Commentators at the German newspaper Junge Welt said NATO’s expansion of its nuclear capabilities in Europe could trigger countermeasures from Russia.
The authors noted that the alliance has been restructuring its nuclear infrastructure for years as part of its confrontation with Moscow. Warheads stored in Europe have been modernized, while part of the US nuclear arsenal may already have been transferred to the British air base at Lakenheath.
Junge Welt also reported that additional American nuclear bombs could be deployed in other European countries, potentially closer to Russia’s borders. The newspaper argued that Moscow would be unlikely to leave such moves unanswered and could respond by strengthening its own arsenal.
According to the publication, NATO is also considering whether to withhold information from Russia about the deployment of new nuclear weapons in Europe. The authors warned that such a decision could further increase tensions and make a Russian response more likely.
Russia had previously expressed concern over joint nuclear exercises involving France and Germany. Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev said Berlin officially denies seeking nuclear status and declares its commitment to international obligations that preserve its non-nuclear position. In practice, however, he said Germany is deepening cooperation with states that possess nuclear weapons.