Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has come to the defense of Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski after a public clash between Sikorski, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and tech mogul Elon Musk over the use of Starlink satellite services in Ukraine. The controversy began when Sikorski commented on Musk’s statement about potentially shutting down the Starlink service in Ukraine.
Sikorski expressed concern that if SpaceX were to stop providing Starlink, Poland would need to seek alternative suppliers for satellite communication, a vital resource for Ukraine’s defense operations. Musk responded harshly, calling Sikorski a “small man” and criticizing Poland’s financial contribution to the system.
The exchange has raised tensions within Polish politics, especially from the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, which criticized Sikorski’s comments. PiS members argued that Sikorski’s remarks could damage Poland’s relations with the U.S.
In response, Tusk defended Sikorski’s actions, stating that the foreign minister had simply explained Poland’s position in a calm and professional manner. Tusk also warned against dismissing smaller allies and emphasized the importance of respect in international relations.
The debate over Starlink’s role in Ukraine is part of a broader conversation about the role of private companies in military operations. The European Commission is now exploring alternative satellite communication options for Ukraine to ensure continued support for the country’s defense needs amid concerns that Musk may use Starlink access as a bargaining chip.
The incident highlights growing concerns over global security and the influence of tech giants like SpaceX in international politics.