Kremlin Slams Macron’s Nuclear Comments as ‘Confrontational’

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The Kremlin has sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron following his suggestion that France may extend its nuclear deterrent to protect European allies. Russian officials accused Macron of making direct threats against Russia, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov even drawing comparisons between Macron and Adolf Hitler.  

 

 

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also condemned the French leader’s remarks as “extremely confrontational,” while senior Russian senator Konstantin Kosachev described Macron as a “maniac” pushing the world toward catastrophe. The strong reactions came after Macron announced in a televised address that he would open discussions on potentially extending France’s nuclear protection to other European nations. This proposal followed calls from Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, for France and the UK to enhance their nuclear deterrent to counter rising threats.  

 

Lavrov responded with alarm, stating, “If he sees us as a threat... and says that it is necessary to use a nuclear weapon, is preparing to use a nuclear weapon against Russia, of course it is a threat.” Macron, however, justified his stance by pointing to a rapidly rearming Russia, calling it a danger to both France and Europe. He also noted that the war in Ukraine had already become a “global conflict” and suggested that Europe could no longer depend on the United States for unwavering support.  

 

Macron’s rhetoric drew further condemnation from Peskov, who claimed, “France wants the war to continue,” while members of the Russian parliament expressed outrage. Kosachev accused Macron of misleading the world with a false narrative that Russia was preparing for aggression, adding, “Such false conclusions and false suggestions lead to the abyss.”  

 

Currently, Russia and the United States control around 88 percent of the world’s nuclear stockpile, with approximately 5,000 warheads each. France possesses an estimated 290 nuclear warheads, while the UK holds 225, according to data from the Federation of American Scientists.  

 

Macron, addressing growing concerns among European nations, reassured citizens by stating, “You are, I know, legitimately worried about the current events, which are disrupting the world order. To watch and do nothing would be madness.” His proposal found support from Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, who called the idea “very interesting” and added, “A nuclear umbrella would serve as a really very serious deterrence toward Russia.”  

 

As tensions escalate, Macron is set to host European military leaders in Paris next week to discuss the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire is reached with Russia. Moscow has firmly opposed any such peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, with Lavrov making clear that Russia sees no room for negotiation on the matter. “This discussion is being held with an overtly hostile aim,” he declared, warning that any European troops sent to Ukraine would be treated as NATO forces.  

 

Lavrov also invoked historical comparisons, saying, “Unlike their predecessors, who also wanted to fight against Russia—Napoleon, Hitler—Mr Macron does not act very gracefully, because at least they said it bluntly: ‘We must conquer Russia, we must defeat Russia.’”  

 

Meanwhile, Macron expressed concern over shifting US foreign policy, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s stance on European security. “I want to believe that the United States will stand by us. But we need to be ready if that is not the case,” he said.  

 

The situation comes amid frantic diplomatic efforts to bolster support for Ukraine. With Washington’s commitment wavering, Britain and France have sought to act as intermediaries between the US and Kyiv. In the past two days, the US has halted military aid to Ukraine and cut off intelligence-sharing, both critical for Ukraine’s defense and strategic operations.  

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has responded by signaling his willingness to engage in peace talks, stating that he is prepared to negotiate “as soon as possible” in a bid to mend relations with the Trump administration. On Thursday, European Union leaders held emergency talks on Ukraine and the potential for a peace agreement, following a high-level summit hosted in London by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

 

Based on a report by The Telegraph  2025-03-10

 

 

[MikeandDow]

So its ok for Putin to threaten the west with nuclear weapons ???

[TedG]

This is funny coming from the guy who is always threatening to use nukes.