France and 8 European Countries Launch Joint Nuclear Deterrence Negotiations, Russian Ambassador: Don't Take Risks, Nuclear Weapons Are Not Toys

[Global Times Special Correspondent Liu Yupeng] "Countries deploying French nuclear warheads face the risk of becoming priority targets for Russian strikes." On the 16th, the Russian newspaper "Izvestia" reported this, stating that recently, French President Macron announced that France has initiated joint nuclear deterrence negotiations with eight European countries, and in the future, France's nuclear weapons will be used to protect European nations. In response, Russian Ambassador to Romania Lipayev stated on the 15th that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in Europe poses a threat not only to Russia but to all countries in the world.

According to "Izvestia" on the 16th, countries such as Estonia, Romania, and Poland are actively responding to France's call for negotiations. Ambassador Lipayev stated that Western politicians have forgotten that nuclear weapons are not toys, and taking reckless and risky actions on this issue is unacceptable. Russian Academy of Sciences expert Stefanovich stated that France's actions will lead to a strategic imbalance between Russia and NATO in the Black Sea region. Russia will have to strengthen the deployment of long-range missiles and air defense missile systems in Crimea, while also enhancing the strike and defense capabilities of the Black Sea Fleet.

In fact, some European countries are taking a cautious stance on France's plan. According to a report by the Russian International News Agency on the 15th, the Prime Ministers of Sweden and Norway stated at a press conference held in Oslo that the two countries have no intention of changing their current nuclear policies but are willing to cooperate with France to establish nuclear deterrence in Europe. Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson stated that according to Sweden's policy, nuclear weapons will not be deployed on its territory in peacetime, but politically, the possibility of future cooperation with France cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, Norwegian Prime Minister Støre also stated that Norway will not deploy nuclear weapons on its territory but is prepared to discuss possible strategic cooperation with France.