Lithuanian president calls Macron's nuclear deterrence extension idea 'interesting'

VILNIUS - Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda described on Thursday French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to extend nuclear deterrence as "interesting", saying it would serve as a serious deterrent against Russia.

"I think it's a very interesting idea, and we view this proposal with high expectations because a nuclear umbrella would serve as a serious deterrent against Russia. It's very important to use this opportunity to increase our resilience, especially on the eastern flank, because it is exposed to different kinds of threats," Nauseda told reporters in Brussels.

"We are exposed to hybrid attacks, sabotage of critical infrastructure, illegal migration, and other threats," he said.

Macron announced on Wednesday that France is considering extending its nuclear deterrent to its European partners. He also mentioned the possibility of sending European troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers to enforce a peace deal.

Friedrich Merz, likely the next German chancellor, has also called for extending that umbrella of protection.

Nausėda emphasized, however, that it is difficult to evaluate what is still just an idea at this stage.

"It's attractive, very interesting to us, without a doubt, because we have such expectations. But as long as it's just an idea, it's hard to discuss it comprehensively," Nausėda told Lithuania's public broadcaster LRT in Brussels.

"Comprehensive air defense systems in Europe would be among the priorities, and I hope the document (White Paper on European Defense), which will be released later in March, will cover this, among other elements," he added.

Nauseda is in Brussels for a special European Council summit, where EU leaders will discuss beefing up Europe's defense and supporting Ukraine.

The summit comes after the United States suspended military aid to Ukraine and amid growing doubts about Washington's commitment to Europe.