In a series of recent statements, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron have publicly addressed their countries' stances on nuclear weapons and their influence in Africa. Putin acknowledged Macron's militaristic statements could stem from France's loss of influence in Africa, stating that Russia did not intentionally interfere or expel France, but rather African leaders chose to cooperate with Moscow. Furthermore, Putin attributed Macron's criticism of Russia's actions in Ukraine to this resentment. Macron, having not communicated with Putin for "several months", emphasized the importance of not escalating to nuclear weapons. He described it as inappropriate to threaten France, a nuclear power, in response to Putin's latest statements, as reported by Le Figaro and captured in an AFP photo. Macron asserted that France is protected and prepared, highlighting the country's nuclear doctrine.
⚡️It is "inappropriate to threaten" the French when they have nuclear weapons, President Emmanuel #Macron said, Le Figaro reports. "It is inappropriate to threaten when we have nuclear weapons," Macron said, commenting on the latest statements of Vladimir #Putin. 📷: AFP https://t.co/7okv0DaR9k
🇫🇷🚀 "We should, above all, feel protected because we are a nuclear power. We are ready, we have a doctrine!", - Macron responded to Putin's nuclear threats. https://t.co/n3oKY8Cr90
🇷🇺🇫🇷🚨‼️ Macron hasn’t talked to the Russian peer for “several months”. He also says it’s important to never escalate with nuclear weapons. https://t.co/SkDF38a1VR
#Russia’s President Vladimir Putin says French leader Emmanuel Macron’s criticism of Moscow on #Ukraine is due to “resentment” at losing allies in Africa to the Kremlin. #France https://t.co/hYBTDArJdS
Putin acknowledged that Macron's militaristic statements could be related to resentment over the loss of influence in Africa. However, he said that 🇷🇺 did not interfere and did not expel 🇫🇷 on purpose, it was African leaders themselves who wanted to cooperate with Moscow. https://t.co/S2Qat5N3Ej