Responding to French President Macron’s nuclear statements in his national address, Kremlin Spokesperson Peskov stated, “This claim of nuclear leadership in Europe is highly confrontational.”

Moscow has responded to French President Emmanuel Macron’s national address speech. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, answering questions from journalists in the capital Moscow, described Macron’s characterization of Russia as a threat to Europe as “extremely conflict-prone rhetoric” that creates a sense of France wanting the continuation of war.

Commenting on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s description of the Ukraine War as a “proxy war between the US and Russia,” Peskov stated, “We agree with this statement, and we have reiterated this situation many times.” He emphasized the ongoing conflict in Ukraine between Russia and the collective West, led by the US. Peskov mentioned that the US is currently a country with which Russia is trying to revive and establish bilateral relations, stating that the US is not a friend of Russia.

Peskov criticized Macron’s remarks about Russia in his recent national address, stating, “President Macron’s speech was highly confrontational towards Russia, and we read that he expressed a desire to deploy troops in Ukraine after the ceasefire.” Indicating that Russia’s response to this matter is clear, Peskov added, “Because we already have a clear stance on this.” Emphasizing that they inferred from Macron’s speech that he is not in favor of peace, Peskov concluded, “This highly conflict-prone rhetoric gives the impression that France seeks the continuation of war. Such a discourse based on nuclear weapons, with claims of nuclear leadership in Europe, is highly confrontational.” Peskov also noted that Macron provided incorrect information on various issues, including the Minsk agreements, in his speech.