In a significant move to diversify its supply of critical minerals, France has confirmed that it is in ongoing negotiations with Ukraine to secure access to vital raw materials. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu revealed Thursday that talks, which have been underway for several months, aim to meet France’s future defense industry needs. These minerals are essential for various technologies, including those used in weapons systems, medical equipment, and energy production.
The discussions come on the heels of an announcement from the United States, where President Joe Biden’s administration is set to sign a minerals agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday. The U.S. deal, which centers around rare earth elements crucial for manufacturing batteries, nuclear power, and other technologies, is part of a broader push to secure a steady supply of critical minerals.
While the United States has positioned this deal as a way for Ukraine to repay military and economic assistance, France’s approach differs. Lecornu emphasized that France’s discussions are not driven by the need for repayment, but rather by the long-term need for essential raw materials to sustain its own defense industry. The French government, led by President Emmanuel Macron, has been focused on reducing dependence on a limited number of mineral sources, particularly those outside of Europe.
Lecornu stated that the French military’s long-term requirements include access to key minerals such as lithium for batteries and uranium for nuclear power. These materials are critical to the future of French defense technology, and France’s desire to diversify its supply chain underscores the global race to secure these resources. He further explained that these talks are still in the early stages, with the focus on ensuring a stable and reliable supply of these essential materials for the coming decades.
While the specifics of the minerals France seeks remain undisclosed, Ukraine’s position as a major supplier of rare earth elements has attracted attention from multiple nations. Lecornu made it clear that the discussions are aimed at securing France’s future supply of minerals without seeking any compensation for the military support provided to Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion.
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