U.S. negotiators are reportedly threatening to cut off Ukraine’s access to the internet unless the country’s leaders agree to a controversial deal involving billions of dollars worth of minerals, according to a Saturday report.
Sources close to the matter told Reuters that representatives of former President Donald Trump have warned Ukraine that its access to the Starlink satellite internet system could be revoked. This would effectively disconnect the war-torn nation from the internet.
The threat was allegedly made after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declined a proposal to hand over mineral resources, potentially valued at hundreds of billions of dollars. This move caught many by surprise, leading to accusations of coercion.
"This is extortion, pure and simple," said George Conway, a prominent lawyer and frequent critic of Trump. Political commentator Thom Hartmann went further, calling the actions of the Trump administration a sign of being a “Russian asset.”
According to Reuters, Zelensky was informed on Thursday that Ukraine could face an “imminent shutoff” of its internet services. The Starlink system has become crucial to Ukraine’s communication infrastructure, especially since Russia's invasion in 2022. It provides vital connectivity in a country where much of the traditional communication network has been destroyed by Russian attacks.
"Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star," one source told Reuters. "Losing Starlink would be a massive blow."
Trump's team has reportedly proposed that Ukraine provide access to $500 billion worth of minerals in exchange for continued U.S. support. This deal is part of an effort to recoup some of the financial assistance that the U.S. has provided to Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, which operates Starlink, has received widespread praise for his decision to provide Ukraine with thousands of Starlink terminals in the wake of the Russian invasion. These terminals have allowed Ukraine to maintain communication despite the widespread destruction of infrastructure by Russian forces.
Melinda Haring, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told Reuters that losing Starlink would have a profound impact on Ukraine’s ability to function. "It would be a game-changer," she said.
As the situation develops, many are questioning the ethics of using such a critical resource as leverage in international negotiations. The move has already sparked a backlash from several political figures and analysts who view the threat as a dangerous form of political manipulation.
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