This situation is because of very expensive licenses for 3G.
(Beeline-Ukraine hasn't own 2G network since last year, it was united as a part of Kyivstar.)

After purchasing of the start-package you can get microsim in customer service offices, it costs 20 UAH.

But most of users here just cut it in small private repair shops of mobile phones, "radio markets" or do it at home. How To Cut Sim & Make a Micro Sim Card For iPhone 4S/4 & iPad 3G 1/2/3 - YouTube

Thanks for all the information, Frank Costello. It seems that Ukraine is much less straightforward for SIM cards than one would expect. I suppose 4G/LTE is out of the question, given the shortage of 3G networks?

There are several 4G/WiMax networks in Ukraine like Giraffe.ua and FreshTel.

I think the operators are waiting for the time and they are going to develop 4g/LTE and skip 3G.

Also state project 4G/LTE network for education is underway.
????????? ???? | State Agency for Investment and National projects of Ukraine
http://www.ukrproject.gov.ua/sites/d...t_02_print.pdf

It's hard for me to argue with a specialist from Ukraine, but I really remember having 3G signal... In summer 2010 when I was my very first time in Ukraine I even remember actually testing its speed in Sambor because I was amazed that it had 3G coverage there - and I have bought the sim card from a little Kievstar stand at the Marschrutka station for 50 UAH there (no modem or anything). But perhaps it may have changed since then....?

It is not possible to use regular Kyivstar simcards in national roaming in TriMob (Utel in 2010) network. It is impossible even register in TriMob network with it. To use 3G internet you need to buy special simcard with modem, and this simcard supports only data and sms, you can't use it for calls.

Also it is possible to buy just special simcard without modem by signing the contract in Kyivstar offices (you need to show passport and Ukrainian tax number certificate).

So, I think you're mistaken. Apparently it was just the EDGE.
Or maybe someone sold you Kyivstar's 3G simcard separately on one's pat? Does it support calls?

Is it possible to use such a SIM card for voice calls, or is it intended only for data?

It's not possible. Only data, incoming sms and USSD.

Any type of service in the Ukraine aside of in the really major cities can be very patchy. Don't think you are in a highly developed telecommunications country! Check around with a local to see what the best deal is at any given time depending on where you want to call. I was there three weeks ago and got a SIM from Beeline [Kyivstar] that gives me USA calling for UAH 0.19 / EU 0.019 a minute [with a UAH 1 connection fee on the first call made each day].

http://www.ukrtelecom.ua/media/libra...o_sim_back.jpg
http://www.ukrtelecom.ua/media/libra...o_sim_face.jpg

Thanks for the info folks!