French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Europe is facing a new era and must not ignore the growing threat from Russia. He said France will consider protecting its European allies with its nuclear weapons.

Macron also warned that Europe should prepare for a future where the United States may not fully support Ukraine in its war against Russia. He stressed the need for Europe to strengthen its own defense.

“I have decided to open discussions about how our nuclear weapons could protect our European allies,” Macron said in a live broadcast. He explained that France’s nuclear defense is strong, independent, and under the full control of the French president.

Although France remains committed to NATO and its alliance with the US, Macron believes Europe must do more to strengthen its own security. He announced that European leaders will meet in Paris next week to plan for lasting peace. This could include sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine after a peace deal is reached to stop Russia from attacking again.

Macron’s comments come as Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, suggested that France and the UK—Europe’s two nuclear powers—should extend their nuclear protection to more European countries. Macron has supported this idea before and has even invited European leaders to take part in nuclear deterrence exercises with the French military.

Macron’s speech followed a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They discussed a plan to stop the war, which will later be presented to the US.

With tensions rising, Macron’s push for stronger European defense could change how Europe prepares for future threats.