U.S. threatens to disconnect Starlink if Ukraine fails to sign mineral deal

Reuters reports the information with reference to its own sources.

The issue of restricting Ukraine's access to Starlink was raised during U.S.-Ukraine talks after President Zelenskyy rejected an initial proposal by U.S. Treasury official Scott Bessent. It was brought up again during Special Representative Keith Kellogg’s meeting with Zelenskyy.

During the meeting, Ukraine was warned of an "imminent Starlink shutdown" if the minerals deal was not finalized. A Reuters source said losing Starlink would be a severe blow to Ukraine.

Since the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has relied on Starlink for vital communication on the front lines, critical infrastructure, and civilian needs. In December 2024, SpaceX secured a U.S. Defense Department contract to expand Ukraine's access to Starshield, a more secure, militarized version of Starlink.

Senior Atlantic Council fellow Melinda Haring noted that Starlink enables Ukraine to launch drones - a key part of its military strategy. She said losing satellite access would be a game-changer, as Ukraine currently maintains a 1:1 parity with Russia in drone and artillery shell usage.

Ukraine's response

The news was responded to by the head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko. According to him, there are alternative technologies to Starlink that are working on the front lines.

"Because of the news about Starlink, it's definitely not necessary to say 'everything is lost.' First of all, they are not disconnecting it. Secondly, there are alternative things that are working on the front lines," emphasized the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.

Exchange of Ukrainian rare earths for US aid: what’s known

Earlier, US President Donald Trump expressed interest in a deal with Ukraine to exchange rare earth elements for US aid. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized this proposal.

Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he wants to negotiate with Ukraine on exchanging rare earth elements for U.S. assistance. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the American leader’s proposal.

Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak suggested that Trump's statement about exchanging Ukrainian rare earth elements for aid was intended for the American audience.

Lieutenant Colonel with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Deputy Commander of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade Maksym Zhorin, also shared his opinion. The military officer is convinced that it is crucial not to allow "all resources to be completely depleted."

On Tuesday, February 4, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured that Ukraine is open to American investments.

On February 12, Zelenskyy held a meeting in Kyiv with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Ukraine received the first draft of a partnership agreement from the United States.

The Trump administration proposed that Ukraine grant the U.S. 50% ownership of rare earth minerals and allow U.S. troops to be stationed in the country to protect them, in return for a peace agreement with Russia to end the war.

On February 16, it became known that the United States insists on controlling a wider range of Ukraine's resources, including rare metals and strategic materials. These include lithium, graphite, and uranium, which are sometimes confused with rare earth minerals.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would like to see “some level of appreciation” for the U.S. concern. He accused Ukraine's president of inconsistency on the minerals deal.

On February 21, Bloomberg reports that the US and Ukraine intend to finalize a minerals deal by the end of the week.