Poland to participate in French nuclear exercises, Tusk and Macron sign defense agreement - Politico

Poland has officially joined a group of European countries that will participate in a new phase of French nuclear deterrence, which involves joint exercises and in-depth defense cooperation. The move is part of the "forward deterrence" strategy, which also includes Germany, Sweden and the Benelux countries. This was agreed upon during a meeting in Gdansk by French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Politico reports.

The Polish leadership emphasizes that in modern realities, the presence of a nuclear component is critical for the survival of the continent.

"We live in a world where nuclear deterrence is necessary," said Donald Tusk, adding that Poland is now part of "an exclusive group of countries that understand the need for European sovereignty."

Although the issue of permanently basing French Rafales aircraft with nuclear bombs on Polish territory remains a subject of discussion, Tusk noted that the deployment of Rafales with atomic bombs over Poland is not his dream, but he hopes that France does not have such plans.

Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the practical aspects of this cooperation will be worked out in the coming months. In addition to the nuclear issue, the parties agreed to protect Poland's eastern borders and protect the strategic airport in Rzeszów.

Agreements on cooperation in space were also signed, in particular on the acquisition by Warsaw of a French military satellite. According to the leaders, such integration is a necessary response to russia's aggressive policy and strengthens the overall defense capability of the European Union.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, Polish President Karol Nawrocki previously stated his support for the country's creation of its own nuclear weapons, despite Poland's participation in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the risk of an aggressive reaction from russia.

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