French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to extend protection to nuclear allies of Europe, amid tensions between Russia and the West. The move comes as the US has scaled back its support for Ukraine, leaving Europe vulnerable.
Macron stressed the need for Europe to continue assisting Ukraine while strengthening its own defense. He emphasized that France’s nuclear arsenal is complete, sovereign, and effective in protecting France from end to end.
However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Macron of posing a direct threat to Russia with his rhetoric. The situation has sparked concerns about potential escalation.
Macron also warned Europe is entering a new era where it must be prepared to take action without US backing. He plans to meet European leaders next week to discuss a plan for delivering durable peace, potentially involving deploying troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire.
The proposal comes as Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, advocates for extending nuclear protection between France and the UK. However, current German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urges caution, emphasizing the importance of US involvement in nuclear deterrent support within NATO.
Macron has previously expressed interest in discussing greater autonomy and deterrence with European allies. His comments mark a significant shift in France’s approach to European security.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/05/europe/macron-france-nuclear-arsenal-ukraine-intl-hnk/index.html