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,

France will consider extending the protection of its nuclear arsenal to its allies, French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday, while warning that Europe needs to be ready for the United States to not “remain by our side” in the Ukraine-Russia war.

Amid the ongoing trouble over Russia-Ukraine truce, France President Emmanuel Macron on March 6 said that he had been approached by other leaders during the European Union's defense summit in Brussels about his offer to extend French nuclear deterrence.

Moscow calls the French president’s remarks a “threat.”