Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has reiterated his call for the United States to deploy nuclear weapons in Poland, citing the need for a deterrent against Russia. This appeal, made in an interview with the Financial Times, marks the latest development in Poland’s growing consideration of nuclear protection amidst escalating fears of Russian aggression ¹.
Duda’s adviser, Wojciech Kolarski, echoed this sentiment in a radio interview, arguing that nuclear protection would significantly enhance Poland’s security. As a NATO member situated along the alliance’s eastern flank, Poland shares borders with Ukraine, Belarus, and the Russian territory of Kaliningrad, making it vulnerable to Russian threats.
The Polish president’s appeal is not an isolated incident. In 2022, Duda made a similar request to the Biden administration, underscoring Poland’s desire for strengthened security measures. Moreover, Poland is exploring alternative options, including discussions with France regarding President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to utilize France’s nuclear deterrent to protect Europe from Russian threats.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a political opponent of Duda’s, revealed that Poland is engaged in talks with France on this matter. However, Moscow has condemned Macron’s proposal as “extremely confrontational.” The French president has emphasized the need for a “strategic debate” on employing France’s nuclear deterrent to safeguard European allies, particularly in light of concerns surrounding potential U.S. disengagement.
In a televised address, Macron described Moscow as a “threat to France and Europe,” highlighting the gravity of the situation. As the only nuclear power within the European Union, France’s stance on this issue carries significant weight.
Poland’s pursuit of nuclear protection is also tied to its participation in NATO’s nuclear sharing program. According to Duda, Polish authorities are in talks with the United States about potentially incorporating the Polish Air Force into this program. This development could bolster NATO’s deterrence capabilities toward Russia and Belarus ¹.
The deployment of nuclear weapons in Poland would undoubtedly have far-reaching implications. Duda has emphasized Poland’s readiness to accommodate nuclear weapons as part of NATO’s nuclear sharing program, should the alliance decide to strengthen its eastern flank. However, this move would likely be met with resistance from Russia, which has already begun relocating its nuclear weapons to Belarus.
