Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Tuesday that Poland will eventually pursue its own nuclear weapons to achieve greater autonomy in deterrence, amid growing European efforts to reduce reliance on the United States.

Tusk made the remarks ahead of his government's weekly meeting, emphasizing Poland's serious approach to nuclear security. "Poland takes nuclear security very seriously," he said. "As our autonomous capabilities grow, we will strive to prepare Poland for the most autonomous actions possible in this matter in the future." He added that Poland wants to be autonomous in the future when it comes to a nuclear deterrent and will not remain passive on military nuclear security.

The statement follows French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement on Monday of a new "nuclear alliance" involving eight European nations, including Poland, Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark. Macron outlined plans to increase France's nuclear warheads—currently around 290—and allow allied forces to participate in French nuclear activities, such as hosting strategic air forces or submarines, while retaining sole control over their use. Tusk confirmed Poland is in talks with France and close European allies on this advanced nuclear deterrence program. "We are arming up together with our friends so that our enemies will never dare to attack us," he posted on social media.

Poland, a NATO member and signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty since the 1960s, has never possessed nuclear weapons. Discussions intensified after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Former President Andrzej Duda expressed openness to hosting U.S. or allied nuclear weapons in 2022 and 2024, and welcomed France's nuclear umbrella extension in 2025. Current President Karol Nawrocki echoed support last month, calling himself a "huge advocate" of Poland seeking a nuclear deterrent against an "aggressive, imperial Russia" and urging work on nuclear defenses.

Tusk noted Poland's heavy investments in nuclear power plants as a foundation for broader capabilities. Further discussions are expected at the Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris on March 10, where Tusk plans to meet Macron and other partners. While Tusk favors European cooperation, Nawrocki prioritizes ties with the U.S. under President Donald Trump.

The moves reflect Eastern Europe's anxieties over Russian threats and uncertainties in transatlantic security, prompting calls for a more self-reliant European deterrent.