Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed expanding France’s nuclear deterrent to protect European allies, warning that Europe must prepare for a future where the United States may not be a reliable security partner.
In a televised address on Wednesday, Macron described Russia as a “threat to France and Europe” and announced his decision to initiate a strategic discussion on how France’s nuclear capabilities could contribute to the security of European allies. He made it clear, however, that control over France’s nuclear weapons would remain solely with the French president. France is currently the only nuclear power within the European Union.
Macron expressed concerns over the shifting stance of the US regarding support for Ukraine, stating, “Our ally, the United States, has changed its position on this war, supporting Ukraine less and leaving uncertainty about what comes next.” He emphasized the importance of continued military and financial backing for Kyiv and called for a stronger, more independent European defence strategy.
The French president raised doubts about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions would stop at Ukraine, highlighting Moscow’s increasing military build-up. He also accused Russia of violating international norms by carrying out assassinations, interfering in elections in Romania and Moldova, launching cyberattacks on European hospitals, and spreading misinformation to manipulate public opinion.
Macron urged European nations to prepare for a reality in which US military support might not always be guaranteed. “I want to believe that the United States will stand by our side, but we must be ready for the possibility that it won’t,” he warned. “We are entering a new era.”
His remarks came as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined a proposed "Rearm Europe Plan" aimed at boosting EU defence spending. The initiative, announced on Tuesday, could see EU member states mobilize up to €800 billion for military reinforcement, following Washington’s decision to halt military aid to Ukraine.
European leaders are set to meet in Brussels on Thursday for an emergency summit focusing on defence and Ukraine, as the EU seeks to adapt to the rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. While Macron and other European leaders are pushing for stronger military capabilities within the bloc, diplomatic engagements with the US continue.
Macron recently held phone conversations with both US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming France’s commitment to working towards a “solid and lasting peace in Ukraine.” Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also spoke with Trump in an effort to maintain US support for Ukraine.
Both Macron and Starmer are advocating for a post-war peacekeeping force in Ukraine to prevent future Russian aggression if a truce is reached between Moscow and Kyiv.
