American negotiators reportedly threatened to revoke Ukraine's access to Elon Musk's vital Starlink satellite internet network if they refuse to give the U.S. access to critical minerals, according to a report.
Three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday that Ukraine's access to the network of satellites was raised during talks between officials between the two nations after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejected a proposal from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Starlink access was raised again Thursday, according to the report, and Ukraine was threatened that's its access could be imminently shut off.
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"Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star," a source told Reuters. "Losing Starlink ... would be a massive blow."
The Trump administration has proposed a deal to Ukraine that would give the U.S. access to a significant portion of the country's rare earth minerals in exchange for continued military support. An initial proposal sought half of the revenue from Ukraine's rare earth minerals and other natural resources.
Zelensky declined the deal and said he couldn't "sell the country off." The Trump administration later provided an "improved" draft of the minerals deal.
Musk brought thousands of Starlink terminals to Ukraine after Russia destroyed Ukraine's communications services.
“Losing Starlink would be a game changer,” Melinda Haring, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, told Reuters.