Poland's Defense Ministry issues conflicting statements on nuclear weapons deployment
Deputy Minister of National Defense of Poland Paweł Zalewski stated that Warsaw does not want the deployment of nuclear warheads on its territory, even if the permanent US military presence expands. However, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz later clarified that Poland does not reject participation in NATO's Nuclear Sharing program and continues talks on a European nuclear deterrence system.
Zalewski made the statement after talks with US Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
Journalists asked the Polish official whether a future expansion of permanent US military presence in Poland could include a nuclear component.
Zalewski answered negatively and stressed that Poland does not want to have nuclear warheads on its territory.
At the same time, he emphasized that Warsaw wants to participate in NATO's nuclear deterrence system. According to him, such participation does not necessarily mean the physical deployment of nuclear weapons in Poland.
Defense Minister clarifies position
Zalewski's statement sparked a debate within Poland, as previous Polish governments and presidents have repeatedly signaled the country's readiness for a greater role in NATO's nuclear deterrence.
Afterwards, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz separately stated that Poland is "consistently interested" in participating in NATO's Nuclear Sharing program.
According to him, Warsaw is also in talks on possible accession to a European nuclear umbrella. The minister called the Polish government's position on these issues unequivocal.
Thus, Poland currently separates two issues: the direct storage of nuclear warheads on its territory and participation in a broader nuclear deterrence system of allies.
Poland wants several permanent US bases
The talks in Brussels concerned not only nuclear deterrence. Warsaw seeks to transform the current American military presence into a more permanent one.
Zalewski reported that Poland is discussing with the United States not one but several possible locations for the permanent stationing of American forces.
In the near future, a representative of Colby's team is expected to visit Poland to view the sites proposed by the Polish side for future bases.
Warsaw is primarily interested in deploying American military capabilities that Poland itself lacks. The specific composition of forces and weapons has not yet been determined.
Position differs from previous statements by Polish leadership
As recently as early 2026, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated that he supports the country's accession to the nuclear project, provided international obligations are met. He explained this by the threat from Russia and Poland's proximity to the war in Ukraine.
Kosiniak-Kamysz also advocated at that time for the development of Polish scientific and technological capabilities in the nuclear field.
Previously, the previous President Andrzej Duda actively promoted the possibility of Poland's participation in Nuclear Sharing.
That is why Zalewski's categorical statement about not wanting to deploy warheads drew criticism from representatives of the presidential camp and some Polish security experts.
What is Nuclear Sharing
Nuclear Sharing is a NATO mechanism under which American nuclear weapons are deployed in a number of European states that do not have their own nuclear arsenals.
Currently, American B61 bombs are stored at bases in several European countries. In peacetime, they remain under US control, while allies provide infrastructure, dual-capable aircraft, and trained crews.
Poland has been seeking greater participation in NATO's nuclear deterrence for several years amid the growing Russian threat. The current statements show that Warsaw wants to maintain such participation, but the issue of physical deployment of American warheads on Polish territory remains politically controversial.
Source: Polskie Radio, TVP World, Onet
