Microsoft testing support for free calls to Ukraine through Skype

Skype on iOS (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

Microsoft recently shipped several features for Skype preview that are part of the company's Ukraine-centric efforts.
The latest Insider build of Skype can make free phone calls to Ukraine and translate calls to and from Ukrainian.
Skype also has "Support Ukraine" emoticons, including a heart inspired by the Ukrainian flag.

Microsoft is working to make it easier to communicate with people in Ukraine. The latest Insider build of Skype includes several features that are part of Microsoft's Ukraine-centric efforts, including the ability to make free phone calls to Ukraine. The update also adds support for translating phone calls to and from Ukrainian. Skype preview gains several "Support Ukraine" emoticons following the update as well.

Here's the changelog for the latest Insider build of Skype:

Ukraine centric efforts:

Make free phone calls to Ukraine: on all platforms. Stay connected by calling from/to Ukraine for free. To help further, we support Ukraine through the non-profit organizations listed on the Skype Home Page, and you can as well.
Support for more languages in Translated Conversations: on all platforms. Translate your Skype and phone calls from/to the Ukrainian language.
"Support Ukraine" emoticons: on all platforms. (ukraineheart) (ukrainehandshake) (ukrainepray)
Google Play In-App Billing System: on Android. To purchase Credit, Subscriptions and Skype Numbers.
Bug fixes and stability improvements

In addition to the Ukraine-focused features, the update adds support for the Google Play In-App billing system, which lets people pay for subscriptions directly within the app.

Microsoft has taken several steps that focus on the ongoing war in Ukraine. The company's president, Brad Smith, discussed fighting cyberattacks and disinformation back in February. Microsoft also suspended new sales of its products and services in Russia earlier this month.

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Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.