Zelensky Set to Sign Mineral Deal after U.S. Threatens to Withdraw Starlink Access

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is preparing to sign a mineral rights deal with the United States after Washington warned it may cut off Starlink satellite access, which is vital for Ukraine’s battlefield communications, according to media reports.

The U.S. has provided around $65 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. In return, the U.S. seeks access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, which are essential for advanced technologies. U.S. President Donald Trump aims to use the agreement to reduce reliance on China, which has restricted rare earth exports following American sanctions.

Three sources told Reuters that U.S. negotiators threatened to shut down Ukraine’s access to SpaceX’s Starlink terminals if Zelensky did not approve the deal. These terminals, crucial for military and civilian communications, have played a significant role in sustaining Ukraine’s operations. Ukraine reported last year that about 42,000 Starlink terminals were operating across the military, hospitals, businesses, and aid organizations.

Talks intensified after Zelensky rejected an earlier proposal from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Feb. 12. That deal reportedly sought a 50% stake in Ukraine’s natural resources—critical minerals, oil, and gas—without offering security guarantees to Kyiv.

The pressure increased during a Feb. 20 meeting between Zelensky and U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg. One source described the potential loss of Starlink as devastating, saying, "Ukraine runs on Starlink. Losing it would be a massive blow."

After Zelensky refused to sign the minerals deal, Trump questioned his legitimacy as president and downplayed his role in peace talks with Russia. In early February, Trump proposed a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals in exchange for continued aid, later claiming Kyiv had "essentially agreed" to a $500 billion resource agreement.

Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX operates Starlink, has recently criticized U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump tasked Musk with cutting "fraud" and "waste" from the U.S. budget, leading Musk to call for shutting down USAID, which provides humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Musk has also amplified Russian disinformation and mocked Zelensky for calling Ukraine independent.

Trump has said the U.S. and Ukraine are "pretty close" to an agreement, while sources indicate Zelensky has agreed to grant mineral access. The contents of the revised agreement remain undisclosed, though Trump claims Ukraine is "very happy" and the U.S. will "get our money back."