U.S. Secretary of State Critiques Polish Counterpart Over Starlink Controversy
Tensions escalate as U.S. and Polish officials exchange barbs regarding satellite internet aid to Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly criticized Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski in a heated exchange concerning the provision of satellite internet services to Ukraine.
The conflict arose after Sikorski suggested that Ukraine might need an alternative to SpaceX's Starlink, stating that Poland covers the costs for its use, amounting to approximately $50 million annually.
He emphasized that if SpaceX proves to be an unreliable provider, Poland would be compelled to seek other suppliers.
In response, Rubio accused Sikorski of 'making things up' and asserted that there had been no threats to discontinue Starlink services to Ukraine.
He urged Sikorski to express gratitude, pointing out that Starlink has been instrumental in Ukraine's ongoing defense efforts, implying that without it, Ukrainian forces might have faced significant setbacks against Russian advances.
Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, also entered the discussion, affirming Rubio’s statements on the platform X, previously known as Twitter.
Musk dismissed Sikorski's comments and argued that Poland's financial contribution is a small fraction of the overall costs, claiming there are no viable alternatives to Starlink for Ukraine.
A representative from the Polish Foreign Ministry clarified that the provision of Starlink services is not an act of charity from the United States, highlighting that Poland itself pays for the subscription to the service.
The dialogue reflects the complex and often contentious relationship among Western allies regarding support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The conflict arose after Sikorski suggested that Ukraine might need an alternative to SpaceX's Starlink, stating that Poland covers the costs for its use, amounting to approximately $50 million annually.
He emphasized that if SpaceX proves to be an unreliable provider, Poland would be compelled to seek other suppliers.
In response, Rubio accused Sikorski of 'making things up' and asserted that there had been no threats to discontinue Starlink services to Ukraine.
He urged Sikorski to express gratitude, pointing out that Starlink has been instrumental in Ukraine's ongoing defense efforts, implying that without it, Ukrainian forces might have faced significant setbacks against Russian advances.
Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, also entered the discussion, affirming Rubio’s statements on the platform X, previously known as Twitter.
Musk dismissed Sikorski's comments and argued that Poland's financial contribution is a small fraction of the overall costs, claiming there are no viable alternatives to Starlink for Ukraine.
A representative from the Polish Foreign Ministry clarified that the provision of Starlink services is not an act of charity from the United States, highlighting that Poland itself pays for the subscription to the service.
The dialogue reflects the complex and often contentious relationship among Western allies regarding support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
