“It’s a proposal we intend to put forward,” Lecornu told France Info radio, noting that stockpiled reserves would quickly bolster Ukraine’s military if needed.
In a separate development, Lecornu confirmed for the first time that the French government is negotiating directly with Ukraine to exploit rare earth minerals crucial to France’s defense industry.
“I have been discussing this with the Ukrainian defense minister since October,” he said. President Emmanuel Macron asked him to engage in these talks, which Lecornu said could have a 40-year impact on French military production.
The discussions are bilateral rather than EU-led, Lecornu added, referencing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “victory plan,” which initially put forward the proposal.
Lecornu emphasized that rare earth minerals form part of a “transactional element” for Ukraine’s long-term security, solidifying Western support. His comments come as Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump are expected to sign a preliminary deal in Washington on Ukrainian natural resources.
“The best security guarantee for Ukraine is the Ukrainian army,” Lecornu said, explaining that the new EU stockpile concept is designed to sustain Kyiv’s defense capabilities “both now and once the guns fall silent.”
He disclosed that France and the United States have been in talks with Ukraine about securing certain raw materials—intended, he stressed, to diversify supply chains rather than offset France’s military aid.
(jh)
Source: IAR, AFP