An article published by Reuters on February 22 discusses claims that the American side allegedly threatens to disconnect Ukraine from Starlink if Kyiv does not sign an agreement for the U.S. involvement in mineral development.
"Regarding Starlink [...] There were no hints, the media saw that. Should we be prepared? Yes," commented Zelensky.
According to him, relevant institutions are "working on this."
"I believe that disconnecting us from Starlink is wrong. Currently, there are 45,000 systems in use – these include hospitals, kindergartens, schools, and universities. It would indeed be very difficult without Starlink, and I consider this a humanitarian challenge for us," noted Zelensky.
He mentioned that partners are covering the costs for Ukraine's use of Starlink.
"Poland and Germany are paying for this […] So it is not a free technology; we pay a monthly fee. Therefore, we will consider that there are currently no such risks, and that this is only in the media space. But those who are informed are armed," emphasized Zelensky.
At the same time, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated at the "Ukraine. Year 2025" forum (a video published on Facebook by the Office of the President) that there is an alternative to the Starlink system.
"There is already a solution, there is an alternative," assured the minister.