Polish President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of continued support for Ukrainian refugees could impact Starlink Internet access in Ukraine, according to Digitalisation Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski.
The vetoed bill sought to extend support, including child benefits, for Ukrainian refugee families until March 2026. President Nawrocki, however, proposed restricting the support to those who are employed.
Gawkowski criticised the decision, arguing that the bill also provided the legal framework for Poland’s funding of Starlink services in neighbouring Ukraine.
“This means the end of Starlink Internet, which Poland supplies to Ukraine as it wages war,” Gawkowski stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Since the early weeks of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine has relied on thousands of Starlink satellite dishes, which ensure Internet connectivity in war-torn areas. The satellites, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, have been kept functional with financial support from Poland.
A spokesperson for President Nawrocki clarified that Poland's Parliament still has the option of proposing a new bill to restore the required legal basis for Starlink funding.
This is not the first time Nawrocki has blocked legislation from the centre-left government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Just last week, he vetoed a proposal aimed at easing regulations around green energy projects.
