US and NATO Discuss Expanding Nuclear Weapon Deployments in Europe

The Federal government of the United States is discussing the expansion of its nuclear-sharing framework to allow more NATO member states to host dual-capable aircraft (DCA). Currently, six allies—Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—host these assets. The proposal focuses on NATO's eastern flank, specifically Poland and the Baltic states, to maintain a nuclear umbrella as the Trump administration reduces conventional military forces in Europe, including the cancellation of a 4,000-troop rotation into Poland and the withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers from Germany.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas confirmed that Lithuania is engaged in classified working-level discussions regarding these deployments. To facilitate this, President Gitanas Nausėda and other officials are considering amending the Lithuanian Constitution, which currently prohibits weapons of mass destruction on national territory. Poland is also exploring an expanded role in deterrence and has joined a complementary French-led nuclear coordination initiative.

These developments follow a Russian drone strike on an apartment building in Romania, prompting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to pledge strengthened alliance readiness. The Government of Russia has condemned the move, warning that any nuclear deployments toward its borders would be viewed as a direct threat and would not go unanswered. NATO officials plan to further discuss nuclear deterrence during a meeting in Brussels on June 18.