US negotiates placement of nuclear‑capable aircraft in Poland and Baltic NATO states

Washington is holding preliminary talks with Poland and the Baltic NATO members about stationing U.S. dual‑capable aircraft that could carry nuclear weapons. The aim is to bolster the American nuclear umbrella in Europe as the United States reduces its conventional forces and encourages allies to assume greater defence responsibility.

Poland’s deputy defence minister denied that any formal negotiations are under way, while Lithuania’s defence minister said discussions are ongoing and that nuclear sharing “strengthens security.” The Pentagon declined to comment. No agreement has been reached, and officials warned that moving U.S. nuclear assets farther east could heighten tensions with Russia, which views such moves as provocative and a “qualitative escalation.”