US may cut Ukraine's access to Starlink over minerals: Report
What's the story
Ukraine's access to SpaceX's Starlink internet service may be at risk due to a disagreement over critical minerals with the United States. The conflict erupted after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected a US proposal for shared ownership of Ukraine's key minerals. The proposed deal would have entitled Washington and American companies to 50% of Ukraine's critical minerals, including graphite, uranium, titanium, and lithium.
Connectivity crisis
Starlink's role in Ukraine and potential shutdown
The mineral dispute was a major issue during talks between US special envoy Keith Kellogg and Zelenskiy. Sources privy to the discussions revealed that Ukraine was warned that Starlink services could be terminated if no agreement on mineral access was reached. "Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star," said an anonymous source, emphasizing the dire consequences of losing this service.
Mineral wealth
US demands and ongoing negotiations
The Trump administration has demanded $500 billion in mineral wealth from Ukraine as repayment for wartime aid, without offering specific security guarantees in return. Zelenskiy has rejected these demands, leading to strained relations between the two leaders. However, both US and Ukrainian teams are reportedly working toward an agreement on this issue. "We're working on it," Donald Trump said Friday, expressing optimism about a forthcoming deal.
Military impact
Starlink's strategic importance for Ukraine's military
Melinda Haring from the Atlantic Council emphasized the strategic importance of Starlink for Ukraine's military operations, particularly its drone capabilities. "Losing Starlink would be a game changer," she said. Ukraine now matches Russia in terms of drone usage and artillery shells and Starlin The Ukrainian embassy in Washington, the White House, and the US Department of Defense have not commented on this development.
Diplomatic discord
Ukraine's 'victory plan' and escalating tensions
Last fall, Ukraine suggested opening its critical minerals sector to allied investments as part of a "victory plan" to strengthen its hand in negotiations and pressure Moscow into talks. Trump backed the move, seeking rare earths and other minerals from Ukraine in return for financial support during the conflict. However, the mineral dispute has soured Zelenskiy-Trump ties. Trump called Zelenskiy "a dictator without elections" after the latter accused him of being swayed by Russian disinformation over the war's origins.