00:00Europe is now considering its own nuclear deterrent, as trust in the U.S. wavers and
00:04fears of Russia grow.
00:06Europe is currently reliant on the so-called U.S. nuclear umbrella through Article 5 of
00:10the NATO alliance.
00:11That says an attack on one is an attack on all.
00:14But President Trump's hostility to the alliance and his wavering support of Ukraine has exposed
00:19for many how vulnerable Europe is to shifting U.S. attitudes.
00:23So if the U.S. can no longer be relied upon, that could leave Europe facing Russia alone,
00:27with Moscow having the world's largest nuclear arsenal.
00:30For the first time, European capitals are discussing if they can have their own nuclear deterrent.
00:35But is that idea feasible?
00:38Between them, the U.K. and France have about 500 nuclear warheads, but Britain is dependent
00:43on U.S. missiles for its Trident program.
00:45France does have a fully sovereign deterrent, but it pales in comparison to the size of the
00:50U.S. arsenal with its 2,800 deployed warheads.
00:53And then there's the question of cost.
00:55For many European nations, having their own nuclear program is simply unaffordable.
00:59So is a Franco-British nuclear umbrella realistic?
01:03The two countries have been holding discussions about how to better coordinate their nuclear
01:07forces.
01:07But for many across Europe, NATO's Article 5 is the only real game in town.
01:11And NATO has been doubling down on its message of unity.
01:14Secretary-General Mark Rutter insists the U.S. remains committed to the alliance as he seeks
01:19to keep President Trump on side.
01:20But leaders across the continent are having to face up to a harsh reality.
01:24It can no longer be assumed that the U.S. will act as a guarantor of European security.
01:28But we will just explore the future.
01:28Let's see.
01:29Let's see.
