Nuclear Weapons Experts Sound Alarm Over Proposal to Give Poland Nukes

Polish President Andrzej Duda has sparked concern by suggesting that Poland could host nuclear weapons on its territory.

Some nuclear weapons experts have highlighted that this may prove to be a dangerous idea considering the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

A report from the Notes from Poland publication on Wednesday highlighted Duda's comments in an interview with Gazeta Polska weekly.

He was asked specifically about "nuclear sharing," a NATO system in which countries that do not have their own nuclear weapons host those from those that do.

Currently, the only three countries with their own nuclear weapons are the U.S., the United Kingdom and France.

"There is always a potential opportunity to participate in the nuclear sharing programme," Duda answered.

"We have spoken with American leaders about whether the United States is considering such a possibility. The issue is open."

The president was clear in highlighting that the sharing program wouldn't mean that Poland has a nuclear weapon under its control, however.

"Participation in nuclear sharing does not imply having your own nuclear weapon," he added.

When the interviewer pointed out that countries that now have nuclear weapons began with nuclear sharing, Duda noted that this idea must be thought of in the terms of the "distant future."

He added: "I firmly believe that Poland will strengthen its security. That must be our long-term goal."

Andrew Futter, professor of international politics at the University of Leicester, spoke to Newsweek and highlighted some of the issues with this idea.

"[This] is probably something that the Polish government would like to happen as a response to growing concerns about Russia, but that it is unlikely to be agreed to by the U.S. and NATO," he said.

He added that this move would also not result in NATO helping Poland to acquire its own nuclear weapons.

Professor Futter, who specialises in contemporary nuclear weapons issues, also highlighted that the U.S. already has an estimated 100 or so tactical nuclear weapons already in Europe at U.S. air bases in Germany, Belgium, Holland, Italy and Turkey.

"These nuclear weapons could be operated by NATO aircraft in times of war," he added.

"But overwhelmingly, NATO nuclear deterrence is underpinned by U.S. and U.K. strategic nuclear weapons and by the sophistication of NATO conventional forces."

Tensions With Russia

Professor Futter emphasised if this move became a reality it could spark further tensions with Russia. He went into greater detail as to how Russia could respond.

"Section 4 of the NATO-Russia agreement of 1997 states that 'the member States of NATO reiterate that they have no intention, no plan and no reason to deploy nuclear weapons on the territory of new members.'"

"Placing weapons, even under U.S. control and operation, in Poland would be unlikely to play well diplomatically, and would probably be seen as a green light for Russia to place its own nuclear weapons in Belarus and perhaps in other Russia-friendly states or regions."

The Director of the Nuclear Information Project, Hans Kristensen, also weighed in on the possibility of Poland holding nukes and shared the story on his Twitter page.

"'Poland has discussed hosting nuclear weapons with U.S., says president. This is a very bad idea," he tweeted.

"Broadening nuclear sharing in Europe is not the solution to the security challenges but would make them worse. Hopefully, the U.S. says no thank you."

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a speech in September in which he said he was prepared to use nuclear weapons.

"If Russia feels its territorial integrity is threatened, we will use all defense methods at our disposal, and this is not a bluff," the Russian president said.

"Those who are trying to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the winds can also turn in their direction," Putin said.

Newsweek has contacted Poland's ministry of foreign affairs for comment.