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Three days after reports of accelerated US troop withdrawal from Europe, a nuclear counter-movement is taking shape: Washington is discussing stationing nuclear weapons in more NATO states – including, for the first time, eastern members such as Poland and the Baltic countries.
Washington is examining whether it should significantly expand its nuclear presence in Europe. The Financial Times reports citing multiple sources that US representatives have signalled openness to additional deployments – beyond the current six countries.
Currently, US nuclear weapons are stored under NATO nuclear sharing arrangements in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey and the United Kingdom. According to The Times of India, Poland and the Baltic states in particular have signalled interest in being included in this arrangement.
Washington's stated objective is deterrence through reassurance: The Hindu writes, the USA wants to demonstrate to NATO allies that a reduction in conventional troop presence does not undermine American security guarantees. According to reports, the talks are running parallel to Pentagon planning for faster withdrawal of conventional forces from European bases.
The logic behind this is classic nuclear compensation: fewer soldiers on the ground, but a more credible atomic deterrent signal. For eastern European NATO members, who are already pressing for maximum security guarantees in light of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, a deployment would be a politically and militarily significant signal.
According to the reports, whether and when concrete decisions will be made remains unclear. The talks are reportedly in an early stage, and no official confirmation from Washington has been forthcoming so far. Nevertheless, the mere fact that such options are being seriously discussed marks a remarkable shift in US nuclear strategy towards Europe.
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