Russia Slams Macron’s Speech as Aggressive: French Leader Urges Nuclear and Defense Boost for Europe
Some reports on social media claim Macron threatened to use nukes on Russia. While Macron spoke of nuclear capability, he did not openly threaten Moscow with them.
EUROPE - Russia has responded through its Foreign Ministry to French President Emmanuel Macron’s televised address on March 5, 2025, which outlined international security and Europe’s position. Macron discussed the global situation, noting the three-year war in Ukraine, its casualties and displacement, U.S. tariffs on European exports, and ongoing terrorism, stating these indicate a new era in the global order.
He described Russia as a threat to France and Europe, citing its invasion of Ukraine and support from North Korean and Iranian forces, and proposed extending France’s nuclear deterrent to European allies while calling for increased defense capabilities.
Note: Some reports on social media claim Macron threatened to use nukes on Russia based on his statement, "France is open to discussing extending the protection offered by its nuclear arsenal to its European partners, because Russia represents a genuine threat to the continent’s security with U.S. military support no longer guaranteed." While Macron spoke of nuclear capability, he did not openly threaten Moscow with them.
On March 6, Russia’s Foreign Ministry labeled the speech “extremely aggressive” and “anti-Russia,” rejecting Macron’s claims of threats like cyberattacks and election interference as baseless. They criticized his nuclear remarks as “blackmail,” argued France’s rhetoric contradicts its Gaullist legacy, and accused him of ignoring Russia’s security concerns while escalating tensions ahead of an EU summit.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters in Moscow, “This is, of course, a threat,” adding, “Unlike their predecessors, who also wanted to fight against Russia, Napoleon, Hitler, Mr. Macron does not act very gracefully, because at least they said it bluntly: ‘we must conquer Russia, we must defeat Russia’.”
During his speech, Macron focused on Russia’s actions, citing its invasion of Ukraine and military support from North Korean and Iranian forces. He stated that Russia’s activities extend to Moldova and Romania and affect European infrastructure, such as hospitals, and described Russia as a continuing threat to France and Europe, while noting a possibility of future peace, and emphasized the need to support Ukraine to achieve a negotiated resolution without concessions.
The French President also addressed U.S. relations, acknowledging a reduction in support for Ukraine and uncertainty about future cooperation. He stated that Europe must be prepared for scenarios where U.S. assistance is not assured, and introduced a plan to discuss extending France’s nuclear deterrent to European allies, citing its role in national protection, and concluded his message by calling for increased European defense capabilities and stressing the importance of collective action to address security challenges.
Macron’s Televised Address, Russia’s Response:
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