After France Tests a Nuclear Missile.. Russia Condemns the 'Militarization' of the European Union

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Russia condemned today, Wednesday, the "militarization" of the European Union, following France's test of a new intercontinental missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and launched from a submarine, an event attended by President Emmanuel Macron.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "This is a strong and clear message... Europe is obsessed with the idea of militarization."

He also added, "In the face of such aggressive actions and projects, Russia remains vigilant."

The French Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday that it had conducted the first test of its latest generation ballistic missile (M51.3) launched from submarines, confirming its capability in the field of nuclear deterrence amid rising tensions with Russia.

The ministry stated in a statement that the missile, which was not equipped with a nuclear warhead, was launched off the coast of Brittany as part of an operation to verify the nuclear submarine "Le Vigilant"'s capability to deploy this weapon, following comprehensive maintenance, adding that the launch was conducted without a payload and in strict compliance with international obligations.

Although the announcement did not mention Russia, the test comes after President Vladimir Putin warned the West last week against escalating the confrontation over Ukraine by threatening the Russian region of Kaliningrad, which lies between Poland and Lithuania, both members of the European Union, and which Moscow has made clear it will defend with nuclear weapons if necessary.

In a related context, European Union countries agreed on Wednesday to a new and significant package of sanctions against Russia targeting nearly 1,600 individuals and entities in connection with the war in Ukraine, according to diplomats speaking to AFP.

The diplomats explained that the entities to be included in the sanctions list, which stipulates asset freezes in the EU and travel bans, are primarily linked to the Russian military and the arms industry.

EU foreign ministers will officially adopt these measures during a meeting scheduled for Monday, according to the same sources.