Macron Proposes a Nuclear Umbrella for Europe
In Europe, fears are growing that the United States may abandon not only Kyiv but the rest of the continent as well. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his willingness to extend France’s nuclear deterrence to neighboring countries, declaring, “Russia threatens us.”
The Kremlin has protested, claiming, “France wants the war to continue.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated, “Macron intends to use nuclear weapons against us. At least Napoleon and Hitler openly declared their intention to conquer Russia.”
Meanwhile, reports confirm casualties following a Russian bombing of a hotel in Zelensky’s city.
Russia Reacts with Outrage
On Thursday, Russian officials expressed outrage over Macron’s statement that he is prepared to provide a nuclear umbrella to protect Paris’ European allies from growing threats posed by Moscow. Macron has described Russia as a “clear threat” to Europe, while the Kremlin warns that such rhetoric could escalate tensions to the brink of World War III.
In a national address yesterday, Macron stated that the war in Ukraine had already become a “global conflict” and that he would initiate a strategic discussion on protecting France’s allies through its nuclear deterrence. He emphasized that the final decision on the use of nuclear weapons “will always be, and will remain, in the hands of the President of the Republic,” who serves as commander-in-chief of the French armed forces.
Lavrov responded by drawing historical comparisons: “Unlike his predecessors—Napoleon and Hitler—who also sought to fight Russia, Macron lacks their candor. At least they plainly stated, ‘We must conquer Russia, we must defeat Russia.’” Lavrov also reiterated the Kremlin’s opposition to NATO member states deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine once the war ends.
Yesterday, Turkey, another NATO member, joined France and Britain in offering to send peacekeeping forces.
Growing Tensions Between NATO and Russia
Amid warming relations between Russia and the United States and rising tensions between the Trump administration and NATO members, Macron warned that France must prepare for a scenario in which the U.S. is no longer “on its side.”
Additionally, Macron announced that he would convene the chiefs of staff of European nations willing to send “peace inspectors” to Ukraine. Their role would be to enforce a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow once an agreement is reached.
France is one of only two nuclear powers in Europe, alongside Britain, and the only nuclear power within the European Union.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted that Macron’s statements constitute a direct threat to Moscow: “If he sees us as a threat and convenes a meeting with the EU and UK chiefs of staff while discussing the use of nuclear weapons against Russia, that is, of course, a threat.”
Konstantin Kosachev, a senior official in the Russian Senate, also condemned Macron’s remarks: “Such misguided analyses lead to fatal mistakes. Macron is recklessly imposing a distorted perception of reality on his citizens and the entire world—‘The Russians are coming!’ These false conclusions and dangerous suggestions lead only to the abyss.”
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, likened Macron to “The Sandman,” a character from Hans Christian Andersen’s stories who brings dreams to children. “Every day, he makes completely detached statements that contradict his previous ones. He tells fairy tales,” Zakharova remarked.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked Macron, calling him “Micron” and insisting that he poses no real threat to Russia. Kremlin adviser Sergei Markov accused Macron of defaming Russia and engaging in military propaganda. Social media users circulated satirical cartoons depicting Macron as Napoleon Bonaparte, referencing France’s failed 1812 invasion of Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Macron’s statements as “particularly aggressive.”
“It feels as though France wants the war to continue,” Peskov said. He also noted that President Vladimir Putin agrees with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s assertion that the invasion of Ukraine is effectively a “proxy war” between the United States and Russia.
