The United States put pressure on Ukraine to agree to a deal on valuable minerals. The government of Donald Trump has threatened in the negotiations to close Ukraine access to Starlink, sources report to Reuters news agency. That satellite system is owned by Elon Musk and of vital importance for the Ukrainian army.
Starlink is a network of satellites that offers broadband internet in remote places, even if all communication has failed there. With his Starlink satellite project, Musk has been involved in the war from the start. He sent thousands of receipt boxes to Ukraine to replace the communication systems destroyed by the Russians.
No Starlink is ‘big blow’
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According to Dave Maasland, CEO of cyber security company ESET in the Netherlands, Starlink is indispensable for the Ukrainian army. “If Starlink is lost, that is a very big blow to the Ukrainian army. Managing drones, performing artillery, but also special operations. It all depends on Starlink.”
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zenskyy came in October last yeareven before Trump was elected president of the United States, with the idea of concluding an agreement with the European Union and the US about investments and joint use of raw materials such as uranium, titanium and lithium. In mid -February, Ukraine made the US the proposal to give America priority in exchange for military support in obtaining rare earth metals and other valuable raw materials.
The US government then came with a counter -move. Trump wants 50 percent of minerals, including graphite, uranium, titanium and lithium. The latter is important for the production of batteries in electric cars. And Trump does not want to exchange it for military support, it is compensation for the support that the US has already given.
America first
Jeff Amrish Ritoe, Strategic Advisor Energy and Raw materials at the Haags Center for Strategic Studies, calls the way of doing business unprecedented. “It’s not surprising that Trump, who is every time America First Says, wants to be repaid in one way or another. But we have not seen the aggressive way in which it happens now. “
It French news agency AFP reports on the basis of an Ukrainian initiate that the negotiations are still ongoing. Ukraine would find the current proposal too vague what the US is obliged to.
“There are no American obligations in the agreement with regard to guarantees or investments. Everything about that is very vague, and they want to get 500 billion dollars from us,” says the source. “What kind of partnership is this actually?”
On Saturday evening, Trump reported that they are close to a deal for rare raw materials, oil or “whatever we can get”.
Amrish Ritoe sees the threat to eliminate Starlink as powerplay of the Americans. “If you know that a country is largely dependent on Starlink, then that is a clear threat. You actually try to push the other against the wall and then have it sign the agreement. But what we understand is that Zensky is a tough Safety guarantee Van Trump does not just give up his natural resources to the Americans without a safety guarantee. “
Moreover, according to Ritu, it will take many years before the United States actually get raw materials from Ukraine. “Between identifying what is in the ground and the actual production of raw materials is easy for 15 to 20 years.”
With this box and this receiver an internet connection can be set up via the Satellites of Starlink:
What are the potential implications of the US pressuring Ukraine for a deal involving valuable minerals in exchange for Starlink access?
archyde Newsletter: Interview wiht Dave maasland, CEO of ESET Netherlands
Dear Readers,
We are honored to present an exclusive interview with Dave Maasland, CEO of cybersecurity company ESET in the Netherlands. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Mr. Maasland shares his insights on the strategic importance of Starlink in the war and the geopolitical dynamics surrounding it.
Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Maasland. You’ve noted that losing Starlink would be a significant blow to the Ukrainian army. Could you elaborate on that?
Dave Maasland: “Absolutely. Starlink’s satellite network provides crucial broadband internet access, even in remote areas with failed local interaction systems. For the Ukrainian army, this means:
- Drone Management: Many modern drones rely on satellites for communication and navigation.starlink ensures these drones can operate effectively in the field.
- Artillery and coordinates: Accurate coordinates for artillery fire and repositioning of troops depend on stable internet access, which Starlink provides.
- Special Operations: communication between special units and command centers is vital for the planning and execution of special operations.Starlink ensures this secure communication.
Without Starlink, the Ukrainian army would face severe communication challenges, hampering their ability to respond quickly and effectively.”
Archyde: The US has pressured Ukraine to agree to a deal involving valuable minerals in exchange for access to Starlink. How do you view this development?
Dave Maasland: “I’m no political expert, but I find the dynamics captivating. On one hand, it’s clear that starlink is a strategic asset that the US sees as leverage in negotiations. On the other hand, it’s also a matter of international solidarity and supporting Ukraine in a time of crisis.These political and economic interests often intersect in complex ways, making it a delicate balance.”
Archyde: Some argue that the US is acting unilaterally, putting ‘America first’ in these negotiations. Your thoughts?
Dave Maasland: “Indeed, that’s been a common narrative. Jeff Amrish Ritoe from The Hague Center for Strategic studies has aptly pointed out the aggressive nature of the US demands. Though, it’s essential to remember that all parties involved are likely to have certain expectations and bargaining chips in these negotiations. It remains to be seen how these negotiations play out and whether a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached.”
