By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Ukraine is poised to join the Kardesa project, a major international initiative to construct a high-capacity undersea cable system across the Black Sea, connecting Ukraine with Bulgaria, Turkey, and Georgia. This project, spearheaded by Vodafone Group and Vodafone Ukraine with a budget exceeding $100 million, aims to bolster Ukraine’s digital sovereignty and internet resilience, providing fast and secure internet access while linking Europe and Asia. Scheduled to begin construction in 2027, the Kardesa system will add 500 Tbps of internet capacity, addressing the growing demands of 5G, artificial intelligence, and streaming services.
Read the original article here
Ukraine to Build Strategic Undersea Internet Link With Europe and Asia to Bypass Russia is a truly fascinating development, isn’t it? It’s a strategic move with some pretty significant implications, and it’s exciting to delve into the details of this ambitious project. The core idea is simple: create a new, high-capacity internet connection that runs under the Black Sea, directly linking Ukraine with countries like Bulgaria, Turkey, and Georgia, and then extending to Asia. The crucial aspect here is the deliberate bypassing of Russia, which has become increasingly important given the geopolitical climate.
Ukraine to Build Strategic Undersea Internet Link With Europe and Asia to Bypass Russia is something that immediately makes you think about redundancy. Why build a new connection? Well, the goal is likely to add resilience and alternative routes. The internet, in its essence, thrives on redundancy. It’s designed to route around failures. Think of it like a highway system; if one road is blocked, traffic can be diverted onto another. The same principle applies to internet cables. Having multiple, diverse paths ensures that even if one cable is damaged or experiences issues, the flow of data can continue uninterrupted. This is especially vital for Ukraine right now, considering its vulnerability to deliberate interference or attacks on its infrastructure.
Ukraine to Build Strategic Undersea Internet Link With Europe and Asia to Bypass Russia and one of the initial thoughts is that overland connections might seem like a simpler option. You might even wonder why they aren’t using established land routes through countries like Poland, Slovakia, or Romania. While land-based routes have their advantages, undersea cables offer a certain level of security. They are arguably more difficult to physically disrupt, and that adds a layer of protection against potential sabotage. Plus, the specific geographic positioning makes it a direct link, avoiding potential choke points that might be present on land.
Ukraine to Build Strategic Undersea Internet Link With Europe and Asia to Bypass Russia and the financial side of things can also come to mind. Funding major infrastructure projects always raises questions. Ukraine, understandably, has its challenges right now. However, it’s essential to remember that this isn’t necessarily a project being funded solely by the Ukrainian government. Reports suggest that a major telecommunications company, Vodafone Group, is leading the charge, which means it’s likely a commercial venture with private investment. This is a crucial distinction, as it implies a different set of financial considerations and less dependence on immediate government budgets. It also means that the benefits of the project can potentially be reaped more quickly.
Ukraine to Build Strategic Undersea Internet Link With Europe and Asia to Bypass Russia raises the discussion of the specific countries involved. Linking to Bulgaria, Turkey, and Georgia makes a lot of sense geographically. They are well-positioned to serve as transit points for data traffic to and from Europe and Asia. Each has a degree of internet infrastructure to support this type of project, and the choice of these specific locations indicates strategic thinking in terms of efficiency and routing.
Ukraine to Build Strategic Undersea Internet Link With Europe and Asia to Bypass Russia and the idea about potential sabotage is also important to consider. Undersea cables are not invulnerable, but they offer some protection. They are less exposed to physical attacks, compared to, for example, land-based fiber optic cables which could be cut or damaged more easily. The depth of the Black Sea and the specialized equipment needed to interfere with undersea cables increase the complexity and cost of potential attacks. While not entirely immune, they are a more secure option in the current climate.
Ukraine to Build Strategic Undersea Internet Link With Europe and Asia to Bypass Russia and the direction of the traffic flow is another area worth considering. While the connection to Europe is already well-established, the new link aims to boost connections toward the Asian direction. This is a critical point. Asia is a rapidly growing market for internet traffic, and establishing direct, secure links can create significant economic and strategic benefits for Ukraine and its partners. This is not simply about replacing existing connections; it’s about expanding capacity, improving resilience, and opening up new opportunities.
Ukraine to Build Strategic Undersea Internet Link With Europe and Asia to Bypass Russia and questions about the future. Of course, a project like this does raise questions about timing. One might wonder if building such infrastructure is a priority given the current situation. However, major infrastructure projects often have long lead times, which means that planning and construction need to start now to secure the future. It’s a sign of vision and belief in long-term stability and economic growth.
Ukraine to Build Strategic Undersea Internet Link With Europe and Asia to Bypass Russia and ultimately, this project underscores the importance of connectivity in the modern world. In a time when geopolitical tensions are high, and data is critical, a robust and secure internet infrastructure is more than just a convenience; it’s a strategic necessity. This new undersea link is a testament to Ukraine’s determination to integrate itself into the global digital landscape and provides a valuable pathway for the future.