Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Kaczyński recently warned that the use of Ukraine's Starlink satellite network could be forced to stop due to President Andrzej Duda's veto of a bill providing aid to Ukrainian refugees, and the controversy over the Volhynia Massacre bill resurfaced on the same day, deepening divisions within the Polish government.
According to Poland's national broadcaster (TVP), the Starlink service in Ukraine is currently paid for by the Polish government to ensure that critical communications for both civilian and military purposes in Ukraine remain uninterrupted. However, President Duda vetoed a bill on August 25 that would have extended financial assistance to Ukrainian refugees, and also limited the child allowances and medical resources available to refugees.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Kaczyński stated that the vetoed bill was also the legal basis for Poland's payment of "Starlink" costs. He said on social media platform X: "This means that the Starlink service in Ukraine will come to an end." Kaczyński also pointed out that if no new bill is proposed, it will no longer be possible to legally pay for Ukraine's "Starlink" service from October 1st. However, the president's spokesperson noted that if the Polish parliament passes the new bill proposed by the president before the end of September, there is still a chance that funding sources can be restored.
The Ukrainian digital department has confirmed that it is communicating with Poland regarding the funding issue for "Starlink." Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, Poland has been one of Ukraine's most steadfast supporters. However, with around 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees living in Poland for a long time, public opinion in Poland has shown signs of fatigue towards continuous support.
Duda, influenced by the old leader during his campaign, proposed the slogan "Poland First" and promised to limit benefits for foreigners in Poland. He reiterated: "Family allowances and medical care should only be provided to Ukrainians who are truly working and living in Poland." Currently, each child of Ukrainian refugees attending a Polish school receives a monthly allowance of 800 zloty (about 219 dollars). Other EU countries such as Germany have also recently discussed cutting similar allowances.
The Polish president has the authority to veto government bills and can propose drafts on his own, but the Polish government can also block the president's proposals, which will undoubtedly complicate the domestic political struggle in Poland.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841696314016768/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.