Musk clashes with Polish FM over Starlink access in Ukraine
What's the story
Elon Musk has pledged to ensure Ukraine's access to his satellite network Starlink.
This comes after a spat with Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski on the social media platform X.
The issue arose after Musk claimed shutting off Starlink for Ukrainian forces would cause the collapse of their entire front line.
Sikorski countered, saying the Polish Digitization Ministry funds Starlinks for Ukraine at about $50 million per year.
Response
Musk's rebuttal to Sikorski
Responding to Sikorski, Musk said, "To be extremely clear, no matter how much I disagree with the Ukraine policy, Starlink will never turn off its terminals."
He further added that without Starlink, Ukrainian lines would collapse as "the Russians can jam all other communications!"
Musk also stressed he would never use the service as a bargaining chip.
This came amid speculation over the suspension of US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Strategic importance
Musk's Starlink: A lifeline for Ukraine
Starlink, which owns around 60% of the roughly 7,500 satellites orbiting the Earth, is a dominant player in the satellite internet business. The private communication system has become a vital tool for frontline troops in Ukraine.
However, after US President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on February 28, US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine have been suspended.
Twitter Post
X argument between Polish FM and Musk
Be quiet, small man.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 9, 2025
You pay a tiny fraction of the cost.
And there is no substitute for Starlink.
Online spat
Musk and Sikorski's exchange on X
In their argument on X, Sikorski said that if SpaceX proves to be an unreliable provider, Poland will be forced to look for other suppliers.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio then joined in, writing that Sikorski was "just making things up."
"And say thank you because without Starlink Ukraine would have lost this war long ago," he added.
Musk also later responded to Sikorski's post, calling him a "small man," and that there is no substitute for Starlink.