Russia said on 4 March 2026 that France’s plan to expand its nuclear arsenal is destabilising and poses a potential threat to Moscow. The statement followed remarks by President Emmanuel Macron about strengthening France’s nuclear capabilities. Macron said European allies could take part in exercises related to France’s nuclear deterrent. France and Germany set up a steering group to discuss deterrence issues.
Russia’s foreign ministry said the direction of Paris’s moves could extend the nuclear dimension of deterrence in Europe. The Kremlin said French and British nuclear forces should be taken into account in any future talks on strategic balance. Russia said it is ready for such talks after the New START treaty expires. France did not announce changes to its rules governing the use of nuclear weapons, referring instead to developing deterrence.