In March 2025, Polish President Andrzej Duda made an appeal for the United States (US) to station nuclear weapons in Poland, citing the need for additional deterrents against Russian aggression in both Poland and Europe.
This proposal is not unprecedented. In October 2022, Duda mentioned discussions with the United States regarding Poland's inclusion in NATO's nuclear sharing program, highlighting ongoing concerns about regional security dynamics.
Poland's interest in hosting nuclear weapons is deeply rooted in the country’s historical experiences as a former member of the Eastern Bloc, a collection of (now formerly) communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe that were aligned with the Soviet Union between the 1940s and 1990s.
During the Cold War, Soviet nuclear warheads were stationed in Poland, designated for use by the Polish People's Army. These weapons were withdrawn following the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, and since then, Poland has not possessed nuclear arms.
The current geopolitical climate in the region, marked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the stationing of nuclear weapons in Belarus, has heightened security concerns among NATO's eastern members - with Poland boosting its defence spending to 4.7% of its GDP-the highest among NATO members. Additionally, Poland has proposed withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, banning the use of anti-personnel landmines to enhance its defensive capabilities.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also advocated for comprehensive national defence reform, including military training for all adult men, expanding the armed forces to over 500,000 personnel and stressing the importance of pursuing advanced military capabilities, including nuclear options, to ensure national security.
Regional reactions
The proposal to host US nuclear weapons has elicited varied reactions within the international community. While some NATO members may view this move as a necessary deterrent, others express concern about escalating tensions with Russia. Moscow perceives the eastward expansion of NATO's military infrastructure as a direct threat, and the deployment of nuclear weapons in Poland could further strain relations.
Poland's call for the deployment of US nuclear weapons on its territory reflects a strategic response to ongoing security challenges and, at a minimum, demonstrates Poland's commitment to strengthening its defence posture within the NATO framework.