US could cut Ukraine's access to Starlink internet services over minerals, say sources

U.S. negotiators have warned Ukraine that its access to the vital Starlink satellite system could be cut off unless it agrees to a deal over the country’s critical minerals, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

The issue was raised after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejected an initial proposal from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Starlink, owned by SpaceX, provides essential internet connectivity to war-torn Ukraine, particularly for its military operations.

During a meeting with U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg on Thursday, Zelenskiy was told that Ukraine could lose Starlink access if it did not reach an agreement on the mineral deal, which involves rare earth and other critical resources.

“Losing Starlink would be a massive blow,” one anonymous source said, emphasizing its importance to Ukraine’s military, including its drone operations.

In past months, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been pivotal in maintaining Ukraine’s communications infrastructure, rushing thousands of Starlink terminals into the country after Russia’s invasion.

However, Musk’s relationship with Ukraine has soured, as he reduced access in 2022, sparking tension with Kyiv.

Poland has continued to fund Ukraine’s Starlink subscription, with Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski reaffirming his country’s commitment. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers remain divided over President Trump’s efforts to broker a deal quickly to end the war.

Melinda Haring, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, warned that cutting Starlink access could drastically impact Ukraine’s military strategy, especially its reliance on drones. “Losing Starlink would be a game changer,” she said.

The negotiation over Ukraine's mineral wealth, including graphite, uranium, and lithium, is part of a broader strategy aimed at securing long-term military support from the U.S. However, Zelenskiy rejected a detailed proposal that would have seen U.S. firms controlling half of Ukraine’s critical minerals.

A rift has emerged between the U.S. and Ukraine as both sides struggle to come to terms over the mineral deal, with President Trump calling Zelenskiy a “dictator without elections,” while Zelenskiy accused Trump of being influenced by Russian disinformation.