Poland says it doesn’t want US nuclear weapons: But there’s catch
Photo: Launch of a US Trident II D5 nuclear missile (Defense Express)
Poland does not plan to host US nuclear warheads on its territory, the Polish Ministry of National Defence has stated. At the same time, Warsaw is in talks with Washington about bolstering the permanent military presence of US forces in the country, citing RMF24.
Polish Deputy Defence Minister Paweł Zalewski, speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels, outlined Warsaw's position on the possible deployment of nuclear weapons.
Replying to journalists' questions, he stressed that even should US military presence in Poland be expanded, the deployment of nuclear warheads on Polish soil is not on the table.
"I would like to say this very clearly and openly. Poland does not want to have nuclear warheads on its territory," Zalewski stated.
Warsaw backs a greater European role in NATO
During Zalewski's meeting with US Deputy Defence Secretary Elbridge Colby, the sides discussed, among other things, the implementation of the NATO 3.0 concept. This approach envisages European countries assuming greater responsibility for the continent's security. Poland, according to Zalewski, supports this direction and wants to actively participate in building a stronger Alliance.
The deputy minister emphasised that Poland is an advocate of this way of thinking.
US may bolster permanent presence in Poland
At the same time, Warsaw and Washington continue talks on a permanent US military presence in Poland. According to Zalewski, the negotiations concern several potential locations where US military bases could be established. A representative of the US administration is expected to visit Poland shortly to review the Polish proposals.
The deputy minister stated that the US has such significant interests in Poland that it is keen on maintaining a permanent military footprint.
"In fact, this is about several bases, several locations where American soldiers will be permanently stationed in Poland," he said.
News context
Amid shifting international political currents in the United States, a growing number of European countries are contemplating the question of a nuclear umbrella. This concerns primarily those European states that already possess such weapons, while others seek to come under their protection.
Germany, for instance, has expressed interest in funding the nuclear capabilities of France and Britain. At the same time, Berlin shows no desire to acquire its own nuclear arsenal.
Separately, Poland and France have initiated concrete talks on a nuclear umbrella, holding the first meeting of a dedicated coordination group.
Lithuania's president, meanwhile, has announced plans to remove the constitutional ban on nuclear weapons, with the country's legislature expected to begin the process of amending the relevant provisions.
