Europe has clear ambitions for "nuclear expansion and militarization", the Kremlin said today, commenting on a publication in "Politico" according to which the leaders of France and Poland discussed holding joint nuclear exercises, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
France – the only nuclear power in the European Union – is leading efforts to include allies in its nuclear deterrence.
Paris is the only nuclear power in the EU. Earlier this year, Macron announced "a new phase in French deterrence" – a historic shift in which other European countries will play a greater role in deterrence, starting with participation in nuclear exercises, recalls "Politico". Cooperation in the so-called forward deterrence includes Poland, as well as Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden.
Poland, which does not participate in the US nuclear weapons sharing program, is interested in strengthening European deterrence against Russia.
France is adamant that ultimate control over the use of its nuclear weapons should be in the hands of Paris, but there is talk of possibly basing French nuclear-armed fighter jets in allied countries.
"Honestly, it is not my dream to have "Rafale" fighters with atomic bombs over Poland, but I hope you have no such plans," Tusk told Macron on Monday, Politico reported.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that such efforts do not contribute to the stability of the European continent, Reuters reported.
Peskov also commented on the candidacy of the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi for the post of UN Secretary-General, TASS reported. According to the Kremlin spokesman, Russia highly appreciates Grossi's activities. Peskov added that Moscow is also aware of the other candidates and will participate in the consultations.
Peskov said this to journalists in response to the question of whether Moscow supports Grossi's candidacy for the post of UN Secretary-General.
"Regarding the elections: currently, many countries are conducting quite intense consultations in connection with the nomination process. "We have not changed our position for now, it is consistent. We know many potential candidates and we know Mr. Grossi very well," Peskov noted.