France is actively engaging in negotiations with Ukraine to secure access to the country's critical minerals, as revealed by the French defense minister. This move highlights that the United States is not the sole player in seeking such resources.
The Ukrainian President is set to sign a minerals deal with the United States during his visit to the White House. However, France has also been in talks with Ukraine for several months with the aim of diversifying its sources of essential minerals, as stated by the French Defense Minister.
While the specific minerals France is targeting were not disclosed, Ukraine has offered to supply rare earth elements crucial for various technologies, such as lithium for batteries, uranium for nuclear power, medical equipment, and weapons.
The French Defense Minister emphasized that these negotiations are driven by France's own needs, particularly for its defense industries that will require access to raw materials in the coming years. President Emmanuel Macron has instructed the minister to initiate discussions and establish direct communication with the Ukrainian leadership to expand the pool of countries supplying rare minerals.
France's interest in purchasing minerals from Ukraine is not linked to seeking repayment for the military and other aid provided to bolster Ukrainian defenses against Russia's invasion. The minister clarified that France is focused on securing essential raw materials vital for its weapons systems over the next few decades.
While characterizing the discussions as being in the early stages, the minister emphasized that this marks the beginning of a significant development in the story of France's pursuit of critical minerals from Ukraine.
