Macron Wants to Move France's Nuclear Weapons to Europe to Defend Ukraine

The French president Emmanuel Macron has declared his willingness to initiate discussions on the creation of a nuclear deterrence system for Europe in response to growing tensions with Moscow.

In an interview with the newspaper Le Monde, Macron expressed his willingness to address this issue following a request from the future German chancellor, Friedrich Merz. His comments come after reports indicating that France would be willing to use its nuclear capability to protect Europe.

Macron mentioned in an interview with Portuguese television that if Europe seeks "greater autonomy" in defense matters, its leaders must initiate a strategic and "open" discussion on a nuclear deterrence system.

These statements come in a context where Russia's position, led by President Vladimir Putin, remains a central concern for European leaders.

The idea that France extends its nuclear umbrella to Europe is not new, but the current context is very different due to changes in international politics, especially with the administration of Donald Trump in the United States.

Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, mentioned the delusion that Ukraine should have its own nuclear arsenal due to the danger posed by Russia, which has issued several nuclear threats since the start of the war.

Meanwhile, Macron also declared that if his European colleagues wish to move toward greater autonomy in defense and deterrence capabilities, a deep discussion on the subject must be opened. Macron assured that he is available for this dialogue, although he warned that it would be a "very strategic" and confidential topic.

The idea that France, the fourth largest nuclear power in the world, extends its nuclear deterrence to Europe has been contemplated previously in history, but the current context is undoubtedly unique.

For the first time in NATO's history, the United States has taken a stance distant from its European allies. Trump, in attempting to end the war in Ukraine, has caused fears that Europe's war interests may not be secured.

Additionally, Trump seems more focused on the great challenge posed by China, which has led NATO countries to question whether the United States will continue to support Europe's defense in the event of an unlikely Russian military attack.

This change in stance by the United States has led Macron to consider a scenario in which Trump is not willing to use the United States' nuclear deterrence to stop Russian forces in the event of a conflict.

According to reports, Macron raised the idea of a French nuclear umbrella for Europe during his meeting with Trump at the White House, suggesting that ''Rafale'' fighter jets armed with nuclear missiles could be deployed in Germany as part of this strategy.

The possibility of a "Euro-nuclear" or a joint Anglo-French deterrent force has also been considered, although this presents difficulties. The United Kingdom, unlike France, doesn't have air-launched nuclear bombs, as its nuclear weapons arsenal consists exclusively of submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

In fact, the United Kingdom has been a prominent member of the NATO Nuclear Planning Group since 1966, while the French nuclear deterrence operates independently of the Alliance.

If Europe loses the United States' nuclear umbrella, Europeans question whether Putin might risk invading the continent, according to European officials. Although France and the United Kingdom have significant nuclear arsenals, experts suggest that the credibility of deterrence is crucial.

Historically, France has attempted to convince its European allies of the need for an independent European military capability that complements or replaces the protection provided by the United States.

However, even France is not as independent as it seems, as in the 1970s, during the presidency of Georges Pompidou, secret discussions were held with the United States for American specialists to assist in the development of France's ballistic missile program.

As for the United Kingdom, its nuclear relationship with the United States has been essential since the 1958 mutual defense agreements and the 1963 Polaris missile sale agreement.

This collaboration has been key to the British nuclear capability, which depends heavily on American technology, especially in the Trident nuclear missile submarines.

The possibility of a European nuclear deterrence without the backing of the United States raises doubts about the effectiveness of this system, as Europe depends heavily on the United States' military capability.