France and the European Union are mobilising to secure access to Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources, despite pressure from Washington, which is pushing for mineral deals with Kyiv as a form of repayment for military aid.
As global competition intensifies for the resources powering modern technology, Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth has become a critical bargaining chip in deals concerning its security.
United States President Donald Trump has framed mineral agreements as a way for Ukraine to repay military aid it has received, turning access to these resources into a focal point of negotiations.
But Washington is not the only interested party. The race to secure Ukraine’s rare earth minerals has been in motion for several years, and France has stepped up its efforts to carve out a role for itself in Ukraine’s resource sector, seeking to strengthen its supply chains, reduce its reliance on China and the US and bolster Europe’s industrial independence.
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Supply chain vulnerabilities
Ukraine’s mineral resources include lithium, which is critical for battery production, and uranium, essential for nuclear power.
As the world moves toward cleaner energy, advanced defence systems and high-tech manufacturing, such materials are increasingly valuable.
A minerals deal with Kyiv could not only enhance Europe’s industrial competitiveness, but also shield it from geopolitical disruptions and trade restrictions.
France’s strategy
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