Polish president says nuclear capability path must be considered

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has said he views Russia as a direct threat to Poland and supports pursuing the development of national nuclear capabilities, according to an interview broadcast by Polsat News.

Speaking to the broadcaster, Nawrocki said that, in his view, Poland must follow a path toward acquiring nuclear capability, even while acknowledging existing international norms. He argued that the country’s security environment requires serious consideration of all available deterrence options.

Nawrocki noted that, as president, he serves as the supreme commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He stressed that Poland is situated on the frontline of regional instability due to the ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine and must carefully assess the risks to its national security.

He added that Russia’s posture toward Poland has been aggressive and imperial in nature, and maintained that strengthening national defence — including through the potential development of a domestic nuclear programme — is a necessary response to evolving threats.

Poland, a member of NATO and the European Union, has significantly increased defense spending in recent years in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

By Sabina Mammadli