Kremlin says France's test nuclear launch is part of 'dead end' anti-Russia strategy

Kremlin: France’s Nuclear Missile Test Shows Europe’s ‘Dead End’ Anti-Russia Policy

France’s Missile Test and Rising Tensions in Europe

Overview of the Missile Test

MOSCOW, Oct 7 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Wednesday that France's test launch of a nuclear-capable missile showed that Europe was building its defence identity around confrontation with Russia, describing the strategy as a "dead end".

French President Macron’s Statement

On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the test of the submarine-launched ballistic missile off the coast of Brittany as a message "sent loud and clear for wherever it must be received", without mentioning Russia directly.

Context: Security and Nuclear Deterrence in Europe

The launch came amid heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine, European security, and nuclear deterrence. Russia has recently renewed warnings that it could use nuclear weapons to defend itself and the exclave of Kaliningrad.

Kremlin’s Reaction to the Test Launch

Asked about the test launch, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia had received France's message and said it was an example of what he called Europe's obsession with militarisation.

Peskov’s Critique of European Policy

"They are building their identity in the field of defence and security on the basis of confrontation with the Russian Federation. This is a dead end path. As history shows, it leads to nothing good," he said.

Call for Dialogue

He said Russia remained on alert, but open to dialogue. "We believe that any problems should be resolved not through demonstrative missile launches, but through dialogue," he said.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov;Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Alison Williams)