Macron Urges Putin to Reconsider Aggressive Nuclear Doctrine at G20 Summit

Macron Calls for Reason from Putin Over New Nuclear Doctrine

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to “come to reason” following Russia’s new doctrine permitting nuclear responses to conventional attacks threatening its sovereignty. This comment came after the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Macron criticized Russia’s stance, stating it demonstrates aggression towards the international community. He expressed concern that Russia is becoming a global destabilizing force.

His remarks followed the Russian Defense Ministry’s confirmation of Ukraine’s use of U.S. ATACMS ballistic missiles against Russian military targets. Macron reiterated his support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself without conceding territory to Russia, emphasizing the desire for peace that does not involve capitulation.

Moreover, Macron condemned North Korean troops participating in the conflict, calling it a new escalation and reflecting Russia’s increasingly aggressive behavior. During the G20, he also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, asking him to exert pressure on Putin to cease attacks.

The new Russian nuclear doctrine has raised international concerns. It details circumstances under which Russia might use nuclear weapons, framing them as a last resort for deterrence. The doctrine aims to protect Russia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while discouraging potential aggressors.

Since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has repeatedly threatened the West with nuclear action. Despite these threats, Ukraine’s allies continue to provide military aid, with advanced weaponry reaching the frontline.

Russia’s declaration of its nuclear strategy emphasizes reassurance to adversaries about fatal repercussions for aggression while keeping its response conditions vague. The Kremlin claims this doctrine aims to lower nuclear threats and prevent international conflicts from escalating into armed confrontations, including nuclear ones. It states that Russia could use nuclear weapons not only in response to a nuclear attack but also against conventional threats to its sovereignty or that of its allies, like Belarus.