Russia has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron after he suggested that France could extend its nuclear deterrence to protect European allies.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed on March 6 that Macron’s comments posed a direct threat to Russia, according to the state news agency TASS.
During a televised address on March 5, Macron said he was open to discussions about extending France’s nuclear umbrella in response to growing security concerns in Europe. He stated that no final decision had been made but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding NATO commitments.
Lavrov escalated the rhetoric by accusing Macron of preparing to use nuclear weapons against Russia, despite the fact that the French president made no such statement.
"Of course, it's a threat against Russia," Lavrov claimed, without providing evidence.
According to The Kyiv Independent, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reinforced Russia’s position, calling Macron’s remarks "very confrontational" and accusing France of seeking a leadership role in nuclear deterrence within Europe.
“France is already ready to use its nuclear weapons for security and the like,” Peskov said. “It's already such nuclear rhetoric; it's a claim to nuclear leadership in Europe.”
European Leaders Support Macron’s Proposal
Macron’s comments come at a time when European nations are increasing defense spending and military aid to Ukraine amid fears that Donald Trump, if re-elected, may not uphold U.S. commitments to NATO.
European leaders, particularly in Poland and Lithuania, welcomed Macron’s willingness to discuss expanding France’s nuclear umbrella.
Both countries, which border Russia and Belarus, have long viewed NATO’s nuclear deterrence as critical to their security.
Western intelligence agencies have warned that Russia may seek to launch a large-scale war on Europe within the next five years. Moscow has also been accused of conducting a hybrid war against European nations, including acts of sabotage.
While France and the United Kingdom are the only European nations with nuclear arsenals, Macron’s suggestion of a broader European nuclear deterrent is seen as a signal that Paris is willing to take a more active role in regional security.
