US Pressures Ukraine on Critical Minerals, Threatens Starlink Access

US negotiators have warned they will cut off Ukraine’s access to the vital Starlink satellite internet service if an agreement is not secured on Ukraine’s critical minerals. Starlink, provided by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been a key component of Ukraine’s military communications, especially in the war against Russia.

The issue was raised in talks after a rebuff by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of a proposal by the US Treasury to grant $500 billion in war aid for access to Ukrainian mineral resources. America has been demanding access to Ukraine’s key minerals like graphite, uranium, and lithium for electric vehicle batteries among others.

Zelensky has refused to sign the US deal, and there has been a falling out between him and US President Donald Trump because of this. Trump has insisted that Ukraine supply the US with these minerals, but Zelensky rejected the offer, claiming the US offered no security guarantees in return.

Starlink, hastily brought into Ukraine to replace communications wiped out after Russia invaded, has become indispensable for Ukrainian military operations, including drone use. Shutting off Starlink access would be a significant blow to Ukraine, considering its prominent role in their military efforts. There are talks ongoing, but the impasse persists with Ukraine demanding more security guarantees and less outside control over its resources.