Russia warned that any European country that accepts French nuclear bombers will become a target in the event of conflict.

Russia warned on Thursday that any European country that accepts the deployment of French strategic bombers with nuclear capability will become a target for Moscow's forces in the event of a conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron announced in March plans to expand France's nuclear arsenal, mentioning that a country could allow European partners to temporarily host these aircraft.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Gruzko stated that this action is part of an "uncontrolled reinforcement" of NATO's nuclear potential, considered a strategic threat to Russia. Gruzko emphasized that the deployment of French nuclear aircraft in other European countries would weaken their security, instead of strengthening it. Macron's initiative is part of European efforts to take greater responsibility in defense, in the context of criticism directed at NATO. Gruzko also mentioned that any future dialogue regarding nuclear weapons must take into account NATO's combined arsenals. NATO recently criticized Russia and China for their nuclear policies, calling for cooperation for stability and transparency.