Peskov criticizes M51 test Keeps dialogue offer

Oct 6

CCTV reports Peskov's October 7 criticism of France's October 6 M51.3 submarine test and Macron's remarks as a signal of EU militarization and confrontation. He says Russia is monitoring developments and protecting its security, while remaining willing to discuss issues with Europe and favoring dialogue over force displays. Background recounts Macron's successful first submarine launch of this model, without a nuclear warhead according to French media, and the March forward-deterrence proposal and Russian warning to possible hosts. This is a response and retrospective context, not an October 7 French launch or deployment.

Emmanuel Macron witnessed an initial intercontinental-missile test from a nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarine off Finistère on October 6. France 2 presents the Élysée-released image as affirming nuclear deterrence's place in French defense. Its brief announcement does not identify a warhead, operational target or further test outcome. CCTV's October 7 report says Macron announced a successful first M51-3 launch from a strategic submarine on October 6. It attributes the absence of a nuclear warhead to French media. These details supplement France 2's direct Élysée-image account; neither report establishes a nuclear detonation or a specific operational target. Show 603's fuller CCTV account says the missile landed in the North Atlantic and attributes the test's strategic significance to Macron and press reporting. These details remain separate from the March forward-deterrence proposal, which is indexed as its own earlier policy announcement.