The president of Poland, Andrzej Duda, has reiterated his appeal for the United States to station nuclear weapons in Poland. Speaking from the presidential palace in Warsaw, Duda emphasized that this move would bolster Poland’s strength and security in light of perceived threats from Russia.
From Poland’s perspective, President Putin’s Russia represents a significant and imminent threat. Duda, who also serves as the commander-in-chief of the expanding Polish armed forces, expressed that contemporary Russia exhibits aggression comparable to that of the former Soviet Union, condemning what he described as Moscow’s “imperial greed.” While the deployment of US nuclear weapons in Poland might be construed by Putin as a provocation, Duda frames this proposal as a necessary defensive strategy aimed at enhancing deterrence.
Response to Russian aggression
Duda pointed to Putin’s 2023 decision to position Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which borders both Poland and Ukraine, as a critical factor in his advocacy for nuclear armament. He stated, “It’s the same Russia that’s attacking Ukraine today, who is an aggressor, who is murdering civilians, who is bombing down civilian settlements. And it’s moving its nuclear weapons from the depths of Russia to Belarus.”
“This defensive tactic is a vital response to Russia’s behaviour, relocating nuclear weapons in the NATO area. Poland is ready to host this nuclear weapon.”
In addition, Duda welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposals to extend France’s nuclear umbrella to other NATO member states, underscoring a collective approach to security within the alliance.
Strengthening NATO and Polish defense
Poland has significantly ramped up its defense spending, committing nearly 5% of its national income to defense, surpassing all other NATO countries, including the United States. Additionally, Poland has initiated the construction of anti-tank fortifications along its border with Russia’s exclave, Kaliningrad. Currently, the US rotates approximately 10,000 troops through Poland at any given time, which Duda believes enhances American commitment to Poland’s security.
When questioned about the safety implications of nuclear weapons in Poland, Duda remarked that such a development would deepen the US’s commitment to the nation’s defense, stating, “Every strategic kind of infrastructure, American and NATO infrastructure, which we have on our soil is strengthening the inclination of the US and the North Atlantic Alliance to defend this territory.”
Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, echoed Duda’s sentiments in a recent parliamentary speech, warning of a “profound change in American geopolitics” that poses challenges for both Poland and Ukraine. Tusk advocated for further increases in Polish defense expenditure and suggested that Poland should explore opportunities related to nuclear weaponry.
While Tusk and Duda represent different political ideologies, Duda maintains a close relationship with former President Trump. In light of recent developments, Duda expressed confidence in the current US administration’s strategy regarding Russia, particularly in response to Putin’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Duda refrained from criticizing Trump’s past actions and consistently supports the notion of utilizing frozen Russian assets, estimated at around 200 billion euros, to assist Ukraine.
“I believe it is obvious that Russian assets collected and locked in banks in Western Europe should be used to support Ukraine, and it should be a double support.”
Duda concluded by emphasizing that supporting Ukraine is crucial, not only to counter Russian aggression but also to aid in the nation’s reconstruction following the conflict.