Poland does not want nuclear warheads on its territory, Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Zalewski said Thursday, responding to a question about whether the future presence of US forces in the country could include nuclear weapons.

"We want to participate in NATO nuclear deterrence, which does not mean having nuclear warheads on our territory", Zalewski said at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

According to him, Warsaw is interested in strengthening the permanent presence of US troops in Poland. He also recalled an earlier statement by US President Donald Trump regarding the possibility of permanently deploying an additional 5,000 troops to the country.

In June, the United States announced a six-month review of the deployment of its forces in Europe. According to a document seen by Reuters, the Pentagon is to prepare at least four options for further action by 6 November.

Zalewski stated that Poland views the US review of its troop deployment as a tool for strengthening European security. According to him, Europeans should ensure conventional defense, while the US will continue to play a significant role in supporting European armed forces.

(Reuters, lud)