Moscow to factor in France’s nuclear deployment plans in Europe

Russia has said it will take into account France’s reported plans to deploy nuclear weapons in non-nuclear European countries when revising its list of priority military targets in the event of a major conflict.

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated in an interview with RIA Novosti that the Russian military would closely monitor any such moves by Paris as part of its strategic planning.

According to Grushko, France has floated the possibility of dispersing its nuclear forces across facilities in European states that do not possess nuclear weapons. Such an arrangement, he suggested, would allow French nuclear assets to maintain operational readiness from multiple locations.

“Obviously, our military will be compelled to give this issue the closest attention in the context of updating the list of priority targets in the event of a serious conflict,” he said.

The remarks come after French President Emmanuel Macron signalled a tougher stance on nuclear deterrence in March, citing evolving security threats in Europe. Macron also indicated that France may expand its nuclear arsenal as part of a broader reassessment of its defence posture.

By Vugar Khalilov