Merz Confirms Germany's Plan to Follow France's Nuclear Shield Exercises

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz with French President Emmanuel Macron/DOK President Of Ukraine

JAKARTA - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that Germany would participate in nuclear deterrence exercises held by France.

"We will take part in the French armed forces' nuclear exercises later this year," Merz wrote on the X platform, as reported by Sputnik, Friday, July 17.

By deepening cooperation in the field of defense, Germany and France "strengthen Europe's deterrent," the chancellor added.

Citing a German government spokesman, NTV television on Thursday (16/7) reported that Germany would take part in a nuclear deterrence exercise held by France for the first time this fall.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the country was entering a period of "advanced nuclear deterrence."

As part of the new approach, Paris will increase the number of nuclear warhead stocks, and European countries will be able to participate in joint deterrence exercises held by France, he added.

Eight European countries will join France's new doctrine, including Great Britain, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark, Macron said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the current international situation carries the risk of direct confrontation between NATO and Russia, which could quickly escalate into a nuclear attack between them.