French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk held talks on Monday on conducting joint military exercises as part of a broader European nuclear deterrence framework, Politico reported.

Speaking at a press conference in Gdansk, the French President stated the two sides were examining areas of cooperation, including intelligence sharing and joint military exercises. France, as the European Union’s only nuclear power, has been advancing what it describes as a “new phase” in its deterrence strategy, opening participation in nuclear deterrence activities — including exercises — to European allies.

The cadre of countries taking part in the defensive initiative includes Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden.

Tusk said Poland was part of a “select group” of countries working with France to strengthen European strategic autonomy. Poland does not participate in the U.S. nuclear sharing program but has been seeking to bolster European deterrence against Russia. The Polish prime minister nonetheless stressed that Warsaw was not seeking the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory.

Macron said consultations would continue in the coming period with the aim of coordinating operational and defense activities. Cooperation between the two countries is also extending to space and military planning, including a potential Polish purchase of a French military satellite.

Russia responded sharply, with the Kremlin describing the developments as evidence of the “militarization of Europe” and arguing they did not contribute to regional stability.