Poland seeks a nuclear umbrella from both the US and France
Polish President Andrzej Duda said that his country should seek nuclear deterrence protection from both the United States and France to counter the growing threat from Russia.
Here's What We Know
In an interview with Bloomberg News in Warsaw, he noted that both initiatives - the deployment of US nuclear weapons on Polish territory and joining the French nuclear shield - do not contradict each other.
"I believe we can make both decisions. These two ideas are neither contradictory nor mutually exclusive," Duda said, adding that nuclear deterrence remains a key element of security.
In March, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that he was holding serious talks with France on the possibility of using its nuclear capabilities to protect allies in Europe. At the same time, since 2023, Warsaw has been calling for the deployment of US tactical nuclear weapons on its territory, particularly against the backdrop of Moscow's decisions to deploy such weapons in Belarus.
"How does NATO intend to respond to this? My answer is very simple. We invite you to extend the nuclear exchange to our territory," Duda said.
He also reminded that his efforts are aimed at strengthening the Alliance's eastern flank and deterring potential aggression.
However, Poland's attempt to use the French nuclear shield may encounter difficulties, as France's nuclear policy is autonomous and not covered by NATO's collective guarantees. In addition, Poland, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, has no right to have its own nuclear weapons, which limits its options in this area.
Source: Bloomberg
