Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has endorsed the idea of deploying nuclear weapons in Poland as part of NATO’s nuclear sharing program, aiming to bolster European security
Nauseda told journalists that “recent events have indeed led to an increased military presence in our region, especially with the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, this is the reality today, both in the Kaliningrad region and, as far as we know, in Belarus.”
The Lithuanian leader said he believes that deploying such weapons in Poland should not be seen as provoking war or a threat to Russia.
“It is the same element of the system that should play a truly significant role as a deterrent and exert pressure,” he added.
Nauseda also expressed surprise at the reaction to Polish President Andrzej Duda’s statement about readiness to host nuclear weapons, noting that this is not the first time the issue has been raised.
“We not only discussed this aspect but also shared thoughts on potential consequences. In any case, the Russian propaganda mill is churning, and it’s natural that threats emerge in such cases. But the threats only show that this idea is indeed relevant as a deterrent and naturally raises concern among Kremlin politicians,” he emphasized.
In a recent interview with the tabloid Fakt, Duda said that he supports the idea of deploying nuclear weapons on Polish territory and has been discussing the matter with the Americans.
“This has been a topic of Polish-American talks for some time. I have already discussed it several times. I do not deny that when asked, I expressed our readiness. Russia is increasingly militarizing the Kaliningrad district and recently relocated its nuclear weapons to Belarus,” Duda noted.
The Polish president assured that if there were a decision to deploy nuclear weapons under the nuclear sharing program to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank, “we are ready for it.”
Some politicians from the ruling left-liberal coalition criticized the president for this statement, asserting that he had not consulted with the government.
