France has demanded clarification from Germany over how Berlin intends to use its long-range missiles in the event of a war with Russia, according to the Financial Times.
Citing a French official, the newspaper reported that Paris fears the absence of a clear strategy could trigger an unintended escalation toward nuclear war. French authorities are concerned that even a conventional missile strike against Russian targets could provoke a severe response from Moscow.
The official warned that Russia could misinterpret the intentions behind such an attack, pushing the confrontation toward the nuclear threshold before either side fully recognizes the danger.
According to the Financial Times, France’s concerns come as several European countries expand their long-range missile capabilities. Germany, Britain, Poland and the Baltic states are all developing their arsenals.
Berlin is currently purchasing and developing ground-launched missiles with ranges of 500 to 2,000 kilometers, giving Germany the capability to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.
Paris believes the potential use of these weapons requires clearly defined conditions to prevent uncontrolled escalation. French officials are also concerned that the current deterrence strategy could lead Moscow to hold France responsible for strikes carried out by its European allies.