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

Washington, D.C., February 21, 2025 – U.S. negotiators have reportedly raised the possibility of cutting Ukraine’s access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service unless Kyiv reaches an agreement to grant the United States greater access to its critical minerals.

Three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the issue emerged during recent discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials.

According to the sources, the matter was first raised after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy turned down an initial proposal from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The discussions continued during a meeting on Thursday between Ukraine’s leadership and U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg. During these talks, Ukrainian officials were reportedly warned that failing to secure a deal on access to minerals could result in an imminent shutdown of Starlink services—a system that has become essential for both civilian and military communications in the war-torn country.

“Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star,” one source said, adding that losing the service would be a “massive blow.” Starlink has been credited with providing critical connectivity since Elon Musk’s company began deploying terminals in Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

The proposal comes as part of broader U.S. efforts to secure access to Ukraine’s critical minerals—including graphite, uranium, titanium, and lithium—viewed as vital for the nation’s economic recovery and for various industrial applications in the West. The Trump administration has previously pushed for Ukraine to supply significant quantities of these minerals in exchange for continued support for its war effort. However, President Zelenskiyy has rejected U.S. demands for $500 billion in mineral wealth, arguing that Washington has not provided specific security guarantees in return.

On Friday, Zelenskiyy stated that Ukrainian and U.S. teams were actively working toward an agreement, while President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a deal would be signed soon. SpaceX, which operates Starlink, did not immediately comment on the reports, nor did the Ukrainian government or U.S. officials.

Analysts say that Starlink’s role is crucial for Ukraine’s military operations, particularly in maintaining drone connectivity and other critical communication channels. Melinda Haring, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, noted, “Losing Starlink would be a game changer,” highlighting the service’s importance in ensuring operational parity in drone and artillery deployments against Russian forces.

The potential move to link Starlink access with a broader mineral agreement underscores the complex negotiations between the United States and Ukraine, as both sides seek to balance military, economic, and strategic interests amid an ongoing conflict. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as negotiations continue.

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