Poland rejects nuclear warheads on its territory, Deputy Defence Minister says

 Poland does not want nuclear warheads stationed on its territory, Polish Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Zalewski said on Thursday, while stressing that Warsaw remains committed to NATO’s nuclear deterrence.

BRUSSELS: Poland does not want nuclear warheads stationed on its territory, Polish Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Zalewski said on Thursday, while stressing that Warsaw remains committed to NATO’s nuclear deterrence.

Speaking to reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Zalewski gave a clear response when asked whether a future US military presence in Poland could include nuclear capabilities.

“No — Poland does not want to have nuclear warheads on its territory,” Zalewski said, emphasizing Warsaw’s position on the issue.

He clarified, however, that Poland wants to participate in NATO’s nuclear deterrence arrangements. According to the deputy defence minister, participation in the alliance’s nuclear deterrence does not necessarily mean hosting nuclear warheads on Polish soil.

Zalewski also said Poland was interested in strengthening the permanent US military presence in the country as Washington conducts a review of its troop deployments in Europe.

The United States announced a six-month review of its military presence in Europe in June. According to a document reviewed by Reuters, the assessment is expected to produce at least four options for US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by November 6, ahead of a December deadline.

Zalewski referred to US President Donald Trump’s earlier comments about potentially sending additional American troops to Poland.

He said Warsaw viewed any decision by Washington to strengthen its military presence as an opportunity to improve European security.

According to Zalewski, the approach is consistent with the Pentagon’s concept of “NATO 3.0,” under which European countries would take greater responsibility for conventional defence while the United States would continue to play a major role in supporting European armed forces.

“The starting point is a message sent to public opinion by President Trump about sending 5,000 American soldiers to Poland on a permanent basis,” Zalewski said.

Trump surprised NATO allies in May by pledging to send an additional 5,000 US troops to Poland. The potential increase in American forces comes as European NATO members seek stronger security arrangements amid continuing concerns over regional threats.

Poland has emerged as a key NATO member on the alliance’s eastern flank and has consistently called for stronger conventional defence capabilities. At the same time, Zalewski’s latest comments make clear that Warsaw distinguishes between supporting NATO’s nuclear deterrence and hosting nuclear weapons on its own territory.