France Threatens Nuclear Strike on Russia

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a bold statement on Thursday, asserting France’s readiness to utilize nuclear weapons in response to recent nuclear saber-rattling from Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a departure from his usual diplomatic tone, Macron criticized Putin’s threats and underscored France’s advanced weapons program during interviews with French media outlets.

The exchange of nuclear rhetoric escalated after Putin’s televised remarks earlier in the week, where he declared that “weapons exist in order to use them,” hinting at the potential deployment of nuclear arms if Western troops were deployed in Ukraine. Macron’s response to Putin’s provocations included a declaration of willingness to load nuclear bombs onto fighter jets and position them along the border with Russia in NATO countries, effectively signaling readiness for full nuclear conflict.

“We must feel protected as a nuclear power. We are ready, and we have a doctrine for the use of nuclear weapons,” Macron asserted, condemning the Kremlin’s propensity for issuing nuclear threats as inappropriate and destabilizing.

Highlighting the discrepancy in nuclear capabilities between France and Russia, Macron emphasized the responsibility incumbent upon nuclear powers to prevent escalation. France, along with Britain, stands as one of Europe’s nuclear powers, though its arsenal pales in comparison to Russia’s vast collection of nuclear weapons.

Macron’s remarks signal a significant shift in France’s approach towards Russia, marking a departure from his previous efforts to cultivate a partnership with Putin. Despite initial attempts to foster dialogue and cooperation, Macron’s stance hardened following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and subsequent military interventions in Ukraine.

The breakdown in relations between Macron and Putin was starkly illustrated in a February 2022 telephone conversation, recorded and broadcast in a French TV documentary, where both leaders abandoned diplomatic niceties for open displays of frustration and anger.

The recent shift in Macron’s position towards Putin has elicited strong reactions from Russia, with some commentators expressing bewilderment over the French president’s transformation from mediator to antagonist. Analysts attribute Russia’s sharp response to the perceived betrayal of Macron’s earlier diplomatic overtures and his alignment with Western allies in opposition to Russian interests. Macron also warned that if Russia is allowed to conquer Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Poland are next.

As tensions continue to mount between France and Russia, Macron’s assertive stance reflects a broader recalibration of European security dynamics. With the threat of nuclear conflict looming, Macron’s declaration underscores the imperative of maintaining vigilance and solidarity within the transatlantic alliance.