US Pressures Ukraine Over Critical Minerals, Considers Starlink Shutdown

The relationship between the United States and Ukraine is facing new challenges as negotiations over critical minerals escalate. The U.S. is pressing Ukraine to grant access to key mineral resources such as graphite, uranium, titanium, and lithium—materials essential for defense and high-tech industries. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has resisted these demands, leading to reports that the U.S. may use SpaceX’s Starlink internet service as leverage, threatening to cut Ukraine’s access if a deal is not reached.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been a crucial tool for Ukraine’s military and civilian infrastructure. The satellite-based service has enabled secure military communications, drone coordination, and improved battlefield intelligence. As one defense insider put it, “Ukraine runs on Starlink. Losing it would be a massive blow.” The possibility of restricting or disabling Starlink access raises concerns over how critical infrastructure can be used as a bargaining chip in political negotiations.

Tensions have grown after U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg met with Zelenskiy in February 2025 to push for an agreement granting the U.S. rights to 50% of Ukraine’s critical minerals in exchange for continued military and financial aid. Zelenskiy rejected the proposal, citing the lack of formal security guarantees from the U.S. Following his refusal, reports suggested that restricting Starlink had been discussed as a means of pressuring Ukraine into compliance.

The Trump administration has maintained that Ukraine should “repay” U.S. support by offering concessions on critical resources. This stance has added to the growing divide between Trump and Zelenskiy, with Trump allegedly referring to the Ukrainian president as a “dictator without elections” after Zelenskiy accused Trump of falling for Russian propaganda.

This situation also raises larger ethical questions about private technology companies influencing global conflicts. Elon Musk has previously demonstrated the ability to limit Starlink usage in Ukrainian military operations, fueling debate about the role of private companies in shaping geopolitical outcomes. Melinda Haring, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, emphasized Starlink’s role in Ukraine’s defense, noting that the military relies on it for strategic operations, including drone warfare and artillery coordination.

Despite rising tensions, both sides are still engaged in diplomatic discussions to reach a resolution. As of February 21, 2025, U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators are still working toward a compromise, with Trump expressing optimism that a deal will be finalized soon.

This standoff highlights a shift in how military aid is leveraged in modern geopolitical conflicts. The future of Ukraine’s war effort—and broader U.S. foreign policy—may hinge not only on weapons and financial support but also on access to key resources and technologies. How these negotiations unfold could set a precedent for how nations navigate wartime assistance in the years to come.