Polish officials have dismissed claims that Ukraine could lose its access to the Starlink satellite service following reports that US representatives had threatened an immediate disconnection if President Volodymyr Zelensky did not sign a controversial mineral extraction deal.
The disputed proposal, which allegedly offers American companies access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, has been described as part of a broader US strategy to tie military support to economic gains.
A Reuters report earlier this week suggested that US officials had warned of suspending Starlink services—a critical asset for both military communications and civilian connectivity in conflict zones—if Ukraine failed to finalise the agreement.
In a recent statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Polish Vice Prime Minister Krzysztof Gavkowski categorically refuted the suggestion that Starlink terminals in Ukraine might be disconnected. “I cannot imagine that anyone could decide to sever a business contract concerning a commercial service, when Poland is a party to it,” he asserted. This statement comes as Poland reinforces its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s connectivity by funding nearly 20,000 Starlink terminals, which are used not only for military purposes but also to maintain communications in frontline areas.
The Polish government’s position is underpinned by a longstanding financial commitment. Alongside the acquisition of Starlink terminals, Poland continues to pay the subscription fees for the service, thereby ensuring its uninterrupted operation. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has also reaffirmed that Warsaw will maintain its support for Starlink, regardless of any external pressures or attempts to use the service as a bargaining chip in diplomatic negotiations.
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