France plans to extend its nuclear deterrence to European allies, creating tension with Russia. President Macron's statements led to a strong reaction from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Lavrov accused France of nuclear blackmail and warned that Russia would consider this in its defense strategy.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov responded to President Emmanuel Macron's speech warning of Moscow's threat to Europe hinting that France could use nuclear weapons

A pillar of French sovereignty and source of national pride, France’s nuclear deterrent has long served as a symbol of the country’s independence from Washington. But as Europe’s faith in American protection wavers,