France asks Germany to clarify the use of long-range missiles, fearing that Russia could respond with nuclear weapons

France is calling on Germany to clarify the conditions under which it would use long-range missiles in a potential conflict with Russia, warning that a conventional attack on Russian territory could trigger a nuclear response and push Europe toward uncontrolled escalation.

Paris is discussing the matter with German officials to align Berlin’s doctrine on using weapons capable of striking targets at great distances with France’s nuclear strategy. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, French officials fear that Moscow could misinterpret European intentions and regard a conventional attack as a strategic threat.

Germany is rapidly expanding its arsenal of ground-launched missiles, with ranges of between 500 and more than 2,000 kilometers. The program is part of Berlin’s plans to become the main driver of European rearmament, amid the war in Ukraine and uncertainty over American support.

France is holding similar discussions with other European states after Emmanuel Macron proposed debating an expansion of the protection provided by France’s nuclear arsenal. Paris insists that Berlin adopt a clear and sufficiently transparent doctrine to limit the risk of nuclear escalation.