Ukraine receives additional 5,000 Starlink terminals from Poland
Photo: Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Poland has transferred another 5,000 Starlink terminals to Ukraine. These terminals are intended to ensure reliable communication in critical infrastructure facilities and frontline areas, stated the Minister for Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov.
According to Fedorov, the new Starlink terminals will provide uninterrupted communication in places where it is most needed - hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure sites.
"Starlinks will help residents of frontline areas stay connected: call their relatives, summon emergency services, and read the news," the Minister said.
He added that due to shelling and the destruction of base stations in the de-occupied territories, regular communication is unavailable, so Starlink will help address this situation.
The Minister shared that through cooperation with international partners and donors, Ukraine has received more than 50,000 Starlink terminals, with the largest contribution - 29,500 - coming from Poland.
"We are grateful to Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitalization, Krzysztof Gawkowski, and the Polish government for their contribution to Ukraine's resilience. Thanks to international support, we continue to stay connected even in the toughest conditions," Fedorov emphasized.
Starlink in Ukraine
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the Starlink satellite network has been providing critical communication in Ukraine, particularly in combat zones and on liberated territories. However, over the years, the risk of blocking the operation of terminals has been repeatedly raised.
This issue became particularly relevant after the suspension of military aid to Ukraine by the United States. As reported by Reuters, during negotiations over a minerals deal, the American side threatened to disconnect Ukraine from Starlink.
Additionally, a dispute arose in early March between representatives from the US and Poland regarding Starlink for Ukraine. SpaceX CEO and head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk, stated that Starlink is crucial for the Ukrainian military, and without it, the front line would collapse.
In response, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Poland is paying for Starlink for Ukraine, and if Musk disconnects the terminals, the contract will be terminated.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reacted to the dispute, clarifying that no one had threatened to disconnect Ukraine from Starlink. Meanwhile, Musk referred to Sikorski as a "small man."
Later, Musk assured that he would not disconnect Starlink terminals for Ukraine.
