Kremlin Says France's Test Nuclear Launch Is Part of 'Dead End' Anti-Russia Strategy

By Reuters Oct. 7, 2026 Tests of the M51.3 ballistic missile in France. @EmmanuelMacron / X The Kremlin said on Wednesday that France's test launch of a nuclear-capable missile showed that Europe was building its defense identity around confrontation with Russia, describing the strategy as a "dead end." 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. 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. 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 militarization. "They are building their identity in the field of defense 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. 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. Read more about: France , Nuclear , Kremlin Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more German Nuclear Fuel Plant Cleared to Work With Russia's Rosatom There is so far no EU agreement on an extension of sanctions on Russia to the nuclear power sector. 2 Min read Sending Troops to Ukraine ‘Not in the Interest’ of the West – Kremlin French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier said the option was on the table. 1 Min read Kremlin Says Talk of Putin-Biden Summit ‘Premature’ France had said that Putin and Biden agreed to the summit “in principle” amid intensifying clashes in eastern Ukraine. Russia Will Develop New Nuclear Missiles if Washington Does, Putin Says Putin blamed the U.S. for the demise of the treaty, but said it was essential for Moscow and Washington to resume arms control talks.