According to Politico, Deputy Defence Minister Paweł Zalevski has stated that Poland will not host its allies’ nuclear weapons on its territory. He said that Warsaw is prepared to participate in NATO’s nuclear deterrent, but this does not entail the deployment of nuclear warheads in the country. The statement came against the backdrop of Western warnings about a possible threat of a Russian attack on NATO member states.
Briefly about the main points
- Warsaw has ruled out the stationing of allied nuclear warheads.
- Poland is prepared to participate in NATO’s nuclear deterrence.
- The country held talks with the US on expanding the nuclear defence shield in Europe.
- Poland has joined the French nuclear deterrence initiative.
Participation without deploying warheads
Participation in nuclear deterrence goes beyond the physical deployment of weapons. It may encompass joint planning, training, political coordination and other allied capabilities. Consequently, the stated position does not mean that Warsaw is turning its back on a greater role in the Alliance’s nuclear architecture.
NATO In June, it reaffirmed its commitment to modernising its nuclear capabilities, strengthening planning and adapting its deterrence mission. The Alliance described its strategic nuclear forces as the ultimate guarantee of its allies’ security.
Poland is fostering dialogue with the US and France
Poland had previously discussed with the US the expansion of the American nuclear umbrella in Europe. In March 2025, the then President Andrzej Duda spoke about negotiations regarding the country’s accession to the mechanism nuclear sharing, which allowed for the possibility of stationing American weapons.
Warsaw has also joined the French initiative to counter nuclear threats. On 10 July, the first meeting of the bilateral Steering Group on Nuclear Cooperation took place in Paris. The French framework is intended to complement the NATO system, whilst the decision to use French nuclear weapons remains the exclusive prerogative of the French President.
