(MENAFN) Polish President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed legislation that would have extended financial assistance for Ukrainian refugees until March 2026, insisting the program needs major revisions. The current benefits are due to expire in September.

Nawrocki, who assumed office earlier this month, said state support should be limited to Ukrainians working in Poland. “We remain open to providing help to Ukrainian citizens – that has not changed. But after three and a half years, our law should be amended,” he stated.

Poland has hosted around one million Ukrainians since Russia escalated its conflict with Kiev in 2022, making it one of the largest destinations for refugees. The president’s office emphasized that he rejects “privileged treatment” of foreign citizens and will soon present his own proposals to parliament.

The veto sparked controversy because the rejected bill also included funding for Ukraine’s Starlink satellite internet access, which plays a crucial role in military communications. Polish Digital Affairs Minister Krzystof Gawkowski warned that the decision effectively risks cutting Ukraine off from the service.

Nawrocki’s office clarified, however, that Starlink payments could still continue if lawmakers adopt a revised version of the legislation before the end of September.

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