- Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák refuses to allow Slovakia to host nuclear weapons.
- Kaliňák claims that nuclear weapons increase the risk of escalation of armed conflicts.
- The United States is considering deploying nuclear weapons in other European NATO states.
Slovakia is not in the group of countries that would consider the possibility of placing nuclear weapons on their territory. After Wednesday’s government meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the SR Robert Kaliňák (Smer-SD) stated this in connection with media coverage of the US and the interest of Poland and the Baltic states.
At the same time, he understands Poland’s position, as part of its fundamental position on defense, Slovakia’s northern neighbor is becoming one of the pillars of NATO, according to him. “I understand their request and it is up to their government to decide, but we have a slightly different opinion, we are not supporters of nuclear weapons,” emphasized Kaliňák.
He perceives the meaning of the nuclear deterrence strategy, however, he points out that the deployment of nuclear weapons contributes in a certain way to escalation. According to him, it would definitely happen if the nuclear arsenal was located in the Baltic states.
The US is considering whether to deploy nuclear weapons in other European NATO member states. The Financial Times (FT) reported on this on Tuesday (June 2). According to the FT, states on the eastern wing of NATO, including Poland and some Baltic countries, have shown interest.
