U.S. Threatens Ukraine's Starlink Access Over Minerals Deal

The Trump administration has linked continued access to Starlink, a critical internet system for Ukraine, to a deal granting the U.S. significant control of Ukrainian rare earth minerals.

Ukraine's reliance on Elon Musk's Starlink system for military and civilian communications has been described as critical to its war effort against Russia.
U.S. negotiators have reportedly raised the possibility of cutting Starlink access unless Ukraine agrees to a deal giving American companies 50% control of its rare earth minerals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the proposed deal, citing concerns that it prioritizes U.S. interests without offering sufficient security guarantees.
Poland, which has funded 20,000 Starlink units for Ukraine, has stated it will continue paying for the system, emphasizing its contractual role in the service.
Experts warn that losing Starlink would severely impact Ukraine's military operations, especially its drone strategies, but note alternative systems, while less effective, could be utilized.