France is actively pursuing access to Ukraine’s significant deposits of critical minerals, signaling that the United States is not the sole nation interested in these valuable resources. The negotiations have been underway for several months, as French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu emphasized during an interview with France Info on Thursday. This move underscores France’s intentions to diversify its resources akin to the approach taken by the United States.
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is slated to visit the White House on Friday to formalize a minerals agreement with the United States, France is also in discussions to secure critical mineral supplies. These supplies are essential for numerous technologies, as Ukraine has been offering the U.S. rare earth elements such as lithium and uranium. These elements play a vital role in powering batteries, nuclear energy, medical equipment, and weapon systems.
Minister Lecornu elaborated on France’s interest, stating, “We are addressing this matter to fulfill our own national requirements. French defense industries are poised to need a diverse supply of raw materials in the foreseeable future.” He also mentioned that French President Emmanuel Macron instructed him to commence these talks directly with Ukrainian officials to broaden the spectrum of source countries for these essential minerals.
“We must diversify,” Lecornu explained. “President Macron has instructed me to initiate dialogues with the Ukrainians, and I have been engaged in these efforts since October.” He further clarified that France’s interest in securing these minerals is not tied to recouping the extensive military and humanitarian aid provided to Ukraine, unlike the narrative presented by Donald Trump regarding the U.S.-Ukraine deal as a form of repayment.
“We are not pursuing reimbursement,” Lecornu stressed. “However, our defense sector will require certain raw materials that are indispensable to maintaining our weapons systems over the next several decades.” The discussions are still in their infancy, as Lecornu noted, “It’s the beginning of the story.”
