Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that he has decided to open strategic discussions with European allies on potential nuclear protection. “Responding to the historic call of the future German chancellor, I have decided to open a strategic debate on the protection of our allies in Europe through our (nuclear) deterrent,” Macron said in a televised address.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Macron emphasized that France’s nuclear deterrent has played a role in maintaining peace and security in Europe. Speaking on Europe’s defense and Ukraine, he asserted that the country has “the right to peace and security for itself, and it is in the interest of the European continent’s security.” He stressed the need to ensure that any future peace, once achieved, is sustainable.

He stated that achieving sustainable peace would require long-term support for the Ukrainian army and could potentially involve deploying European forces. However, Macron clarified that such European forces would not engage in frontline combat but would instead help ensure that peace is upheld once secured.

Macron also announced plans for France to host a meeting next week with countries willing to contribute to future European forces to be deployed in Ukraine.