The United States is reportedly holding discussions about potentially stationing nuclear weapons in European NATO member states that do not currently host US nuclear arms, according to the Financial Times, citing three informed sources.

Currently, US bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons are based in Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Notably, the UK has such bombers but no nuclear warheads.

The talks involve expanding the basing of so-called dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which can deliver nuclear strikes. However, the FT emphasizes that a final agreement on expanding the US nuclear presence is not inevitable at this stage.

The greatest interest in potentially hosting DCA bases comes from NATO's eastern flank countries, including Poland and some Baltic states. Discussions are ongoing through alliance channels.

Reuters was unable to obtain comments from the White House, Pentagon, or NATO. Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby has previously stated that the US does not rule out using its nuclear arsenal to defend NATO allies.

These discussions come amid criticism from US President Donald Trump and his administration of European partners over their defense spending levels and dependence on Washington for conventional defense.

Source: podrobno.uz