France offers to station nuclear weapons in Europe for the first time

France has proposed stationing its nuclear weapons in Europe for the first time, marking a historic shift in its defense posture amid growing geopolitical tensions. The offer comes as European nations seek to bolster deterrence against potential threats, particularly from Russia, following its prolonged conflict in Ukraine. French officials emphasized the move aims to strengthen NATO’s collective security framework while maintaining Paris’s independent nuclear doctrine. Negotiations are underway with key allies, including Germany and Poland, though no final agreements or deployment timelines have been confirmed. Analysts note this could reshape Europe’s defense strategy, signaling deeper Franco-European military integration and a response to calls for greater nuclear burden-sharing.