France is open to discussing extending the protection offered by its nuclear arsenal to its European partners, President Emmanuel Macron said in a grave address to the nation on Wednesday, in which he warned that Europe must face up to the threat from Russia.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European leaders showed a cautiously receptive ear to President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to debate extending the French nuclear umbrella to Europe on Thursday, though some were reluctant to draw a line under years of U.S. protection.

French President Emmanuel Macron shook up Europe with a bold nuclear proposal. As Trump signals uncertainty over US protection, Macron warned of the Russian threat and offered to extend France’s nuclear shield to EU allies.