France Moves to Secure Access to Ukraine’s Critical Mineral Deposits

PARIS (AP) — French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on Thursday that France is in negotiations to access Ukraine‘s deposits of critical minerals, a move aimed at diversifying its resource supplies. This discussion coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s scheduled visit to the White House on Friday, marking significant international collaboration on resource management.

Lecornu stated that the negotiations, which have been ongoing for several months, reflect France’s commitment to securing essential materials vital for its defense industries. He emphasized that Ukraine is a critical partner in this effort, given its abundant rare earth elements, which could support industries from aerospace to energy.

“We are speaking about this issue for our own French needs,” Lecornu told broadcaster France Info. “I have defense industries that will need access to a certain number of raw materials in the years to come.” The defense minister indicated that President Emmanuel Macron mandated him to initiate these discussions.

While the specific minerals sought by France were not detailed, Ukraine has been actively offering supplies, including lithium for batteries and uranium for nuclear power, along with materials necessary for medical equipment and weaponry.

Lecornu remarked: “We have to diversify our sources. Emmanuel Macron has asked that I also start discussions with the Ukrainians. I have been doing so since October.” He added that the relationship is designed not as a form of repayment for military assistance provided by France to Ukraine but as an essential step for French defense requirements.

The French defense minister clarified, “We are not looking for payback. Our defense sector will need various raw materials that are absolutely crucial for our weapons systems over the next 30 to 40 years.” He described the discussions as in a preliminary stage, stating simply, “It’s the beginning of the story.”

As Ukraine and its allies augment their approaches to resource management, the cooperation between France and Ukraine strengthens the fabric of their political and economic relations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.