Poland says two Turks arrested over Russia-linked Starlink station fire - Al Jazeera
Two Turkish citizens have been arrested in Germany in connection with a fire at a Starlink station in central Poland, which Polish officials claim was an act of sabotage orchestrated by Russian intelligence. The incident, aimed at disrupting internet services for Ukraine's military, is part of a broader pattern of alleged Russian hybrid attacks in the European Union.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the ongoing hybrid warfare tactics employed by Russia against European nations and Ukraine, highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the international nature of intelligence operations. It also shows the reliance of Ukraine's military on Starlink for battlefield communications.
Warsaw says the 2 suspects held in Germany will face sabotage charges.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Starlink devices in Ukraine connect servicemen of the 155th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to the internet [File:Pierre Crom/Getty Images] By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters Published On 12 Oct 2026 12 Oct 2026 Two Turkish citizens have been detained in Germany over a fire at a Starlink station in central Poland that Warsaw has branded an act of sabotage carried out on Russia’s behalf.
Polish officials announced the arrests on Monday, one month after the fire, which they say was aimed at disrupting internet services, including for Ukraine’s military. The fire, in Masovia in Eastern Poland, engulfed the Starlink station’s power system and backup generator.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in