Macron Criticizes Putin as NATO Tensions Rise Over European Defense

French President Emmanuel Macron defends NATO unity and proposes extending France's nuclear deterrent to Europe, drawing sharp rebukes from Russia.

Macron reaffirmed France's commitment to NATO, emphasizing the nation's loyalty and past support for U.S.-led military efforts, including in Afghanistan.
The French president proposed extending France's nuclear deterrent to other European countries, sparking criticism from Moscow, which labeled the move a threat to Russia.
Macron condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin as an 'imperialist' seeking to rewrite history, following Putin's comparison of Macron to Napoleon.
EU leaders showed increasing alignment on boosting European defense, with plans to mobilize significant funding for military capabilities amid concerns over U.S. reliability under President Trump.
Russia dismissed Macron's statements as confrontational and warned against European military involvement in Ukraine, equating it to a NATO presence.