On April 29, Gennady Gatilov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, warned that France’s plans to build up nuclear weapons could trigger a global nuclear conflict. In an interview with RIA Novosti, Gatilov stated: “The plans announced by the French and the involvement of an increasing number of non-nuclear states in their nuclear orbit directly provoke an escalation of international tension and increase the possibility of a nuclear conflict on a global scale.”
Gatilov previously noted that Russia is prepared to take such steps if European nations pursue similar paths.
Additionally, reports from April 23 indicate that France and Poland are conducting joint military exercises simulating the use of nuclear warheads. These exercises suggest French President Emmanuel Macron expects Poland to actively purchase weapons in exchange for what is described as a “nuclear umbrella,” while the French energy company EDF is involved in plans to build nuclear power plants in Poland.
