Russia Warns European Nations Hosting French Nuclear Bombers Could Become Targets

Last Updated:April 23, 2026, 22:36 IST

Russia warns European states hosting French nuclear-capable aircraft could become targets, criticising NATO buildup as Macron explores bomber deployments in allied countries.

Russia on Thursday warned that European countries allowing deployment of French nuclear-capable aircraft could be treated as potential targets in the event of a conflict, escalating tensions over nuclear policy in Europe.

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Moscow views the move as part of an “uncontrolled build-up" of NATO’s nuclear capabilities, which it considers a direct strategic threat.

The warning follows remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron, who in March said France is open to temporarily deploying nuclear-capable bombers in allied European nations as part of broader defence cooperation.

Macron indicated that discussions are underway with countries including United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark.

“Clearly, our military will be forced to pay close attention… in the context of updating the list of priority targets," Grushko said in remarks carried by Russian state media.

He argued that rather than strengthening European security, such deployments could make host nations more vulnerable. “The security of these countries is in fact being weakened," he said.

Macron’s proposal is part of a wider push by European members of NATO to take on greater responsibility for their defence, amid repeated criticism of the alliance by US President Donald Trump and shifting global security dynamics.

The issue comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and the collapse of key arms control frameworks. The last major treaty limiting US and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals expired in February, leaving a gap in global nuclear oversight.

Grushko said any future arms control dialogue would need to factor in the full nuclear capabilities of NATO, including those of France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Meanwhile, NATO has urged Russia and China to engage in efforts to improve transparency and stability around nuclear weapons, ahead of a key conference at the United Nations in New York to review the nuclear non-proliferation framework.

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