Russia Warns Over Expansion of France’s Nuclear Capabilities
Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations office in Geneva has warned that the expansion of France’s nuclear capabilities and what he called the “politicization” of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) could have direct security consequences for Moscow. He emphasized that if Paris proceeds with increasing its nuclear arsenal, Russia will take appropriate measures in response.
Gennady Gatilov, in an interview with RIA Novosti, described the current situation surrounding the NPT as worrisome. According to him, Western countries are attempting to steer cooperation within the framework of this treaty towards political approaches.
The Russian diplomat added that France’s enhancement of its nuclear capacity under the pretext of countering a potential threat from Moscow poses direct risks to Russia’s security. He did not provide further details about the nature of possible responses.
Meanwhile, France has announced that amid challenges to Europe’s military deterrence, it is prepared to extend its nuclear deterrence umbrella to other European countries.
At the same time, the United States has warned that it may no longer serve as a security guarantor for Europe; a stance that has led several European countries to increase their military budgets and sparked a new arms race in the region. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is considered one of the most important international agreements aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
