The Starlink broadband internet system was developed by SpaceX, which was founded and is majorly owned by Elon Musk. This network of thousands of satellites placed in low Earth orbit has enabled Ukrainian military units to maintain communications, coordinate operations, and control drones for launching and combat. Additionally, Starlink has been utilized by civilian institutions such as hospitals and schools and has helped support the damaged telecommunications network in Ukraine.

Since the onset of the Russian invasion in 2022, Poland has transferred 20,000 Starlink terminals to Ukraine for both civilian and military use, covering the costs of their subscriptions. According to the Polish Ministry of Digitization, the annual expense for these services in Ukraine amounts to $50 million. Following the outbreak of war, Elon Musk made the Starlink system available at the request of the Ukrainian authorities, which was crucial after Russian forces destroyed much of Ukraine's communication infrastructure. Over time, Musk began to limit the system's use, noting that it should serve defensive rather than offensive purposes. Specifically, SpaceX blocked the system's use during Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian targets in occupied Crimea and the Black Sea region. Musk has also expressed concerns about the costs associated with operating the system, leading Poland to assume most of these expenses.

Recently, a new controversy arose when Musk claimed that Starlink was "the backbone of the Ukrainian army" and that "the entire front line would collapse" if he turned it off. In response, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski highlighted that Poland covers the subscription costs, indicating that if SpaceX cannot provide a viable service, alternatives would need to be explored. This sparked a back-and-forth exchange between Musk and Sikorski, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio joining the conversation. The Americans reassured that no one on their side was threatening to cut Ukraine off from this communication system. Additionally, the Poles should also express gratitude to SpaceX for providing the Starlink system.

However, it is important to note that there are currently no systems capable of replacing Starlink. Other systems, such as the UK's OneWeb or Europe's SES O3b, do not yet offer comparable coverage or speed. Amazon's Kuiper system is still in the testing phase and is not expected to be commercially available until 2026. Starlink remains an essential tool for connectivity in Ukraine, serving military and civilian needs. Despite the ongoing tensions between Elon Musk and various politicians, there is no viable alternative to fulfill its functions. Consequently, Ukraine's dependence on Starlink is a critical aspect of the conflict, and the financing and terms of use are likely to remain contentious. Public exchanges of opinions or insults will not help secure Ukrainian interests. Unfortunately, there are times when diplomats lack proper diplomacy.

Source, Łukasz Wojdyga, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies Warsaw Enterprise Institute