US Deputy Secretary of Defense Colin Colby says Washington would firmly oppose Poland developing independent nuclear capabilities.
European Nuclear Plans
Discussions are underway among European countries regarding acquiring their own nuclear weapons or extending the French or British nuclear umbrella to other nations on the continent.
Colby stated he had not heard credible information about European governments seriously pursuing independent nuclear weapons, which would violate the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
US Stance on Polish Nukes
Colby emphasized that from the Pentagon’s perspective, it is “appropriate and reasonable” for European contributions to NATO’s nuclear deterrence to increase. He noted that the independent nuclear deterrence of the UK and France contributes to NATO’s deterrence and defense.
Asked if the US would try to dissuade Germany, Poland, or Scandinavian countries if they sought to develop their own nuclear capabilities, Colby replied: “Yes, I think we would try to dissuade them. I think we would at least strongly oppose this… It’s hypothetical, but we are against such an eventuality.”
French Proposal and Polish Reaction
French President Emmanuel Macron recently outlined a vision for a new French nuclear deterrence, proposing cooperation with other European countries, including Poland, and announced an increase in the number of French nuclear warheads. He stressed that advanced nuclear deterrence would give European allies the chance to participate in related exercises.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski clarified that Poland received only an “invitation to talks” from France regarding joint nuclear deterrence, not a formal invitation to participate. “We will talk about it, but I propose not to get too far ahead in the future,” he added. President Karol Nawrocki stated that Poland should pursue developing its own nuclear potential.
