Moscow: Macron’s nuclear remarks carry "clear notes of blackmail"

Russia has strongly criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's recent remarks about expanding France’s nuclear umbrella to protect Europe, calling them a form of “nuclear blackmail.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that Macron’s statements would be factored into Moscow’s defence planning.

“Macron's speech clearly sounds the notes of nuclear blackmail,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, as quoted by Russian media, per Caliber.Az.

“Paris's ambitions to become the nuclear ‘patron’ of all of Europe, practically replacing the American umbrella, are now out in the open. Needless to say, this will not strengthen the security of either France or its allies,” 

The ministry also highlighted the vast disparity between France’s nuclear capabilities and those of the United States, arguing that Macron’s ambitions were unrealistic.

“The potential of French nuclear forces is not comparable to the United States,” the statement read. “France has only 56 nuclear warhead carriers, while the US has 898. The combined capacity of France’s nuclear forces is 67.2 megawatts, whereas the US has 1,814 megawatts. But, of course, the French President’s statement will be taken into account by Russia in its defence planning.”

Moscow also condemned Macron’s suggestion of deploying Western troops to Ukraine, calling it a provocation that could lead to further escalation.

“The idea of placing Western military contingents on Ukrainian territory under the guise of peacekeeping forces is unacceptable,” the ministry said. “Such an occupation of Ukraine would inevitably lead to an extremely dangerous escalation.”

Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also took aim at Macron’s shifting rhetoric, describing his statements as inconsistent and unrealistic.

“We need to ask him because every day he makes statements that are detached from reality and contradict his previous ones,” Zakharova said. She went on to call the French president a “fabulist.”

Macron’s controversial remarks came as he reiterated his position that Europe must become more self-reliant in defence matters and not depend solely on decisions from Moscow or Washington.

Speaking on March 5, Macron argued that Europe must resist Russian influence and should not pursue peace in Ukraine at any cost. “Peace cannot be built at any price or under Russian dictate, nor through the surrender of Ukraine,” he stated.

He further characterized Russia as a direct “threat” to Europe, including France, and accused Moscow of spreading its influence not only through military actions but also in cyberspace and social media.

By Tamilla Hasanova