The President of Poland has called on the United States to deploy nuclear weapons on Polish territory, arguing that such a move is necessary to deter Russian aggression and strengthen NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe. His statement is expected to provoke a strong reaction from Moscow, which has previously warned against NATO expansion and military build-up near its borders.
Andrzej Duda stated that it is “obvious” that US President Donald Trump could authorise the transfer of nuclear warheads currently stored in Western Europe or the United States to Poland. According to him, this proposal has already been discussed with US Special Representative for Ukraine Keith Kellogg.
Duda argued that NATO’s military infrastructure should be adjusted to reflect the alliance’s expanded borders, pointing out that the organisation has grown eastwards since 1999. “NATO’s borders shifted east in 1999, so in 26 years there should also be a shift in NATO infrastructure to the east. It is obvious to me,” he said in an interview with the Financial Times. “I think it is not only that the time has come, but that it would be safer if these weapons were already here.”
The proposal aligns with Poland’s consistent calls for a stronger NATO presence in the region, particularly in response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and its threats to other countries in Eastern Europe. Poland has been one of Ukraine’s most vocal supporters, providing military aid and advocating for tougher action against Moscow.
Russia has previously warned that any deployment of nuclear weapons closer to its borders would be seen as a direct provocation, potentially escalating tensions between NATO and Moscow. The Kremlin has frequently accused the alliance of encroaching on its sphere of influence, using such claims to justify its invasion of Ukraine.
Poland’s appeal for nuclear weapons also reflects broader security concerns in the region. The Baltic states and other Eastern European NATO members have expressed fears that Russia could target them next if Ukraine falls. NATO has already increased its troop presence in Poland and the Baltic region, but Duda believes more must be done to ensure lasting security.
The US has yet to respond officially to Poland’s request, and it remains unclear whether Washington would be willing to relocate nuclear weapons.
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