Poland’s President Veto’s Bill to Extend Support Package for Ukraine
In a bold move, Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a bill on Monday that would have extended the existing support package for Ukraine. This decision means that Warsaw will no longer be able to foot the bill for Kyiv’s access to the Starlink network.
With Polish funding for Ukraine’s internet connection via Starlink set to cease on 1 October, frontline troops could potentially lose access to crucial real-time information.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in early 2022, Poland has been a key supporter of Ukraine’s internet access through Starlink. The termination of this vital service is expected to deal a serious blow to Ukrainian troops.
“Presidential vetoes are cutting blindly. Karol Nawrocki’s decision effectively shuts off the internet in Ukraine, impacting the law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens,” remarked Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski in a social media post.
Furthermore, this veto will not only impact Ukrainian refugees in Poland, affecting benefits such as child support and healthcare, but also puts an end to the secure storage of Ukrainian administration data.
Despite the significant consequences of his decision, Nawrocki emphasized that Poland remains committed to assisting Ukrainian citizens, though changes to existing laws are necessary.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the veto, but the government lacks the necessary parliamentary majority to override it.
While the veto may result in additional costs and necessitate adjustments to the national budget, not all voices in Poland oppose Nawrocki’s decision. The leader of the far-right Konfederacja party, for instance, welcomed the halt to Starlink funding, suggesting that Ukraine should bear the costs.
As Ukraine’s conflict with Russia continues, anti-Ukrainian sentiments in Poland have been on the rise, despite the positive economic impact of Ukrainian refugees. While data indicates that Ukrainians have contributed more in taxes than they have received in benefits, public support for those fleeing the war has waned.
This shift in attitude reflects a concerning war fatigue in a country that has been at the forefront of supporting Ukraine throughout the conflict. Despite the challenges, Poland has remained a key ally to Ukraine, providing both military and humanitarian assistance totaling approximately €3.3 billion.
The evolving dynamics in Poland’s approach to the Ukrainian crisis underscore the complexities and challenges faced by both nations in navigating the ongoing conflict.
