Trump's deal with Zelensky: surrender rare earth minerals or lose Starlink.
The art of the deal is about leverage: give me what I want or I break your arm. Trump said in early February that he wanted to strike a deal with Ukraine involving access to rare earth minerals in exchange for continued U.S. aid.
The deal reportedly sought a 50% stake in Ukraine's natural resources, including critical minerals, oil, and gas. The United States has threatened to cut off Ukraine's access to Starlink satellite internet terminals if Kyiv does not reach a deal with the U.S.
Starlink internet terminals play a crucial role in securing communications in the war in Ukraine. Ukraine said that approximately 42,000 terminals were in operation across the military, hospitals, businesses, and aid organizations. Loss of Starlink access would be devastating for Ukraine.
Checkmate.
The deal reportedly sought a 50% stake in Ukraine's natural resources, including critical minerals, oil, and gas. The United States has threatened to cut off Ukraine's access to Starlink satellite internet terminals if Kyiv does not reach a deal with the U.S.
Starlink internet terminals play a crucial role in securing communications in the war in Ukraine. Ukraine said that approximately 42,000 terminals were in operation across the military, hospitals, businesses, and aid organizations. Loss of Starlink access would be devastating for Ukraine.
Checkmate.
