It is technically impossible to run a cell phone network without the consent of Kyivstar and the supplier on the equipment which remained in Crimea after the company left, Kyivstar President Peter Chernyshov wrote on his Facebook page.

He was writing in response to information that appeared in Russia's Vedomosti edition that the manufacturer of the operator's equipment in Crimea, namely Ericsson (Sweden), has refused to upgrade it.

According to Chernyshov, to integrate the operator's switches to another network and make it work, it is necessary to get access codes from the operator or manufacturer of the equipment. In addition, for the smooth operation of the switches, software must be upgraded on a regular basis.

"Since the switch is our property, for any actions the manufacturer of equipment needs our agreement. It is clear that Crimean "nationalizers [sic]" do not need our consent... Regardless of the international sanctions, our partner and equipment supplier Ericsson under the terms of the contract, and without our permission, cannot do anything to the equipment belonging to us," he said.