Poland bolsters Ukraine’s digital security with additional Starlink terminals

Poland is set to provide Ukraine with a new batch of Starlink satellite internet systems, consisting of 5,000 terminals, which are expected to arrive in the coming weeks and months.

This was announced by Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, in a statement reported by Ukrainian media, per Caliber.Az.

Gawkowski emphasized that Poland is currently supporting Ukraine's internet infrastructure by covering the subscription fees for Starlink terminals. This comes amid concerns sparked by media reports suggesting that SpaceX's Elon Musk, the owner of the Starlink network, might disconnect Ukraine from satellite internet.

In response, Gawkowski reassured that Poland's involvement guarantees continued access, stating, "Poland purchased the Starlinks and gave them to Ukraine. Poland ensures security by paying the subscription fee. I can't imagine any American corporation breaking such contracts."

The Polish official further explained that, in addition to the 25,000 Starlinks already operational in Ukraine, Poland has ordered an additional 5,000 terminals. These have already been partially paid for, with delivery expected in the near future.

Gawkowski also highlighted Poland’s role as "the largest donor of Ukraine's security in Europe," noting that around 85% of the 20,000 active Starlink terminals in Ukraine are funded by external sources, including the US, UK, and Poland.

The announcement comes amid rumours of potential Starlink disconnections. Last week, reports surfaced claiming that US negotiators were pressuring Ukraine to grant access to its mineral resources in exchange for maintaining satellite internet service. Ukrainian officials, including Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation, denied such threats, with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov adding that Ukraine has alternatives in place should Starlink be shut down.

In response to these rumours, Gawkowski reiterated Poland's commitment to supporting Ukraine and emphasized that it is Warsaw, not Washington, that funds the Starlink service.

On February 22, Elon Musk denied reports suggesting that the US had threatened Ukraine with a Starlink shutdown. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also dismissed such claims on February 23, stating that no threats had been made, but acknowledging that Ukraine should be prepared for any possible scenario.

By Tamilla Hasanova