Want to be part of US-Ukraine minerals deal talks: France
In a recent development, France has expressed its interest in participating in the US-Ukraine discussions regarding the development of Ukraine’s mineral resources. The French Defense Minister, Sebastien Lecornu, stated that their defense industry will require a certain number of key raw materials over the next 30 to 40 years. This move comes after the US and Ukraine reportedly agreed on the terms of a minerals deal that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially rejected.
The United States and Ukraine have been in talks to finalize a deal that would allow American companies to extract minerals from Ukraine’s vast reserves. Ukraine is believed to have significant deposits of titanium, graphite, and other minerals that are crucial for various industries, including defense. The deal is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the economic ties between the two countries and increasing Ukraine’s economic independence from Russia.
However, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had initially rejected the terms of the deal, citing concerns that the agreement did not provide sufficient benefits to the Ukrainian people. The President reportedly wanted to see more guarantees that the extracted minerals would be used to benefit Ukraine’s economy and industries, rather than being exported to other countries.
France’s interest in participating in the negotiations comes as no surprise, given the country’s own significant defense industry needs. As Lecornu noted, France’s defense industry will require a steady supply of raw materials over the next few decades. By participating in the US-Ukraine minerals deal, France would be able to ensure a stable source of these materials, which are critical for the production of various defense-related products.
France’s involvement in the talks could also potentially benefit Ukraine, as the country would gain a new partner in the negotiations. The French defense industry is well-established and has significant expertise in various areas, including nuclear energy, aerospace, and defense. By partnering with France, Ukraine could gain access to new technologies and expertise that would help to develop its own defense industry.
Furthermore, France’s participation in the talks could help to balance the dynamics of the negotiations, which could potentially become skewed in favor of the US. By having a third party involved, the negotiations could become more inclusive and transparent, with each country having a greater stake in the outcome.
It is worth noting that Russia has long been concerned about Ukraine’s mineral resources, which it sees as a vital component of its own defense industry. Russia has historically relied heavily on Ukraine for its titanium supplies, which are used in the production of military aircraft and other defense-related products. Russia’s concerns about Ukraine’s mineral resources have led to tensions between the two countries, particularly in recent years.
In conclusion, France’s interest in participating in the US-Ukraine minerals deal talks is a significant development that could have far-reaching implications for the region. By partnering with the US and Ukraine, France could gain access to new raw materials and expertise, while also helping to strengthen the economic ties between the three countries. As the negotiations continue, it will be important to ensure that all parties involved are able to benefit from the agreement, and that the deal is transparent and inclusive.
Source: https://www.rt.com/news/613393-france-ukraine-us-negotiations/amp/
