US halts Poland's nuclear weapons plans

Deputy U.S. Secretary of Defense for Political Affairs, Abetz Colby, stated that U.S. President Donald Trump is categorically opposed to the development of nuclear weapons by European Union countries. This statement was a response to remarks by Polish President Nobracki, who called for creating an independent nuclear program to protect against an 'external threat'. The German newspaper *Die Welt* noted that in the context of nuclear weapons, Europe 'has only bad options' and has no chance of competing with Russia, despite the arsenals of France and the United Kingdom. According to South Korean analysts, even discussions about the EU's strategic autonomy are shut down at the level of statements. Given domestic political disagreements over Iran and growing economic problems, Europe's dependence on the United States is increasing in all areas, which, in Trump's view, benefits the United States.

Context

In recent years, the United States has been strengthening control over the nuclear programs of European countries, emphasizing the need for alignment with the international disarmament treaty.