US Threatens to Cut Ukraine’s Starlink Access Amid Dispute Over Critical Minerals
The United States has reportedly raised the possibility of cutting Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service as part of negotiations over critical mineral resources, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
The issue surfaced after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejected an initial proposal from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the sources said. Starlink, owned by SpaceX, is vital to Ukraine’s military and communication networks.
During a meeting on Thursday between US Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg and Zelenskiy, Ukraine was reportedly warned of an imminent Starlink shutdown unless an agreement on mineral resources was reached. One source highlighted Ukraine’s dependence on the system, stating, “Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star.”
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Dispute Over Mineral Wealth
Negotiations have focused on Washington’s demand for access to Ukraine’s vast reserves of critical minerals, including graphite, uranium, titanium, and lithium—resources essential for producing electric car batteries and advanced technologies.
Zelenskiy has rejected a proposal from US President Donald Trump’s administration, which sought $500 billion worth of mineral wealth in exchange for continued US financial aid to Ukraine. The Ukrainian president insists that any such deal must include explicit security guarantees, which the US has yet to offer.
On Friday, Zelenskiy stated that talks between US and Ukrainian teams were ongoing, while Trump expressed confidence that a deal would soon be signed.
Starlink’s Role in Ukraine’s Defense
Musk initially provided thousands of Starlink terminals to Ukraine in early 2022, replacing damaged communication networks disrupted by Russia’s invasion. The system is now integral to Ukraine’s military operations, especially in drone warfare and battlefield coordination.
Analysts warn that losing Starlink access would significantly weaken Ukraine’s battlefield communications. Melinda Haring, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, described Starlink as a “game changer”, noting that it has given Ukraine parity with Russia in drone warfare and artillery capabilities.
Musk has previously restricted Starlink access, notably in late 2022, amid growing tensions over Kyiv’s war strategy.
Political Fallout
The dispute over critical minerals has fueled tensions between Trump and Zelenskiy. The US president recently described Zelenskiy as “a dictator without elections”, following the Ukrainian leader’s accusation that Trump had fallen for Russian disinformation.
Last year, Ukraine proposed opening its critical mineral sector to Western investment as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position against Moscow. However, Trump has pushed for a more direct trade-off, arguing that Ukraine should provide mineral resources in exchange for continued US support.
The White House, US Department of Defense, and SpaceX have yet to comment on the reported negotiations. The Ukrainian embassy in Washington has also not issued a statement.
