his enduring principles.
Top 5 Investment Principles from Warren Buffett
1. “Be Fearful When Others Are Greedy”
Buffett stresses emotional discipline. When markets are overheated, caution is essential. But when panic drives prices down, savvy investors should recognize opportunity.
2. “Wait for the Right Pitch”
You don’t have to swing at every investment opportunity. Patience is power. Buffett likens investing to baseball—wait for the perfect pitch.
3. “Buy Index Funds for Long-Term Gains”
Despite his success with active investing, Buffett recommends most individuals invest in low-cost S&P 500 index funds to benefit from U.S. economic growth without excessive risk.
4. “Invest in Productive Assets”
Buffett avoids speculative assets like crypto and gold. Instead, he focuses on businesses and assets that generate income—stocks, real estate, and farmland.
5. “Don’t Lose Money”
This simple rule underscores Buffett’s risk-averse mindset. Prioritize downside protection before chasing upside gains.
Buffett’s 2025 Portfolio Highlights (As of March 31, 2025)
| Stock | Shares Owned | Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple (AAPL) | 300M | $66.6B |
| American Express (AXP) | 151.6M | $40.8B |
| Coca-Cola (KO) | 400M | $28.7B |
| Bank of America (BAC) | 631.5M | $26.4B |
| Chevron (CVX) | 118.6M | $19.8B |
| Occidental Petroleum (OXY) | 264.9M | $13.1B |
| Moody’s (MCO) | 24.6M | $11.5B |
| Kraft Heinz (KHC) | 325.6M | $9.9B |
Buffett favors strong, cash-generating businesses with brand power and durable economic moats.
Key Traits Buffett Looks For in an Investment
✅ Strong Financials
He targets companies with high returns on capital, consistent profits, and low debt.
✅ Competent Management
Buffett invests in leadership as much as products. He often praises CEOs like Jeff Bezos (Amazon) and Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan) for their long-term vision.
✅ Reasonable Valuation
Even the best business can be a bad investment if bought at the wrong price. Buffett seeks value—buying high-quality companies at fair or discounted prices.
✅ Real-World Insight: How Buffett’s Approach Evolved
Early in his career, Buffett used the “cigar butt” method—buying poor-quality companies at deep discounts. But as Berkshire grew, he pivoted to acquiring high-quality businesses with lasting advantages, like Apple and Coca-Cola, even if the price was higher.
Final Thoughts
From Ukraine’s satellite innovation to Buffett’s enduring investment philosophy, both stories reflect the power of vision and adaptability. Ukraine is rising as a tech-forward nation amid adversity, while Buffett’s legacy continues to influence investors globally.
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Starlink mobile, and how does it work?
Starlink mobile connects smartphones directly to low-Earth orbit satellites, enabling calls and messaging without traditional cell towers.
2. When will Ukraine launch Starlink mobile services?
Ukraine plans to begin messaging services by late 2025, with full mobile broadband and voice by mid-2026.
3. Why is Warren Buffett stepping down from Berkshire Hathaway?
Buffett is retiring at the end of 2025 due to age. Greg Abel will take over as CEO, ensuring continuity in leadership.
4. What companies is Buffett heavily invested in?
His top holdings include Apple, American Express, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America—long-term bets on stable, profitable companies.
5. Is Buffett against crypto and gold?
Yes, Buffett avoids speculative assets. He prefers productive assets that generate income, like businesses or farmland.