Poland Says It Will Not Host Nuclear Warheads Amid U.S. Troop Discussions

He emphasized that participation in NATO’s nuclear deterrence does not require the physical deployment of nuclear weapons in Poland.

Reuters

Zalewski linked Poland’s stance to broader NATO security plans. He noted interest in expanding the permanent U.S. military presence under Washington’s Force Posture Review, referencing President Donald Trump’s earlier remarks about sending an additional 5,000 American troops to Poland. The review, launched in June, is set to produce at least four option packages for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by November 6, ahead of a December deadline for final decisions.

Reuters

Polish officials framed the position as a clarification of policy rather than a rejection of NATO’s nuclear umbrella. No indication was given that any nuclear assets will be stationed on Polish soil.

Reuters

• August 27 (2026) – Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Zalewski publicly rejects hosting nuclear warheads.

Reuters

• November 6 (2026, deadline) – U.S. document to present four option sets for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, preceding a December decision point.

Reuters

• “No — that is what I ?would like to say very clearly and openly. Poland does not want to have nuclear warheads on its territory,” — Pawel Zalewski, deputy defence minister

Reuters

• “We want to participate in NATO nuclear deterrence, which does not mean having nuclear warheads on our territory,” — Pawel Zalewski, deputy defence minister

Reuters