The United States has reportedly warned Ukraine that it may block access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network if Kyiv does not grant Washington access to its critical mineral reserves, according to a Reuters report.
This ultimatum follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s rejection of an initial proposal by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, which sought to exchange rare minerals for economic aid.
During a meeting on Thursday between U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg and President Zelensky, Ukraine was allegedly cautioned about the potential suspension of Starlink unless a resource-sharing agreement was reached.
A source quoted by Reuters described Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink as indispensable: “Ukraine runs on Starlink. They see it as their North Star.”
Negotiations have centered around Washington’s request for access to Ukraine’s vast reserves of critical materials, including graphite, uranium, titanium, and lithium—key resources for electric vehicle batteries and other advanced technologies.
Zelensky has rejected a proposal from the Trump administration that sought a $500 billion mineral agreement in exchange for continued U.S. financial support. The Ukrainian president has insisted that any deal must include clear security guarantees, a demand that Washington has yet to fulfill.
Starlink was first provided to Ukraine in 2022 by Elon Musk as a response to communication disruptions caused by the Russian invasion. The system has since become a crucial component of Ukraine’s military operations, particularly in coordinating drone warfare—an essential part of the country’s defense strategy.
Analysts warn that losing Starlink access could significantly hinder Ukraine’s battlefield communications. Melinda Haring, a senior analyst at the Atlantic Council, described the system as a “game-changer,” noting that it has helped Ukraine maintain technological parity with Russia in drone warfare and artillery capabilities.
