U.S. negotiators have raised the possibility of restricting Ukraine’s access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet in the context of discussions over a critical minerals agreement.
This was reported by Reuters, citing sources, and relayed by Ukrinform.
According to sources, continued access to Starlink was discussed during negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian officials after President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected an initial proposal from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The issue was raised again on Thursday during a meeting between U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg and Zelensky.
“During the meeting, Ukraine was told it faced imminent shutoff of the service if it did not reach a deal on critical minerals, said the source, who requested anonymity to discuss closed negotiations,” a source told Reuters.
As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he personally suggested to U.S. President Donald Trump the idea of granting the United States access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for security guarantees and financial incentives.
On February 12, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visited Kyiv and proposed a partnership deal, including joint development of Ukraine’s mineral resources.
On February 15, Zelensky confirmed that a Ukraine-U.S. minerals deal is not yet finalized, emphasizing that any agreement must include security guarantees and investments.
Media reports suggest that a draft $500 billion minerals deal proposed by the U.S. contains terms harsher than post-World War II sanctions on Germany and Japan, resembling conditions imposed on a defeated aggressor state.
Source: U.S. may cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink over minerals deal – Reuters
