France in Talks with Ukraine Over Access to Mineral Resources for Military Use

PARIS, 27th February 2025 (BSS/AFP) – France is engaged in discussions with Ukraine regarding access to its mineral resources, which may include materials intended for military purposes, according to Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

“We are in talks about this issue for France’s requirements,” Lecornu told the Franceinfo broadcaster, one day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet US President Donald Trump to finalise an agreement granting the United States access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth.

The talks between France and Ukraine began in October and have been led by the defence ministries of both nations, Lecornu explained.

Unlike the United States, which is reportedly seeking compensation in the form of minerals for the aid provided to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, France does not expect such reimbursements, Lecornu clarified. “We are not looking to be reimbursed,” he said. “However, our defence industry will require specific raw materials that are critical to our weapon systems. This isn’t for next year, but for the next 30 to 40 years.”

France, he added, intends to “diversify” its sources of these essential commodities, though he did not specify which minerals France hopes to secure from Ukraine.

Lecornu further revealed that President Zelensky himself proposed including minerals in his broader “plan for victory” last autumn, which prompted discussions with both the United States and France.

Ukraine, with its rich reserves of various minerals, has become a crucial point of interest for countries seeking to bolster their military capabilities. The country’s mineral wealth, including key metals such as lithium, is seen as vital for modern military technologies and weaponry systems, as well as the growing demand for raw materials in the global tech industry.

Given the evolving nature of international relations and the strategic importance of these resources, these negotiations highlight the intersection of geopolitical and economic interests, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia.