France becoming a member of the U.S. in in search of entry to Ukraine’s minerals; says it’s in talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. File
| Picture Credit score: AP

France can also be in search of entry to Ukraine’s deposits of important minerals, with negotiations already underway for months, the French protection minister mentioned Thursday (February 27, 2025), indicating that america is not the one participant.

Additionally Learn | Macron says France and allies ‘united’ on Ukraine forward of U.S. journey

Ukrainian chief Volodymyr Zelenskyy is predicted Friday (February 27, 2025) on the White Home to signal a minerals take care of america President Donald Trump made the announcement on Wednesday.

However France, too, is in discussions with Ukraine — aiming, like america, to diversify its provides of important minerals, French Protection Minister Sébastien Lecornu informed broadcaster France Information.

He did not specify precisely which minerals France is in search of. Ukraine has been providing to produce the U.S. with uncommon earth parts which are important for numerous applied sciences, together with lithium for batteries and uranium for nuclear energy, medical tools and weapons.

Mr. Lecornu mentioned, “We’re talking about this subject for our personal French wants. I’ve protection industries that may want entry to a sure variety of uncooked supplies within the years to come back.”

He mentioned French President Emmanuel Macron mandated him to start the discussions and that he has been dealing instantly together with his Ukrainian counterpart as a part of efforts to extend the variety of supply nations for uncommon minerals.

“We have now to diversify that. Emmanuel Macron has requested that I additionally begin discussions with the Ukrainians …. I’ve been doing so since October,” the minister mentioned.

He mentioned France may probably buy minerals from Ukraine and is not in search of entry to them as a solution to recoup the billions of euros ({dollars}) price of navy and different support that Paris has provided to strengthen Ukrainian defenses towards Russia’s invasion. Trump has framed the rising deal as an opportunity for Kyiv to repay support already despatched underneath Democratic President Joe Biden.

“We aren’t searching for payback,” Mr. Lecornu mentioned. “However our protection sector will want a sure variety of uncooked supplies which are completely essential in our personal weapons techniques … for the following 30 or 40 years.”

He indicated that the discussions are in a preliminary stage, saying: “It is the start of the story.”