Reuters. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday (March 5) he plans to hold a meeting of all European army chiefs in Paris next week.
France needs to be ready if the United States is no longer by its side, he said.
"I would like to believe that the United States will stay by our side, but we have to be ready if this isn't the case," he said.
France and Britain are aiming to finalise with Ukraine, possibly "in days," a peace plan to present to the United States, while building bridges between the U.S. and Ukraine before possible talks in Washington, diplomats said.
Speaking in a televised address to the nation, Macron said France plans to further invest in defence without raising taxes and added that he will open debate about extending the French nuclear umbrella to European partners.
He also said that the ultimate decision on using nuclear weapons will remain in the hands of the French president only.
