Russian state media has denounced NATO’s nuclear weapons policy as “destabilizing” and “dangerous” after Poland offered to host the group’s nuclear weapons.
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda announced that Poland is ready to host NATO nuclear weapons if the group decides on such a deployment. This offer comes amid ongoing concerns in Eastern Europe about Russian expansionism, fueled by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russia has responded by deploying nuclear weapons in Belarus, which borders Poland, sparking further anxiety in the region. Russian news agency Sputnik alleges that NATO’s nuclear weapons policy escalates “the risk of global nuclear conflict.”
While Russia’s nuclear doctrine prohibits nuclear use unless facing a massive attack, US policy allows for pre-emptive strikes, which Sputnik argues exacerbates the potential for nuclear escalation.
The Kremlin has warned of “all the necessary retaliatory steps” if nuclear weapons are stationed in Poland. NATO, meanwhile, maintains its commitment to collective defense and the reinforcement of its eastern flank.
