Poland demands US nuclear weapons as protection against Russia
- President Andrzej Duda has made repeated calls for the US to deploy nuclear weapons to Poland as a deterrent against Russia.
- Poland's security considerations are heightened due to its border with Ukraine, Belarus, and the Russian territory of Kaliningrad.
- The deployment of nuclear arms in Poland raises concerns about regional tensions and reactions from Moscow.
Poland, a NATO member located along the eastern flank of the alliance, has been increasingly advocating for enhanced nuclear protection amid rising concerns over Russian aggression. In March 2025, President Andrzej Duda reiterated his appeal to the United States to deploy nuclear weapons in Poland, emphasizing the significance of such measures for national security. The Polish president's demand, made during an interview with the Financial Times, marks a continuation of discussions he initiated with the Biden administration in 2022 regarding the strategic need for nuclear deterrence. Duda's adviser for international affairs, Wojciech Kolarski, supported the president's stance by highlighting how American nuclear weapons stationed in Poland would bolster security against potential threats from Russia. Furthermore, the strategic conversation includes Poland's geopolitical positioning, as it shares borders with Ukraine, Belarus, and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, making it highly susceptible to regional instability. Discussions regarding the nuclear deployment reflect broader European concerns about long-term US commitments to collective security in NATO, particularly with the shifting political landscape. In parallel, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who opposes Duda, disclosed that Poland was in negotiations with France regarding Emmanuel Macron's proposal to utilize France's nuclear deterrent for continental defense amidst perceived threats from Russia. This dialogue signifies the complexities within NATO, as member states grapple with the implications of Russian military maneuvers in the vicinity. The notion of deploying nuclear arms to Poland has garnered mixed reactions. While such a step is seen as a necessary precaution by Duda and many in Polish leadership, the Kremlin has deemed it provocative. The discussion also intersects with broader debates around nuclear-sharing policies within Europe, especially after the Biden administration rejected similar proposals in 2022. The unfolding events signal a crucial juncture in NATO's approach to collective defense, inviting further scrutiny over how Western allies will engage with threats posed by Russia going forward.