Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski is known for not backing down from a confrontation. When US billionaire Elon Musk highlighted the critical role of his Starlink satellite service for Ukraine, stating that the country’s defense would collapse without it, Sikorski acted swiftly. He posted on the social media platform X that Poland’s Ministry of Digitization funds the Starlink service for Ukraine at a cost of approximately $50 million annually. Sikorski also warned that if SpaceX proved to be an unreliable service provider, Poland would seek alternatives.
Musk’s response to Sikorski was immediate and dismissive. “Be quiet, small man,” Musk retorted. “You pay a tiny fraction of the cost. And there is no substitute for Starlink.”
The dispute drew in US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized that without Starlink, Ukraine would have already lost the war. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also commented on the situation, urging restraint in the United States and emphasizing the importance of partnership and respect for allies, even the smaller and weaker ones.
Despite Poland’s disagreements with some of the recent policies of the Trump administration, which has criticized Ukraine and shown a preference for Russia, Poland remains determined to maintain its alliance with the US. Poland is taking steps to strengthen its own military capabilities, including a new military training program for every adult man in the country.
Poland’s approach to defense is increasingly proactive, with the government considering a return to using land mines and cluster munitions. The country also plans to provide all citizens with a guide on how to behave in case of war and is discussing a nuclear umbrella with France.
The trans-Atlantic relationship remains crucial for Poland, which sees it as a cornerstone of its security. Still, Poland is actively seeking to increase Europe’s ability to defend itself, with Prime Minister Tusk playing a key role in regional security initiatives. The recent tensions could potentially bring Poland and Germany closer together, with suggestions of a joint military project, including the development of an atomic bomb.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/poland-navigates-balancing-act-between-us-europe/a-71884060?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
