On August 26, the Veza Center for Public Analytics held a discussion with political scientist Ihor Chalenko, head of the Center for Analysis and Strategies, about the current situation regarding Starlink terminals for Ukraine financed by Poland.
According to Chalenko, Poland has allocated more than $80 million over three years to support Ukrainian Starlink, although official data reports about $50 million. By the end of this year, the total could reach $100 million. The funding is provided both from the state budget through the Ministry of Digitalization and from municipal funds, including Poland’s Assistance Fund for Ukrainians.
Part of these resources supports Ukrainian refugees in Poland, covering communications and Internet access for displaced persons. Legislative initiatives to extend such assistance funds are currently on hold, due to a veto by Nawrocki’s representative. If the necessary legislation is not approved, the extension of Starlink funding, and even operation of servers housing Ukrainian governmental data in Poland, may be at risk.
Nawrocki’s new proposals, including banning symbols linked to UPA, have sparked debate. Experts warn such steps could be exploited by Russian propaganda and may increase skepticism in Polish-Ukrainian relations.
Internationally, China’s leader Xi Jinping congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day for the first time, reflecting renewed interest in Ukraine from Beijing. The interview also examined statements from Lavrov about the Russian language in Ukraine, and German and Dutch leaders regarding a potential Putin-Zelensky summit.
Experts conclude that political developments in Poland and ongoing international support for Ukraine must be closely monitored. The future of Starlink funding and Ukraine’s security guarantees may depend on legislative decisions expected in September.
