France and Ukraine Engage in Ongoing Discussions About Minerals, Says French Defence Minister
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Synopsis
Paris has been in discussions with Kyiv since October about leveraging Ukrainian minerals for its defense industry. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu highlighted the need for critical raw materials essential for France's defense capabilities over the next few decades.
Key Takeaways
- France has ongoing talks with Ukraine about minerals.
- Ukrainian President proposed deals to France and the US.
- Critical raw materials are needed for decades.
- Macron aims to diversify raw material imports.
- US and Ukraine finalize a minerals deal.
Paris, Feb 27 (NationPress) Paris has been engaged in discussions with Kyiv since October regarding the utilization of Ukrainian minerals for France's defense sector, stated French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Thursday.
During an interview with France Info radio, Lecornu mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented "a range of proposals not only to the United States but also to France."
The French minister emphasized that the French defense industry requires access to several critical raw materials for the upcoming 30 to 40 years.
He indicated that French President Emmanuel Macron had tasked him with initiating dialogue with the Ukrainian government in October 2024 to "diversify" France's sources for essential raw materials.
"Whether we like it or not, economic issues are invariably linked with military, strategic, or security matters," he remarked, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal revealed on Wednesday that Kyiv and Washington have finalized a minerals agreement.
US President Donald Trump commented on Tuesday that he is "fine" with a potential visit to Washington by Ukrainian President Zelensky, during which both leaders are expected to sign a deal that allows the United States to benefit from Ukraine's mineral resources.
"I hear that he's arriving on Friday. Certainly, it's fine with me if he wishes to. And he wants to sign it with me. I understand it's significant, a very big deal," Trump stated while addressing reporters in the Oval Office.
"It could be a trillion-dollar agreement. It could be anything, but it involves rare earths and other resources," Trump added.
Reports from US media indicate that Ukraine has accepted the final terms of the draft agreement proposed by the United States.
While the specific conditions of the finalized deal remain ambiguous, the draft discussed included the creation of a fund jointly owned by Ukraine and the United States. Ukraine will contribute 50 percent of its earnings from the future monetization of natural resources, including critical minerals, oil, and gas, according to reports from US media.
