U.S. Presses Ukraine on Mineral Deal, Raises Threat of Starlink Cutoff

U.S. negotiators pushing for access to Ukraine's critical minerals have raised the possibility of cutting the country's access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system, Reuters reported, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

Ukraine was reportedly warned that Starlink access could be cut off if an agreement on critical minerals was not reached. I Photo: Starlink X

Discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials reportedly turned tense after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected an initial proposal from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The topic of Ukraine’s continued access to SpaceX-owned Starlink was brought up as leverage, the sources said.

Starlink provides essential internet connectivity to Ukraine, including for its military operations. The issue resurfaced on Thursday during meetings between U.S. special envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg and Zelensky, one source said.

During the meeting, Ukraine was warned that Starlink access could be cut off if an agreement on critical minerals was not reached, the source added.

"Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star," the source said. "Losing Starlink would be a massive blow."

After Reuters published its report, Musk denied the claim in a post on X, calling the article “false” and stating, “Reuters is lying.” However, Reuters said it stands by its reporting.

Meanwhile, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that his country has been paying for Ukraine’s Starlink subscription and will continue to do so, Reuters reported.