The United States has issued an ultimatum to Ukraine, threatening to cut off access to Starlink satellite internet terminals if Kyiv does not agree to a controversial minerals deal.

U.S. officials are pressuring Ukraine into signing a revised agreement over critical mineral resources, after President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected an earlier U.S. proposal. The initial deal, reportedly pushed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, would have given the United States a 50% stake in Ukraine’s natural resources, including critical minerals, oil, and gas, without offering Kyiv any concrete security guarantees.

The threat to sever Starlink access was allegedly raised after Zelensky refused to sign the deal on Feb. 12. According to Reuters, U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg reiterated the warning during his visit to Kyiv on Feb. 20.

This brazen strong-arming could have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine, which relies heavily on Starlink for military operations, medical services, and emergency communications.

"Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star," a source told Reuters, emphasizing that losing access to Elon Musk’s SpaceX-operated satellite system would be a massive blow to Ukraine’s war effort.

Starlink was a lifeline for Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. However, Musk—who has increasingly aligned himself with Donald Trump’s agenda—has criticized Ukraine, amplified Russian disinformation, and mocked Zelensky’s calls for international support.

The Starlink ultimatum follows a pattern of increasing hostility from Trump toward Ukraine. After Zelensky refused to sign the minerals deal, Trump escalated his attacks, questioning the Ukrainian leader’s legitimacy and dismissing his role in potential peace talks with Russia.

Trump’s strong-arm tactics resemble a shakedown, forcing Ukraine—already battling an existential war—to hand over its natural wealth in exchange for continued U.S. support. He has also floated a $500 billion resource deal, claiming Ukraine has “essentially agreed” to terms that remain undisclosed.

By linking military aid and Starlink access to a resource grab, the U.S. is not only endangering Ukraine’s defense but also setting a dangerous precedent—where support for a war-torn democracy is contingent upon economic exploitation.

With Russia’s war raging on, Ukraine now faces not just Putin’s aggression, but also coercive tactics from its supposed ally, the United States. (ILKHA)