Thu Feb 27 16:26:16 UTC 2025: **France Joins US in Pursuit of Ukrainian Minerals**
PARIS, FRANCE (February 27, 2025) – France is actively negotiating access to Ukraine’s critical mineral deposits, mirroring similar efforts by the United States, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced Thursday. While President Zelenskyy is set to sign a minerals deal with the US President Donald Trump on Friday, Mr. Lecornu confirmed that France has been engaged in separate discussions with Ukraine since October.
The French government aims to diversify its supply of vital minerals needed for its defense industries over the next 30-40 years, citing a need for raw materials crucial for weapons systems. Mr. Lecornu emphasized that these negotiations are not intended as repayment for the significant military aid France has already provided to Ukraine. He clarified that the discussions are still in their preliminary stages, focusing on securing future access to unspecified minerals. The French President Emmanuel Macron has personally mandated the minister to pursue these discussions.
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