According to sources familiar with the discussions, U.S. negotiators have suggested that Ukraine might face limitations on its use of the Starlink service if a favorable agreement regarding mineral access is not reached. This development follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s rejection of an initial U.S. proposal led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Starlink, which has been crucial in maintaining internet connectivity across war-torn regions of Ukraine, came into focus during recent meetings between Keith Kellogg, the U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine, and President Zelenskiy. One source indicated that Ukraine was warned of an imminent service cut unless a deal on critical minerals was secured.
The reliance of Ukraine on Starlink, described by insiders as its ‘North Star,’ underscores the gravity of these negotiations. The loss of Starlink’s services would pose significant challenges for Ukraine, impacting both civilian life and military operations. Melinda Haring, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, emphasized that the disruption of Starlink could alter the dynamics of the ongoing conflict, particularly Ukraine’s drone operations.
Previously heralded for his support, Elon Musk delivered thousands of Starlink units to Ukraine following infrastructure damages from the Russian invasion in February 2022. Although celebrated as a vital ally, Musk has previously scaled back Starlink’s accessibility, expressing criticism towards certain aspects of Ukraine’s war strategies.
Discussions have been further strained by differing views between President Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelenskiy firmly opposed a robust U.S. proposal that would’ve granted American entities 50% stakes in Ukraine’s critical mineral assets, including graphite, uranium, titanium, and lithium, vital for electric vehicle batteries. These minerals are pivotal for both technological advancements and national security.
The importance of these resources has led to escalating tensions. Trump has voiced desires for Ukraine to supply rare earth elements as a form of financial compensation for wartime support, while simultaneously accusing Zelenskiy of governing without democratic elections. In return, Zelenskiy has criticized Trump’s perspectives as misinformed by Russian propaganda.
Negotiations over mineral rights are not solely financial but carry broader implications for global strategic resources. While Ukraine seeks allies for potential investments into these resources, it simultaneously faces pressure from the U.S. to accommodate its demands or risk losing essential technological support.
The situation remains fluid, as indicated by President Zelenskiy’s recent remarks about ongoing efforts to secure an agreement, and President Trump’s optimistic outlook on reaching a resolution soon. However, the absence of immediate comments from the Ukrainian Embassy, the White House, the U.S. Department of Defense, and SpaceX reflect the sensitive nature of the current discussions.
The potential withdrawal of Starlink services poses serious risks for Ukraine at a critical juncture in its conflict with Russia. The ongoing negotiations highlight the complexity of international diplomacy where technological reliance and natural resources remain integral to geopolitical strategies.
