The United States is discussing the possibility of expanding its nuclear weapons deployment program in Europe. According to the Financial Times, countries located closer to Russia’s borders have already expressed interest in taking part.
The newspaper writes that such a move is being considered as a way to reassure allies that any possible reduction in military support would not weaken security guarantees.
A potential expansion of the program would allow more countries to host U.S. dual-capable aircraft, which can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.
According to Financial Times sources, NATO’s eastern-flank states, including Poland and several Baltic countries, have shown interest in participating.
One of the newspaper’s sources said discussions are taking place within NATO structures, with the greatest interest coming from allies closest to Russia’s borders.
Another source, however, stressed that any possible expansion of the program is not yet among the decisions likely to be taken in the near term.
NATO’s nuclear-sharing program involves allied countries whose territory can host U.S. dual-capable aircraft and infrastructure for storing nuclear munitions. Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey and the United Kingdom currently participate in the program.
The nuclear munitions themselves remain under U.S. control, and any decision to use them is made exclusively by Washington.