Poland has made a decision regarding Starlink: what will happen to the 29,000 terminals in Ukraine?
20 February 23:56
Poland continues to finance the operation of Starlink satellite internet in Ukraine, which has become critically important for the military, government agencies, and civilian infrastructure during the war. In total, since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Poland has transferred more than 29,000 Starlink terminals to Ukraine and continues to pay for their operation. This was reported by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Poland has transferred over 29,000 Starlink terminals to Ukraine
According to official information from the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Poland has become one of the key partners in providing Ukraine with satellite internet.
“Poland is our strategic and reliable partner. During the full-scale war, Poland has transferred more than 29,000 Starlink terminals and continues to financially support their operation. This is a huge contribution to Ukraine’s resilience,” the Ministry of Digital Transformation said.
These terminals are used to provide communication:
- military units;
- government agencies;
- energy companies;
- emergency services;
- critical infrastructure.
Why Starlink is critical for Ukraine
Starlink has become one of the key elements of Ukraine’s digital resilience during the war, especially after Russia’s massive attacks on energy and telecommunications infrastructure.
Starlink’s main functions:
- providing internet access in combat zones;
- supporting military systems;
- providing backup communications during power outages;
- restoring communications in de-occupied territories;
- ensuring the stable operation of government digital services.
Satellite internet allows you to work even where the ground infrastructure has been completely destroyed.
Poland not only transferred the equipment, but also finances its operation
It is important to note that Poland did not limit itself to transferring equipment, but continues to pay for its maintenance and use.
This means that the Ukrainian military, hospitals, energy companies, and government agencies can use Starlink without additional financial costs on the part of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Digital Development expressed its gratitude to Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitalization Krzysztof Haukowski and the Polish government for their support.
Ukraine has begun verifying Starlink and is blocking access to Russians
On February 2, the head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, announced the launch of a verification system for Starlink terminals in Ukraine. According to him, only verified and officially registered devices will operate in the country.
All unauthorized terminals will be disabled to combat the use of Starlink by Russian troops.
This decision was made after information emerged about the occupiers using satellite internet to control the drones they are using to attack Ukraine.
Russian troops lost access to Starlink — this affected the front line
On February 5, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense confirmed that Russian troops had been cut off from Starlink. This caused serious communication problems for Russian units.
According to military sources, after losing access to satellite internet:
- Russian troops halted offensive operations in a number of areas;
- panic broke out among the occupying units;
- drone control was disrupted;
- troop coordination declined.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that the Russians’ communication problems gave the Ukrainian Defense Forces the opportunity to carry out successful counterattacks and slow down the enemy’s advance.
Why Starlink is critical to Ukraine’s defense
Starlink has become a key element of military and civilian communications during the war. The system allows for:
- coordinate combat operations;
- control drones;
- maintain communication in frontline areas;
- ensure the operation of critical infrastructure;
- restore communications after attacks.
Even when power stations or mobile networks are damaged, Starlink continues to operate via satellite signal.
Poland remains a key partner for Ukraine
Poland is one of Ukraine’s main allies not only in the military and humanitarian spheres, but also in digital support.
The transfer and financing of Starlink is part of a large-scale aid package that helps Ukraine maintain the functioning of the state, economy, and defense in wartime.
