A fire last night at a Starlink ground station in Poland was caused deliberately, says Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski. The facility, located in the village of Wola Krobowska south of Warsaw, provides internet services across the region, including in Ukraine. Although the investigation continues, Gawkowski stated the modus operandi is clearly Russian, calling it another element of hybrid warfare.

Gawkowski noted the facility is owned by Polish state telecommunications operator Exatel and provides internet transmission through Poland and to Ukraine. Other internet providers, including Elon Musk's Space X, use the facility. Starlink terminals have been vital in Ukraine during Russia's war against the country.

Poland has been a primary target for Russian sabotage operations in Europe. Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek said the incident could be an act of sabotage, noting nothing can be ruled out given sensitive elements ensure satellite communications. The spokesman for Poland's security services confirmed everything points to arson, though it is too early to discuss motives.

A new report by the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism finds Poland is the primary focus of Russia's sabotage campaign in Europe, with 31 incidents since 2022. Defence24 notes ground stations connect the Starlink satellite constellation with terrestrial infrastructure, serving the Central and Eastern Europe region including Ukraine.