Volodymyr Zelensky is currently not available to sign an agreement with the United States regarding the exploitation of Ukrainian minerals and rare earth elements, as reported by Sky News UK. Citing informed Ukrainian sources, Sky News UK states that there are several “problematic obstacles” preventing the agreement from being finalized. The source mentioned, “The agreement is not yet ready for signing, there are several problematic obstacles, and the president is not willing to sign it in its current form.” The draft agreement currently does not reflect a mutual understanding between partners but only contains a unilateral commitment from Ukraine.
US negotiators, pressing Kiev for the agreement on Ukraine’s essential minerals, have raised the possibility of cutting off the country’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite Internet system, according to three informed sources speaking to Reuters. Ukraine’s access to Starlink was brought up in discussions between US and Ukrainian officials after President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected a proposal from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Ukraine was warned of an imminent Starlink interruption if an agreement on essential minerals was not reached, the sources revealed.
The issue was raised again on Thursday during meetings between Keith Kellogg, the US Special Envoy for Ukraine, and Zelensky, stated one of the sources, as reported by Reuters. “Ukraine relies on Starlink. They consider it their guiding star,” the source said. “Losing Starlink would be a major blow.”
Russian Army Chief Visits Troops in Ukraine
The Chief of the Russian General Staff visits troops engaged in combat in eastern Ukraine, as announced by the Russian army.
Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA
