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This is how much Poland spent on Starlinks for Ukraine. The amounts were revealed
From 2022 to 2024, Poland has earmarked nearly PLN 323 million for Starlink terminals and their subscriptions for Ukraine, as reported by the Ministry of Digital Affairs. It further mentioned that this year’s subscription cost is projected to exceed PLN 77 million.
The Ministry of Digital Affairs emphasized that it has never been discovered that Starlinks supplied by Poland to Ukraine were listed for sale on online platforms.
Starlinks for Ukraine. This is the expenditure by Poland
The Ministry of Digital Affairs indicated that from 2022-2024, the Institute of Communications – National Research Institute (IŁ-PIB), at the behest of the Minister of Digital Affairs, procured 24,560 Starlink satellite communication system terminals to be „loaned” to Ukraine. Of this total, during the years 2022-2023, under the United Right’s governance, 19,560 Starlinks were acquired, with an additional 5,000 expected by the end of 2024, it noted.
It was highlighted that by supplying these terminals, „adequate conditions for ensuring communication within Ukraine” are established. This provision facilitates electronic communication services for citizens of Ukraine residing both in Ukraine and Poland, especially amid military operations.
According to the information from the Ministry of Digital Affairs, from 2022 to 2024, nearly PLN 323 million has been allocated for Starlinks for Ukraine, covering both the terminals and their monthly subscription fees.
Terminals acquired by 2023 amounted to PLN 28.7 million, while those acquired in 2024 (5,000 units) cost approximately PLN 9 million.
The subscription encompasses over 24,000 Starlink terminals along with 5,150 terminals supplied by other organizations.
Based on the agreements established by the Minister of Digital Affairs, the monthly fee for one standard subscription is PLN 528.90 gross, whereas for a special subscription, it is PLN 1,383.75 gross.
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As per the forecast provided, between January and September 2025, the ministry will allocate over nearly PLN 77.8 million for Starlink subscriptions utilized in Ukraine, alongside PLN 295,060 for terminals within Poland.
The data also indicates that around 1,000 Starlinks were acquired for Polish requirements.
„All expenses were covered by the Aid Fund”
„All costs were incurred from the Aid Fund, which was established under the act concerning assistance to Ukrainian citizens amid the armed conflict within that territory,” the ministry noted. It further stated that Starlink subscriptions are funded from the national budget. It was emphasized that Poland only pays for services that are „actually activated,” as reported by the Ukrainian side based on demand. Payments were also made for „actually activated” services on terminals used in Poland during the parliamentary elections in 2023, local government elections, and European elections in 2024, along with the operation of terminals provided to the State Fire Service during the flooding in Lower Silesia, as stated by the ministry.
„A similar approach will be adopted for the presidential elections in 2025,” it was announced. The ministry highlighted that the Institute of Communications – National Research Institute maintains a comprehensive list of serial numbers for the Starlinks provided and consistently monitors their usage, consulting with the Ukrainian partner, the Ministry of Digital Transformation (MTD) of Ukraine, regarding this.
Starlinks in Ukraine. Support under the law until the end of September
„IŁ-PIB has consistently verified advertisements across various platforms and has never found evidence that Starlinks provided by Poland were being offered for sale,” the Ministry of Digital Affairs asserted. The ministry reported that out of 5,000 Starlinks acquired by Poland by the end of 2024, Ukraine has received 1,584. The remaining units are currently stored in a warehouse managed by the Institute of Communications. The responsibility for their collection and transport lies with the Ukrainian side.
The Ministry reminded that, according to the Act, support for ensuring connectivity via Starlink terminals is available until September 30, 2025. This deadline has already been amended by legislation in light of the extended conflict in Ukraine and is a result of pertinent implementing decisions from the EU Council.
„The Ministry of Digital Affairs has yet to receive information regarding a potential suspension of services associated with the Starlink satellite communication system terminals procured by Poland. We also lack information about any possible discussions regarding replacing the Starlink system with an alternative solution,” it was emphasized.
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