[Paul R.]

the French - who were an imperial power in present-day Niger until 1960 - have also warned of action in the country if “France and its interests” in Niger are attacked.

Cutting off the uranium to France is a pretty major "attack" on "French Interests".

Even Inspector Clouseau could figure this one out: Pooty's fingerprints are all over it. Putin surely figures France is weak. And he'd surely love to peel them back out of NATO. But Russia is taking a huge risk here. The French / Macron may not respond at all the way Pooty would like / need / expect. And they might finally get off the pot with respect to aiding Ukraine.

[Mr Radical]

But Russia is taking a huge risk here
it is the French taking a huge risk, relying on a basket-case place like Niger for the essential raw materials for its energy needs.