US pressures Ukraine over critical minerals, threatens to cut Starlink access: Report

US ties Starlink access to Ukraine’s mineral resources

US negotiators have pressured Ukraine to grant access to its critical minerals, warning that failure to comply could lead to the shutdown of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service. According to three sources familiar with the negotiations, the issue was raised after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected an initial proposal from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides essential internet connectivity to Ukraine’s military and civilian infrastructure. Its potential shutdown would be a “massive blow” to the country’s operations, one source stated.

High-stakes negotiations intensify

The issue resurfaced during a Thursday meeting between Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Ukraine, and Zelenskyy. During the meeting, Ukraine was warned that Starlink access could be imminently cut off unless an agreement on mineral resources was reached. The negotiations come amid escalating tensions between the two nations over financial aid and security guarantees.

Zelenskyy has refused US demands for $500 billion in mineral wealth as repayment for wartime assistance, citing the lack of specific security guarantees in return. Despite the standoff, Zelenskyy stated on Friday that both sides are working toward an agreement, with Trump expressing optimism that a deal will be finalized soon.

Starlink’s critical role in Ukraine’s defense

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Elon Musk has provided thousands of Starlink terminals to restore communications disrupted by Russian attacks. Starlink has become essential for Ukraine’s military operations, particularly in deploying drones, which are crucial for surveillance and combat.

“Losing Starlink would be a game changer,” said Melinda Haring, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, noting that Ukraine has achieved parity with Russia in drone warfare, thanks in part to Starlink’s connectivity. The system supports various drone types, including sea drones, surveillance drones, and long-range UAVs.

Musk has previously restricted Starlink access in Ukraine, notably in the fall of 2022, as he grew critical of Kyiv’s handling of the war. This history raises concerns that access could again be curtailed if negotiations fail.

US seeks access to Ukraine’s rare earths and minerals

Ukraine has vast reserves of critical minerals, including graphite, uranium, titanium, and lithium—essential components for electric vehicle batteries and advanced technology. Last fall, Ukraine proposed opening its mineral sector to allied investment as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in negotiations with Russia.

Trump has supported the idea, stating that Ukraine should supply the US with rare earths and other minerals in exchange for financial aid. However, Zelenskyy recently rejected a detailed US proposal that would grant Washington and American companies a 50% share of Ukraine’s mineral wealth.

Rising tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy

The dispute over critical minerals has strained relations between Trump and Zelenskyy. After Zelenskyy rejected the US proposal, Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of being “a dictator without elections.” Zelenskyy responded by accusing Trump of falling victim to Russian disinformation, following Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine had provoked the war.

Uncertain future for Starlink and US-Ukraine relations

As negotiations continue, the potential loss of Starlink remains a critical concern for Ukraine. With no immediate response from the White House, US Department of Defense, or SpaceX, the future of Starlink’s role in Ukraine’s defense remains uncertain. Both nations are under pressure to reach an agreement that balances Ukraine’s sovereignty over its resources with its need for continued military and technological support.

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