The Kremlin called French President Emmanuel Macron's Wednesday evening speech "extremely confrontational," and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the comments about nuclear weapons were a threat.
Macron gave a television address to the French people on the eve of a European summit to discuss Ukraine. He spoke of Russia having globalized its war on Ukraine and that it presents a threat to the whole of Europe.
The French leader also suggested that his country-a nuclear power-could extend its nuclear umbrella to shield its allies in Europe. He warned that Europe must be ready to protect itself alone if the U.S. pulls back from the continent.
"Of course, this is a threat to Russia," Lavrov said at a press briefing, reported RIA, a Russian state-run news agency.
"If he considers us a threat, convenes a meeting of the chiefs of general staffs of European countries and Britain, says that it is necessary to use nuclear weapons, prepares to use nuclear weapons against Russia, this is, of course, a threat."
Lavrov called suggestions that Russia is preparing for war in Europe "stupid accusations" and said it is "completely clear that Russia does not need this".
This is a breaking news story and more information will be added shortly.
Related Articles
Zelensky: US Citizens in Ukraine Hotel Struck by Russia
Elon Musk's Chatbot Says There's a Strong Chance Trump Is 'Russian Asset'
Map Shows Russian Warship Escorting Cargo Vessel off NATO Ally's Coast
Did Vladimir Putin Just Have the Best Month of His 25 Years in Power?
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 5:09 AM.