WOLA KROBOWSKA — Gawkowski stated that while responsibility had not been established, many signs suggested the incident aligned with Russia's new doctrine of attack. "While everything is operational today, we must recognize - as Prime Minister Tusk recently noted - that this is an element of hybrid warfare," said Gawkowski.

The Starlink station in central Poland is operating normally following the fire. The station transmits internet traffic through Poland to countries including Ukraine using SpaceX Starlink systems. Poland has stated it pays for Ukraine's Starlink subscription.

Ukraine's military relies on tens of thousands of Starlink terminals for battlefield communications and drone operations. In 2023, the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs classified Starlink terminals used by Ukraine as 'critical military infrastructure,' citing their role in 85% of Ukrainian battlefield communications during the 2022-2023 counteroffensive. Elon Musk activated Starlink services over Ukraine in 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated he disliked labeling the incident as sabotage versus an accident without 100% certainty, but added that it looked bad. Russia has repeatedly denied involvement in sabotage incidents in Poland. Ukraine has not publicly commented on whether the fire caused disruptions on its side.

Poland has been on heightened alert for acts of sabotage since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A Russian military helicopter briefly violated Polish airspace on Wednesday, forcing Poland to scramble fighter jets.

Why It Matters

The incident shows the vulnerability of communication infrastructure that supports Ukraine's military operations. The station serves as a critical node for internet traffic flowing to Ukraine, where tens of thousands of Starlink terminals facilitate battlefield communications and drone operations. Poland's financial support for Ukraine's Starlink subscription reflects the strategic importance of maintaining these links during ongoing conflict.

Regional intelligence assessments indicate a broader pattern of hybrid warfare tactics targeting NATO infrastructure. Denmark's defense Intelligence Service has warned of escalating risks, including targeted sabotage of communication infrastructure and potential limited military attacks against NATO countries. These assessments align with Poland's heightened alert status and recent airspace violations, suggesting a coordinated strategy to divert European resources and deepen divisions within the alliance.

Timeline

On January 1, 2019, a new order of state monitoring of water came into force in Ukraine according to Water Framework Directive requirements as part of water resources management system reforms. On February 24, 2022, Elon Musk activated Starlink services over Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion.

On September 23, 2026, there was no information indicating that a similar incident had occurred at the Wola Krobowska Starlink station or to its operator, Exatel, prior to the fire that broke out at the station in Wola Krobowska, Masovian Voivodeship, central Poland, on Wednesday evening. Also on September 23, 2026, a Russian military helicopter briefly violated Polish airspace, forcing Poland to scramble fighter jets, and the fire engulfed the station's power system and backup generator. On September 24, 2026, Polish Deputy Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski stated the fire was an act of sabotage deliberately designed to disable the station and disrupt internet access for institutions including the Ukrainian military, and he stated that while responsibility had not been established, many signs suggested the incident aligned with Russia's new doctrine of attack.

What's New

The Danish defense Intelligence Service's 2026 threat assessment explicitly cited 'targeted sabotage of communication infrastructure' as a key component of Russia's hybrid warfare strategy, directly correlating with the Starlink station attack in Poland. The Polish Deputy Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski's assertion that the sabotage aligned with 'Russia's new doctrine of attack' echoes a 2023 report by the European Union's External Action Service linking Russia to hybrid warfare tactics in Eastern Europe.

Denmark's defense Intelligence Service issued a threat assessment in August 2026 warning of a low but growing risk of Russia launching limited military attacks against NATO countries, including Poland, as part of its hybrid warfare strategy.

How Sources Differ

Polish Deputy Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski stated the fire was an act of sabotage deliberately designed to disable the station and disrupt internet access for institutions including the Ukrainian military. Polish Minister Donald Tusk stated he disliked labeling the incident as sabotage versus an accident without 100% certainty, but added that it looked bad.

The Polish Deputy Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski's assertion that the sabotage aligned with 'Russia's new doctrine of attack' echoes a 2023 report by the European Union's External Action Service linking Russia to hybrid warfare tactics.

"The fire engulfed the power station and the generator; it is clear that this act of sabotage was deliberately designed to disable the station - effectively cutting off the internet connection.. and disrupting internet access for various institutions, including the Ukrainian military," said Polish Deputy Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski.