Poland, one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters since Russia invaded in 2022, is threatening to cut off access to Elon Musk’s satellite internet service Starlink due to a veto of a refugee aid bill. The Polish president’s decision has raised concerns about the impact on Ukraine’s crucial internet connectivity.
Poland pays for Ukraine to use Starlink, providing essential internet connectivity to the country and its military as they fight against Russian forces. However, President Karol Nawrocki recently vetoed a bill extending state financial support to Ukrainian refugees, which also provided the legal basis for providing Starlink.
Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski stated that the veto jeopardized Ukraine’s use of Starlink and warned that the support would end in September. Centrist Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the move, saying it was “the ABC of human decency.” Labour Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bak also spoke out against the decision.
The Polish government does not have enough votes to override Nawrocki’s veto, but his spokesperson suggested that a proposed bill could still restore the basis for paying for Starlink if parliament adopts it by the end of next month. Ukrainian refugees currently receive benefits, including free medical treatment and education in Polish schools.
Poland has spent millions of euros on buying and subscribing to Starlink systems for Ukraine since 2022. The Ukrainian government is analyzing the impact of the move, but a diplomatic source said that Ukrainians’ rights will be protected equally in other EU countries.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/25