France, EU Seek Priority Access To Ukraine’s Rare Earth Metals

As global competition intensifies for the resources powering modern technology, Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth has become a critical bargaining chip in security-related negotiations, the French broadcast service RFI reported.

France has intensified efforts to secure a role in Ukraine’s resource sector.

U.S. President Donald Trump has framed mineral agreements as a way for Ukraine to repay the military aid it has received, making access to these resources a focal point of negotiations.

But Washington is not the only interested party.

The race to secure Ukraine’s rare earth minerals has been ongoing for several years, and France has intensified efforts to secure a role in Ukraine’s resource sector.

France aims to strengthen its supply chains, reduce reliance on China and the U.S., and bolster Europe’s industrial independence. Ukraine's mineral resources include lithium, which is critical for battery production, and uranium, essential for nuclear power.

As the world shifts toward cleaner energy, advanced defense systems, and high-tech manufacturing, these materials are becoming increasingly valuable.

They are key to driving the European Union’s green energy transition, advancing medical technology, and securing defense capabilities. Reducing dependency on imports—particularly from China, which dominates the market—is a priority for the EU.

Supply chain vulnerabilities have been exposed in recent years, highlighting the need for Europe to secure alternative sources of critical resources, such as those in Ukraine. A mineral deal with Kyiv could enhance Europe’s industrial competitiveness while shielding it from geopolitical disruptions and trade restrictions.