BERLIN, May 4 (RIA Novosti): Any plans to strengthen Europe's "nuclear umbrella" pose a direct strategic threat to Russia, Russian Ambassador to Berlin Sergey Nechayev said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said that his country was entering a period of "advanced nuclear deterrence." As part of this new approach, Paris will increase the number of nuclear warheads, and European countries will be able to participate in joint nuclear deterrence exercises.

"Any plans to strengthen Europe's 'nuclear umbrella' require careful consideration in Russian military-political planning, as they pose a direct strategic threat to our country," the diplomat said, responding to a question about Moscow's reaction to Berlin's participation in such exercises.

Photo from Council on Foreign Relations