Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that “the statements of French President Emmanuel Macron last Wednesday constitute a threat to Russia.”
Lavrov added that “if Macron says that it is necessary to use a nuclear weapon and is preparing to use a nuclear weapon against Russia, then this is of course a threat.”
He explained that “Macron’s speech finally reveals who is leading the war party today,” noting that “Moscow will take Macron’s statements regarding nuclear weapons into account in its defense planning.”
The Russian Foreign Minister pointed out that “Moscow has never threatened France and helped it defend its independence in two world wars,” adding that “France’s ambition to be a nuclear sponsor for Europe has become clear.”
For his part, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that “Macron’s statement gives the impression that his country wants the war to continue,” considering that the speech was “very confrontational towards Russia.”
Macron had brandished nuclear weapons in a televised speech last Wednesday, saying that he was “studying putting European allies under the protection of French nuclear weapons,” noting that “French nuclear deterrence has always played a role in maintaining peace and security in Europe since 1964.” Macron asked: “Who can believe in this context that Russia will stop at the borders of Ukraine?” stressing that Russia has become “a threat to France and Europe for years to come.”
