diff --git a/mdkapplet-upgrade-helper b/mdkapplet-upgrade-helper
index c04b9ee..8fade97 100755
--- a/mdkapplet-upgrade-helper
+++ b/mdkapplet-upgrade-helper
@@ -205,7 +205,8 @@ packages as well?)."))
     # it must be set for gurpmi.addmedia, but also for gurpmi
     $ENV{URPMI_ADDMEDIA_PRODUCT_VERSION} = $new_distro_version;
 
-    system('gurpmi.addmedia', '--silent-success', if_($root, "--urpmi-root=$root"), '--distrib', '--mirrorlist', '$MIRRORLIST') and do {
+    my $mirror = $ENV{MDKONLINE_MIRROR} or '--mirrorlist';
+    system('gurpmi.addmedia', '--silent-success', if_($root, "--urpmi-root=$root"), '--distrib', $mirror) and do {
         log::explanations("adding media for new distribution failed");
         rm_rf(get_stale_upgrade_filename());
         log::explanations("restoringing urpmi configuration from $file");