PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that he has decided to open strategic discussions with European allies on potential nuclear protection.

"Responding to the historic call of the future German chancellor, I have decided to open a strategic debate on the protection of our allies in Europe through our (nuclear) deterrent," Macron said in a televised address.

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Speaking on Europe's defense and Ukraine, he emphasized that France's nuclear deterrent has played a role in maintaining peace and security in Europe.

On Ukraine, Macron asserted that the country has "the right to peace and security for itself, and it is in the interest of the European continent's security." He stressed the need to ensure that any future peace, once achieved, is sustainable.

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"This will certainly require long-term support for the Ukrainian army and could potentially involve deploying European forces," he said.

However, Macron clarified that such European forces would not engage in frontline combat but would instead help ensure that peace is upheld once secured.

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He also announced that France would host a meeting next week with countries willing to contribute to future European forces to be deployed in Ukraine.