Russia cites NATO nuclear growth in deterrence policy

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that Russia intends to take into account the risks arising from the uncontrolled growth of NATO's nuclear potential when shaping its own nuclear deterrence policy. He pointed to recent statements by Britain and France regarding their nuclear arsenals, made against a backdrop of active European militarization. Grushko emphasized there is no doubt as to whom France's nuclear rhetoric and real steps in this sphere are directed against. This follows French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement in early March that France was entering a phase of an updated nuclear doctrine to defend the entire European continent, with the possibility of deploying French strategic aviation on other European states' territory.