**US Threatens to Cut Off Ukraine‘s Starlink Access**
The United States has warned Ukraine that it will cut off access to its satellite internet terminals, known as Starlink, if Kyiv does not agree to a deal regarding critical mineral resources.
According to Reuters, US officials are negotiating with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to reach an agreement on the terms of a revised minerals deal. However, President Donald Trump said earlier this week that the parties are “pretty close” to an agreement.
The threat to cut off Starlink access came after Zelensky refused to sign an initial proposal presented by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The proposal reportedly sought a 50% stake in Ukraine’s natural resources, including critical minerals, oil, and gas, without offering any concrete security guarantees.
**Starlink Crucial for Ukraine**
Ukraine relies heavily on Starlink terminals to secure communications, especially during the war with Russia. Over 42,000 terminals are currently operational across the military, hospitals, businesses, and aid organizations.
Sources told Reuters that losing access to Starlink would be devastating for Ukraine, with one source describing it as their “North Star”. The loss of Starlink would significantly impact the country’s ability to communicate and coordinate efforts on the battlefield.
**Tensions Between US and Ukraine**
The tensions between the US and Ukraine have been escalating in recent weeks. Trump has questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy as president and claimed he’s not important to peace negotiations with Russia. Additionally, Musk has grown increasingly vocal in criticizing Ukraine, calling for the shutdown of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and amplifying Russian disinformation.
The contents of the revised agreement currently under discussion have not been disclosed. Trump claimed on Wednesday that Ukraine was “very happy” with the deal and that the US would “get our money back”.