[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The UK Defense Secretary claimed that French President Emmanuel Macron's statement that "Russia would not face a nuclear retaliation even if it launched a nuclear attack on Ukraine" exposes strategic plans.
According to the British daily The Telegraph on the 13th (local time), Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said at the NATO Defense Ministers' meeting, "President Macron has exposed strategy," adding, "Our view is that if Russia uses nuclear weapons, it will face serious consequences."
On the 12th, President Macron stated in an interview with France 2 that "France will not respond with nuclear weapons against Russia even if Russia launches a nuclear attack on Ukraine, in order to avoid a 'world war.'"
President Macron said, "Our principle is based on the fundamental interests of the nation," and added, "Even if Russia launches a nuclear attack on Ukraine, it will not directly affect us."
He continued, "(Russia's use of nuclear weapons) would break the taboo established in 1945 regarding the use of nuclear weapons," and "This would isolate Russia internationally to an unbelievable extent."
NATO officials also pointed out that President Macron's remarks threaten the "nuclear deterrence principle" and said, "We do not discuss detailed (response) scenarios."
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, "If Russia uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine, whatever type of nuclear weapon it may be, it will lead to serious consequences," adding that President Putin is aware of this.
He added, "We will not specify exactly how we will respond, but the use of nuclear weapons will fundamentally change the nature of the Ukraine war," and "This means that Russia has crossed a very important line."
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