The Polish president has called for the US to base nuclear weapons in his country as a “deterrent” to Vladimir Putin. Andrzej Duda said the move would make Poland safer as Russia currently presents a very real threat, calling it as aggressive as the Soviet Union. Though this could be viewed by Putin as a provocation, it would be in response to Russia storing tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which borders Poland.
Mr Duda told the BBC: “It’s the same Russia that’s attacking Ukraine today, who is an aggressor, who is murdering civilians, who is bombing down civilian settlements. And it’s moving its nuclear weapons from the depths of Russia to Belarus.This defensive tactic is a vital response to Russia’s behaviour, relocating nuclear weapons in the NATO area. Poland is ready to host this nuclear weapon.”
The president, also the commander-in-chief of the Polish armed forces, said US nuclear weapons would make his country safer by strengthening Washington’s commitment to its security.
He said: “Every strategic kind of infrastructure, American and NATO infrastructure, which we have on our soil is strengthening the inclination of the US and the North Atlantic Alliance to defend this territory.”
Currently, Poland spends 4.7% of GDP on defence, which equated to £27 billion last year – more than any other member of NATO.
However, Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for this to be increased and for Poland to consider “opportunities related to nuclear weapons”.
Mr Duda also expressed his support for the EU seizing roughly £167 billion in Russian assets currently frozen in European bank accounts.
He said: “I believe it is obvious that Russian assets collected and locked in banks in Western Europe should be used to support Ukraine, and it should be a double support.
“First of all, Ukraine should be supported in defending itself against the Russian aggression. And secondly, this should be used to support the rebuilding of Ukraine.
“I cannot imagine that after the destruction of Ukraine, Russia can simply take this money away without paying war reparations and compensation.”