France can also be seeking access to Ukraine’s deposits of important minerals, with negotiations already underway for months, the French protection minister mentioned Thursday (February 27, 2025), indicating that the United States is not the solely participant.
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Ukrainian chief Volodymyr Zelenskyy is anticipated Friday (February 27, 2025) at the White House to signal a minerals take care of the United States President Donald Trump made the announcement on Wednesday.
But France, too, is in discussions with Ukraine — aiming, like the United States, to diversify its provides of important minerals, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu informed broadcaster France Info.
He did not specify precisely which minerals France is seeking. Ukraine has been providing to provide the U.S. with uncommon earth parts which can be important for numerous applied sciences, together with lithium for batteries and uranium for nuclear energy, medical gear and weapons.
Mr. Lecornu mentioned, “We are speaking about this issue for our own French needs. I have defense industries that will need access to a certain number of raw materials in the years to come.”
He mentioned French President Emmanuel Macron mandated him to start the discussions and that he has been dealing straight along with his Ukrainian counterpart as a part of efforts to enhance the variety of supply international locations for uncommon minerals.
“We have to diversify that. Emmanuel Macron has asked that I also start discussions with the Ukrainians …. I have been doing so since October,” the minister mentioned.
He mentioned France might presumably buy minerals from Ukraine and is not seeking access to them as a means to recoup the billions of euros ({dollars}) price of navy and different assist 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 assist already despatched below Democratic President Joe Biden.
“We are not looking for payback,” Mr. Lecornu mentioned. “But our defense sector will need a certain number of raw materials that are absolutely crucial in our own weapons systems … for the next 30 or 40 years.”
He indicated that the discussions are in a preliminary stage, saying: “It’s the beginning of the story.”
Published – February 27, 2025 09:56 pm IST
