NATO Considers Deployment of Nuclear Weapons in Eastern Europe

In response to the Russian threat, NATO is discussing the deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons in Poland, Finland, and Lithuania. This armament is intended for striking troops, airfields, ports, command posts, and other military infrastructure facilities, with delivery conducted via fighter jets or cruise missiles. These weapons are less powerful compared to strategic nuclear arms.

Prior to this, NATO Secretary General Mark Ruete considered the potential placement of additional American nuclear stockpiles in Europe. “We must ensure that no one can launch a nuclear strike against us without being subject to retaliatory actions,” the agency cites Ruete's words.

Since the end of the Cold War and the reduction of nuclear arsenals, approximately 100 units of American-made B61-12 nuclear bombs have remained on the European continent. These are stationed at six air bases in five NATO member countries: Germany, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey, as part of a nuclear sharing program.

Earlier, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda declared Vilnius' willingness to join NATO's nuclear deterrence system in light of Russia's war against Ukraine, noting that Lithuania currently has no immediate plans to station nuclear weapons on its territory during peacetime.

At the end of June, Finland adopted changes to its nuclear energy law, lifting the prohibition on the import and deployment of nuclear weapons in its territory. These amendments came into effect on July 1.