Polish President Andrzej Duda has called on the United States to deploy nuclear weapons in Poland to bolster deterrence against potential Russian aggression. This request follows Russia’s recent stationing of tactical nuclear arms in Belarus, heightening security concerns in Eastern Europe.
In a recent interview, President Duda emphasized the necessity of aligning NATO’s infrastructure with its eastern expansion since 1999. He revealed that discussions about hosting U.S. nuclear weapons have taken place with U.S. officials, including Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg.
Poland’s strategic position, sharing borders with Ukraine, Belarus, and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, underscores its security concerns. The deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons in Poland would mark a significant shift in NATO’s deterrence posture, as it would be the first time such weapons are stationed in a NATO member state bordering Russia.
President Duda also expressed interest in French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to extend France’s nuclear deterrent to European allies. However, he acknowledged that developing an independent Polish nuclear arsenal would be a lengthy process, making the hosting of U.S. weapons a more immediate solution.
This development comes amid broader European discussions on nuclear deterrence. Germany, for instance, is exploring options to bolster its nuclear capabilities, including potential sharing arrangements with France or the United Kingdom. These debates reflect growing apprehension about security and the reliability of U.S. commitments under the Trump administration.
Russia has labeled Macron’s proposal as “extremely confrontational,” indicating that any move to deploy nuclear weapons closer to its borders would likely escalate tensions further. The international community remains watchful as these discussions unfold, recognizing the profound implications for global security dynamics.
