25.04.2026 10:11
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for Greece against Turkey during his meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Athens' plan to come under France's nuclear umbrella for additional security against Turkey came to the agenda. However, this plan turned into a new tension with a harsh threat statement from Russia.
Greece's plan to come under France's nuclear umbrella has taken on a new dimension with harsh statements from Russia. Moscow's threat that "all European countries hosting French nuclear bombers are our open targets" has caused concern in Athens.
MACRON IN ATHENS
French President Emmanuel Macron paid an official visit to Athens to update the mutual defense agreement between France and Greece. In the talks between the two countries, the renewal of the existing agreement for five years and the addition of new articles are on the agenda.
NUCLEAR UMBRELLA PLAN ON THE AGENDA
As part of the additional article expected to be discussed in the talks, Greece plans to come under France's nuclear umbrella. This development is being closely monitored in terms of security balances in the region.
RUSSIA'S "OPEN TARGET" WARNING
In the statement from Russia before the visit, it was stated that European countries hosting French nuclear bombers would be targeted. This statement sparked widespread reactions in Greek public opinion.
WIDE COVERAGE IN GREEK PRESS
The Greek press ran headlines such as "This is the cost of the alliance with Macron", "Road to chaos", "Greece is now within range of Russian missiles", "Response from Russia to Macron's plans", and "Russia threatens Europe with war" regarding the development.
The Greek press wrote that Athens sees a new tension with Ankara as not far off and wants to secure additional guarantees, also taking into account the possibility of a conflict between Turkey and Israel.
MACRON: WE WILL BE HERE
In a discussion with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Macron described the European Union as "predictable and reliable." Emphasizing that Europe needs to take more responsibility for its own defense, Macron stated that France would provide support if Greece's sovereignty is at risk. Macron said, "If your sovereignty is challenged, do what you need to do, we will be here."
MITSOTAKIS: AGREEMENT WILL BE RENEWED
Mitsotakis stated that the defense cooperation agreement signed in 2021 will be renewed, and emphasized the need to increase defense spending.