In a bold declaration to Parliament, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the need for Poland to explore nuclear capabilities as the country confronts mounting security threats from Russia and potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
Speaking on Friday, Tusk underscored that Poland must pursue the latest advancements in military technology, including unconventional and nuclear weaponry, to adapt to a rapidly changing global security landscape.
“I say this with full responsibility—it is not enough to purchase conventional weapons,” Tusk told lawmakers. “The battlefield is evolving before our eyes, month by month.”
Tusk’s remarks come amid heightened anxiety over U.S. foreign policy, particularly President Donald Trump’s stance on NATO and European security. Trump’s recent threats to reduce U.S. military support for European allies, coupled with his decision to halt aid to Ukraine as a pressure tactic for peace negotiations with Russia, have sparked concerns across European capitals.
The uncertainty surrounding Washington’s long-term military commitment has led European leaders to ramp up their own defense strategies. French President Emmanuel Macron recently proposed a strategic debate on how France’s nuclear deterrence could serve Europe, an idea that has garnered interest from Poland and other NATO members like Lithuania and Latvia.
Tusk confirmed that Warsaw is in serious discussions with France regarding a potential nuclear umbrella over Europe. “We are talking seriously with the French about their proposal,” he said.
A Shift in Poland’s Defense Strategy
Currently, NATO’s nuclear sharing program places U.S. warheads in select European countries, including Germany and Italy. While France’s nuclear arsenal is significantly smaller than that of the U.S., its doctrine includes a European dimension. The extent to which France’s nuclear capabilities could protect broader European interests remains a key discussion point.
Beyond nuclear deterrence, Tusk emphasized Poland’s need to modernize its military technology. “We must look boldly into the future in terms of arms technology,” he said. “Using our own resources, experience, and lessons from Ukraine, Poland must assess its ability to develop the most advanced weapons.”
Tusk also proposed an ambitious expansion of Poland’s armed forces, suggesting an increase to 500,000 troops. Additionally, he called for the establishment of a compulsory military training program for all adult men by the end of the year.
However, following his speech, he later clarified that military training would not be mandatory but would include incentives to encourage voluntary participation. “It will not be compulsory, but we will introduce incentives so that men opt for annual training. And it won’t be symbolic or superficial,” he said
Poland currently spends an estimated 4.7% of its GDP on defense—the highest level within NATO. Tusk suggested that increasing this to 5%, as previously demanded by Trump, is becoming a necessity given the evolving security threats.
“I deeply believe that we will rise to this challenge,” Tusk concluded. “Poland will be safe, and as we have always dreamed throughout our history, Poland will also be invincible.”
As Poland reassesses its defense strategy, the country stands at a pivotal moment—balancing national security imperatives with its broader NATO commitments and European alliances.
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