Fire breaks out at Starlink station in Poland — Russia suspected

A fire broke out on the evening of September 23 at a Starlink satellite communications ground station in the village of Wola Krobowska in Poland's Mazovia Voivodeship, prompting officials to question whether the incident was an accident.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was reluctant to label the event as sabotage without full certainty, but acknowledged that the circumstances "look bad." Interior and Administration Minister Marcin Kierwiński said the State Fire Service, police and prosecutors would thoroughly investigate the circumstances, adding that it is hard to imagine such incidents being accidental and calling for police to be allowed to work without interference. He also stated his belief that Russia has clearly reached a new stage of hybrid warfare against all of Europe.

Two possible causes

Preliminary findings suggest the station was likely deliberately set on fire, though a short circuit in the electrical system is also being considered as a possible cause. Poland's Minister of Digital Affairs, Krzysztof Gawkowski, said there are strong indications the fire was an intentional attempt to disrupt the station's operations.

The incident follows recent warnings from Tusk about Russian plans for hybrid strikes against countries supporting Ukraine. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has also recently warned of escalating Russian aggression toward Europe.