US ready to expand nuclear program in Europe – media

The United States is considering deploying additional nuclear weapons in Europe, a move Washington hopes will reassure allies who fear a reduction in American military support.

This is reported by the Financial Times, citing its own sources.

According to the publication’s sources, the American side is ready to discuss the deployment of nuclear warheads not only in countries that already participate in the Nuclear Sharing program. It currently includes Germany, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. Separately, the United Kingdom also deploys American nuclear weapons.

As the FT notes, the talks are continuing amid concerns among European allies about a possible reduction in the American military presence on the continent.

One option could be to expand the program of dual-purpose aircraft. Such aircraft can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.

The countries on NATO’s eastern flank are showing the greatest interest in this initiative. In particular, Poland and the Baltic states have already expressed interest in stationing such aircraft on their territory.

Former Polish President Andrzej Duda previously called on the US to expand the program to Polish territory.

According to Financial Times sources, countries closest to Russia’s borders are primarily interested in expanding nuclear cooperation.