2026-05-08 - This is old news but recently some of our members were asking about contacts (QSOs) with other amateur radio operators in Ukraine. Members (and amateur radio operators generally) are advised to read the response and adjust their operating practices accordingly. Spelling/typographical errors are left in deliberately. A quick Google AI query returned the following response.
Amateur radio (ham radio) operation in Ukraine has been subject to strict restrictions since the 2022 Russian invasion, initially banned entirely for security reasons. While some,,local,,authorities now allow limited operation depending on regional safety, many operators maintain silence to avoid being targeted. [1, 2, 3]
Current Status and Safety
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- Initial Ban: A February 24, 2022, decree ordered all amateur radio transmitters off the air.
- Regional Rules: As of late 2022, the ban shifted to regional control (oblasts). Some areas, including Kyiv and Lviv, allowed,operation, while others prohibited it.
- Extremely High Risk: Any active radio transmission can be easily located by military forces, making operators a high-risk target.
- Operational Security: It is strongly advised NOT to broadcast the call signs, locations, or frequencies of any Ukrainian stations heard on the air to protect their safety. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Operating Information
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- Support & Communication: Many Ukrainian hams are active via internet-linked systems like DMR and D-STAR.
- Ukrainian Amateur Radio League (UARL): The national organization, known as UARL (Ліга Pадіоаматорів України), continues to represent operators, notes.
- Digital Modes: Usage of digital modes and online platforms is preferred over high-power HF transmission. [1, 2]
Monitoring and Resources
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- WebSDR: Listeners can monitor Ukrainian radio activity via web-based SDRs.
- Information Sharing: The ARRL (American Radio Relay League) has provided updates on the situation in Ukraine, as discussed in.
- Forums: Discussions on Reddit, such as in r/amateurradio, provide real-time updates from operators, say and. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]