Macron to Discuss Nuclear Deterrence with European Allies: Breaking Dependence on US Defense Umbrella

After the Trump administration hinted that Europe must take care of its own security and suspend aid to Ukraine, EU leaders plan to hold emergency talks on Thursday to agree on ways to rapidly increase military budgets. In just over a month, President Donald Trump overturned the old certainty about the reliability of the United States as a security partner by embracing Russia and withdrawing US support for Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron talked about the Ukraine conflict and European defense issues during a live television broadcast on Wednesday, emphasizing the need to continue supporting Kiev and strengthening European military capabilities. He stated that he will discuss with European allies at Thursday's security meeting the idea of utilizing France's nuclear deterrence to protect the European continent in the face of Russian threats. Russia has become a threat to France and Europe both today and for a long time

With Trump taking office, US military aid to Ukraine has been decreasing. On Monday, Trump ordered a suspension of US military supplies to Ukraine as he attempted to urge President Vladimir Zelensky to participate in negotiations to end the war with Russia. French President Macron said during a live broadcast on Wednesday, "Our ally, the United States of America, has changed its stance on this war, reduced its support for Ukraine, and has doubts about what will happen next." "It must be said that we are entering a new era," he added.

When Macron reiterated that peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved at all costs, given Russia's past violations, it cannot be trusted that Russia will simply cease fire - he suggested deploying peacekeeping forces to ensure that Ukraine will not be invaded again. Specifically, he proposed deploying European troops to ensure the maintenance of peace. Macron did not hesitate to mention France's powerful nuclear capabilities, which can serve as a deterrent to protect the European continent in the face of threats from Russia, and the possibility of sharing these capabilities with other European neighbors. He said, "I have decided to initiate a strategic debate on protecting our European continental allies through our deterrence

In addition, Macron warned in his speech that Europe must be prepared for the possibility that the United States may not always be a reliable security partner. He said, 'I want to believe that the United States will stand with us, but we must be prepared that this is not the case.' He urged Europe to be more independent from its long-term allies. The focus of Thursday's European summit will be on fiscal issues and how to quickly establish the European Union to safeguard its own security and assist Ukraine, while breaking decades of dependence on the US defense umbrella.

At the time of this summit, the EU can be said to be at its weakest moment, torn apart by the steady rise of the usually pro Russian hardline right-wing. Hungary and Slovakia often undermine their support for Ukraine. Hungary has threatened to veto the joint statement drafted for Thursday's summit, but cannot prevent any major security or financing decisions. At the same time, many major countries are also facing uncertainty domestically. Germany will soon have a new prime minister, France's new government is still fragile, and Spain relies on small parties to maintain the integrity of its alliance. The presidential election in Poland is also imminent, and right-wing candidates are in a favorable position.