U.S. negotiators have reportedly raised the possibility of cutting Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system as part of pressure to secure a critical minerals deal. The discussions come amid growing tensions between Kyiv and Washington over repayment for wartime aid.
According to three sources familiar with the matter, U.S. officials mentioned Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink during negotiations after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected an initial minerals proposal from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The issue was again raised in meetings between U.S. special Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg and Zelenskyy on Thursday.
A source briefed on the talks said Ukraine was warned of an "imminent shutoff" if it did not reach a deal on mineral exports. “Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star,” the source said. “Losing Starlink... would be a massive blow.”
Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has been crucial in Ukraine’s war effort, ensuring internet connectivity after Russian attacks destroyed traditional infrastructure. It is particularly vital for Ukraine’s military, enabling communication and drone operations.
Melinda Haring, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, described Starlink as a game changer for Ukraine. “Losing Starlink would be a game changer,” she said, emphasizing its role in maintaining Ukraine’s growing parity with Russia in drone warfare and artillery usage.
Musk initially supplied Starlink terminals to Ukraine in 2022 but later curtailed access, reportedly over concerns about its use in offensive operations.
The U.S. is seeking access to Ukraine’s critical minerals—including graphite, uranium, titanium, and lithium—as part of a broader economic arrangement. Trump has embraced the idea, arguing that Ukraine should supply the U.S. with rare earths in return for continued financial aid.
Last week, Zelenskyy rejected a detailed U.S. proposal that would have granted Washington and U.S. firms a 50% share of Ukraine’s mineral resources. The Ukrainian leader has insisted on security guarantees as part of any deal, which the U.S. has not provided.
Since then, tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy have escalated. Trump, who is attempting to broker an end to the war, has criticized Zelenskyy, calling him “a dictator without elections.” The Ukrainian president, in turn, accused Trump of being trapped in a Russian disinformation bubble after the U.S. leader suggested Ukraine was responsible for the war.
The White House, Pentagon, and Ukrainian embassy in Washington have not commented on the reported negotiations. SpaceX has also remained silent on whether Starlink access is being used as leverage.
As Kyiv and Washington continue negotiations, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to finalize an agreement that balances economic necessity with long-term security needs.
U.S. President Donald Trump hopes for the signing of a long-awaited peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which could mark a new era of stability in the South Caucasus, a senior U.S. official said.
China has escalated its control over vital mineral exports in retaliation to U.S. tariffs, intensifying global supply chain fears as it tightens curbs on rare earths, battery metals, and strategic technologies critical for defence and green energy.
Moldova is interested in importing natural gas from Azerbaijan to diversify its energy sources and enhance national energy security, the country’s energy minister said in Baku.
The European Commission is challenging Italy's use of "golden powers" in the banking sector, raising concerns over potential breaches of EU law and prompting a broader debate on investment screening rules across the bloc.
Türkiye is committed to advancing the Southern Gas Corridor and supporting regional cooperation on green energy, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.
The United States has expressed its willingness to form a partnership with Greenland in the event of its independence from Denmark, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasising the need to prevent Chinese influence in the region.
Millions in Myanmar are still reeling from the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in a century, as aid agencies navigate complex challenges to reach those in urgent need of assistance.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
The United States has expressed its willingness to form a partnership with Greenland in the event of its independence from Denmark, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasising the need to prevent Chinese influence in the region.
Millions in Myanmar are still reeling from the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in a century, as aid agencies navigate complex challenges to reach those in urgent need of assistance.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
The United States has expressed its willingness to form a partnership with Greenland in the event of its independence from Denmark, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasising the need to prevent Chinese influence in the region.
Millions in Myanmar are still reeling from the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in a century, as aid agencies navigate complex challenges to reach those in urgent need of assistance.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
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