Poland’s foreign minister just threatened to defund Ukraine’s Starlink lifeline — to settle a score with Elon Musk
Poland’s foreign minister, Radosław Sikorski, threatened Elon Musk that Poland would stop paying for the American billionaire’s Starlink satellite service to Ukraine unless Poland is restored to the European communications region.
The minister was reacting to Starlink’s decision to drop Poland from its European communications region — a move that threatens higher costs for Polish Starlink users. Starlink has not explained why it excluded Poland from the region.
Ukrainian forces fighting Russia rely heavily on Starlink. Russian troops also used Starlink until early February 2026, when large numbers of terminals along the front line shut down.
Poland’s Ministry of Digital Affairs finances the Starlink service for Ukraine, paying about $50 million a year.
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