Macron called Russia “a threat to France and Europe,” called the Ukraine war a “global conflict,” and said he would discuss extending France’s nuclear umbrella.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Macron’s remarks signalled that Paris was inclined to continue the war in Ukraine. “The speech was indeed extremely confrontational. It could hardly be perceived as a speech by a leader who was thinking about peace,” he said, adding that Macron had omitted important facts and failed to mention Russia’s legitimate concerns and fears.
Russia and the United States remain the world’s largest nuclear powers, each possessing over 5,000 warheads, followed by China with around 500, France with 290, and the United Kingdom with 225, according to the Federation of American Scientists.
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, once seen as a moderniser but now known for his hardline stance, dismissed Macron—mockingly calling him “Micron”—saying he posed no threat at all.