Russian nuclear coercion and Europe's deterrence gap (ecfr.eu)

• Russia's nuclear arsenal is ten times larger than combined British and French arsenals.
• European officials lack confidence in US nuclear guarantees, prompting exploration of European alternatives.
• ECFR recommends a comprehensive European deterrence posture with nuclear, conventional, missile defense, and intelligence pillars.

"Russia is expanding its nuclear-capable long-range weapons to pressure Europe and fracture NATO. A new ECFR report argues Europe must plug gaps in nuclear capabilities, conventional strike, missile defense, and intelligence to build a strategic deterrent that could function without US support. Interviews from seven European countries reveal anxiety over US commitment."