Debate to Extend Nuclear Umbrella in France, Says Macron
France is set to deliberate on the potential of using its nuclear weapons to provide protection for other nations, as stated by President Emmanuel Macron. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
European states need to brace for the possibility that the US may not provide support, cautioned French President Emmanuel Macron.
In light of this, France will consider the option of utilizing its nuclear capabilities to safeguard its allies in Europe. Macron's remarks come amid increasing concerns among NATO members about whether the United States under President Donald Trump will fulfill its defense commitments.
Recently, Friedrich Merz, the chancellor-designate of Germany, proposed that Britain and France might extend their nuclear protection to Germany, particularly due to rising tensions between Russia and NATO regarding Ukraine. He noted that such proposals have "always remained unanswered."
In a speech delivered on Wednesday evening, Macron expressed his willingness to discuss extending France's nuclear umbrella. "In response to the historic appeal by the future German chancellor, I have decided to open a strategic debate on protecting our allies on the European continent through a nuclear deterrent," he stated, as reported by RFI.
Macron acknowledged that many in France are “legitimately worried” about the potential implications of the “new era” under Trump. “I want to believe that the United States will stay by our side, but we have to be prepared for that not to be the case,” he remarked.
Elected on the “America first” platform, Trump has urged European allies to take greater responsibility for their own defense. He distanced himself from several NATO nations by refusing to provide unconditional support to Ukraine against Russia, opting instead for direct negotiations with Moscow.
Trump’s significant shift from the approaches of former President Joe Biden has led European allies to reevaluate the reliability of US support for their defense. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Europe faces a clear and present danger on a scale that none of us has seen in our adult lifetime,” in a letter to EU member states on Tuesday.
The US president has emphasized his commitment to achieving a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev, aiming to prevent the conflict from escalating into a full-scale war among nuclear powers. During a tense discussion in the Oval Office last Friday, Trump accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three.”
Russia, in turn, has criticized NATO for its aggressive stance, asserting that the supply of Western arms to Ukraine heightens the risk of a dangerous escalation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointed out that "nuclear weapons are the instruments of deterring and preventing a nuclear war." He added, “We will do everything to avoid a confrontation.”
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
In light of this, France will consider the option of utilizing its nuclear capabilities to safeguard its allies in Europe. Macron's remarks come amid increasing concerns among NATO members about whether the United States under President Donald Trump will fulfill its defense commitments.
Recently, Friedrich Merz, the chancellor-designate of Germany, proposed that Britain and France might extend their nuclear protection to Germany, particularly due to rising tensions between Russia and NATO regarding Ukraine. He noted that such proposals have "always remained unanswered."
In a speech delivered on Wednesday evening, Macron expressed his willingness to discuss extending France's nuclear umbrella. "In response to the historic appeal by the future German chancellor, I have decided to open a strategic debate on protecting our allies on the European continent through a nuclear deterrent," he stated, as reported by RFI.
Macron acknowledged that many in France are “legitimately worried” about the potential implications of the “new era” under Trump. “I want to believe that the United States will stay by our side, but we have to be prepared for that not to be the case,” he remarked.
Elected on the “America first” platform, Trump has urged European allies to take greater responsibility for their own defense. He distanced himself from several NATO nations by refusing to provide unconditional support to Ukraine against Russia, opting instead for direct negotiations with Moscow.
Trump’s significant shift from the approaches of former President Joe Biden has led European allies to reevaluate the reliability of US support for their defense. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Europe faces a clear and present danger on a scale that none of us has seen in our adult lifetime,” in a letter to EU member states on Tuesday.
The US president has emphasized his commitment to achieving a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev, aiming to prevent the conflict from escalating into a full-scale war among nuclear powers. During a tense discussion in the Oval Office last Friday, Trump accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three.”
Russia, in turn, has criticized NATO for its aggressive stance, asserting that the supply of Western arms to Ukraine heightens the risk of a dangerous escalation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointed out that "nuclear weapons are the instruments of deterring and preventing a nuclear war." He added, “We will do everything to avoid a confrontation.”
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
