'Nuclear weapons exist in order to use them' warns Putin as he declares 'we are ready' to go head-to-head with America if US troops are deployed in Ukraine.
Pictures released by Macron's official photographer Sazig de la MoissonniereFrench president Emmanuel Macron has posed for cringe-worthy black and white boxing photos as he tries to position himself as the strongman of Europe standing up to Putin.
The pictures come amid repeated warnings by Macron, who said sending Western ground troops into Ukraine should not be 'ruled out' and urged European leaders not to be 'cowards' when it comes to the defence of Ukraine. His comments on ground troops - a break from other NATO countries - caused alarm among Ukraine's western backers, who have long viewed sending troops into the country currently besieged by Russia as a red line that must not be crossed.
But Macron's comments also prompted fierce rebuke from Vladimir Putin, who quickly threatened 'weapons exist in order to use them' in an interview on Russian state TV in reference to the possibility of deploying nukes should Western troops be deployed in Ukraine. Having nuclear weapons 'imposes on us the responsibility never to escalate,' Macron said, in a dig at the constant reminders issued by top Russian officials and media personalities of their nuclear arsenal.
A map demonstrating different scenarios that could follow Western nations sending troops into Ukraine. Experts have suggested that such a move could help Ukraine to victory , but also increases the risk of Russian retaliation. NATO officials have previously raised concern about Scenario 2 - a Russian offensive into Europe - but experts told MailOnline today that Putin could take an even more drastic measure - Scenario 3: use of nuclear weapons.
'If Russia wins this war, Europe's credibility will be reduced to zero,' Macron told French broadcasters TF1 and France 2 television. He said there had been 'too many limits in our vocabulary' since the Russian invasion in February 2022. 'Two years ago we said we would never send tanks. We did. Two years ago, we said we would never send medium-range missiles. We did,' he said.
Macron openly acknowledges his position has now undergone a major turnaround, citing a 'hardening' in Russia's stance at home and abroad, which has seen the prison death of opposition figure Alexei Navalny that supporters have blamed on the Kremlin, as well as a flurry of cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns against countries including France.
A Yars intercontinental ballistic nuclear missile is fired during a training, from Plesetsk cosmodrome in Northern Arkhangelsk region, Russia 'Who would think for a single second that President Putin, who did not respect any of his limits and engagements, would stop there?' he said in an interview with French television on Thursday, insisting there should be 'no limits' in support for Ukraine and describing the war as 'existential' for Ukraine and Europe.
'Into the third year of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, we face a pivotal moment. Urgency, intensity and unwavering determination are imperative,' EU Council President Charles Michel wrote in a letter inviting presidents and prime ministers to the two-day summit in Brussels.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Macho Macron: Buff French president poses for cringe-worthy black and white boxing photos as he...'Nuclear weapons exist in order to use them' warns Putin as he declares 'we are ready' to go head-to-head with America if US troops are deployed in Ukraine.
Read more »
What Kylian Mbappe leaving PSG means for Macron, the French and QatarMbappe has been useful to the French president and the Qataris in recent years - but his departure spells the end of an era
Read more »
Furious Emmanuel Macron finally speaks out over claims his wife Brigitte was born a MAN: French...The President of France, 47, expressed his anger and frustation about continual speculation about Brigitte Macron, 70, whom he married in 2007.
Read more »
French President Emmanuel Macron furiously denies ‘false’ rumours wife Brigitte was born a man...Watch humiliating moment Macron tries to subtly remove his £2,000 watch as he’s blasted over hated pension reforms
Read more »
He's 14 years her junior, a great lover (and listener), looks buff in trunksBeverley Turner is behaving as though she has discovered an entire new species. Maybe she has. Incredulously, the TV presenter says: 'I mean, this is a man who tidies hotel rooms!
Read more »