French satellite operator Eutelsat Communications SA said talks with the European Union to replace Elon Musk’s Starlink in Ukraine are intensifying as the US pulls back from its commitments there.

Eutelsat is in talks with the European Union to supply additional internet access to Ukraine, it said on Tuesday, amid a two-day surge in its shares on the prospect that OneWeb satellites could replace Elon Musk's Starlink there.

Italian politicians are split on choosing Starlink or Eutelsat for satellite communications. Elon Musk is at the core of the divide.

Suggestions that Ukraine could lose access to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet system, which has been vital in maintaining its military communications as it fights Russia's invasion, have focused investor interest on Starlink's smaller European rival Eutelsat.

Eutelsat said it was in talks with European governments about providing additional satellite connectivity in Ukraine, as investors bet that the French satellite operator could replace Elon Musk’s Starlink in the country.

Eutelsat said it was in talks with European governments about providing additional satellite connectivity in Ukraine, as investors bet the French satellite operator could replace Elon Musk’s Starlink in the country.

US billionaire Elon Musk told Radoslaw Sikorski to 'be quiet' after he claimed Warsaw would seek an alternative to Ukraine’s Starlink internet services if Musk’s firm proves 'unreliable' - Anadolu Aja

Elon Musk has asked to meet Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella, amid growing doubts in Rome about a potential $1.5bn deal with Starlink, the multi-billionaire’s internet satellite provider. Musk wrote on X late on Saturday that it “would be an honour to speak with President Matterella”,

The use of Starlink has been adopted by at least one additional federal agency since President Donald Trump began his second term, and it’s being considered by more.

Eutelsat's shares surged amid fears that Ukraine's Starlink access could soon face disruption, though it's unclear if that will happen.

Poland, which funds Ukraine's Starlink internet, might seek alternatives if Elon Musk's company falters. The service is vital for Ukraine's connectivity. Musk warned of the consequences of cutting Starlink access,