**Ukraine Receives 5,000 Additional Starlink Terminals**
The government of Ukraine has received a new shipment of 5,000 Starlink terminals from Poland. The announcement was made by Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on April 3.
These additional terminals will help support critical infrastructure and maintain communications in front-line cities. According to Fedorov, the Starlink system provides high-speed internet connectivity, especially in remote areas. He said that the terminals will help residents of front-line territories stay connected with their relatives, emergency services, and news outlets.
**Background on Starlink**
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has received over 50,000 Starlink terminals through cooperation between international partners and donors. Poland has been the largest single supplier, providing around 29,500 terminals.
However, concerns have grown about continued access to Starlink after Reuters reported in February that the U.S. threatened to cut the service unless Kyiv agreed to a critical minerals deal. Tech billionaire Elon Musk denied these claims, saying that cutting Ukraine off from Starlink would cause the country’s entire front line to collapse.
**Ukraine Exploring Alternatives**
Amid growing uncertainty, Ukrainian officials have been exploring alternatives to Starlink. French satellite operator Eutelsat Communications is in talks with the EU to potentially replace the U.S.-based system in Ukraine.
**Other Developments**
* Russia’s Finance Ministry reported a loss of 230 billion rubles ($2.7 billion) in tax income compared to March 2024, mainly due to decreased oil and gas revenues.
* The Danish government approved a new package of military assistance to Ukraine worth $970 million.
* A gas explosion was likely the cause of a fire at a Russian shipbuilding plant.
* Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for him over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
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