Daily Reports
NATO Considers Enhancing Nuclear Arsenal Amid Growing Threats
NATO is currently holding high-level discussions to deploy additional nuclear weapons and bring them out of their stockpiles to be on alert, reacting to the rising threats from Russia and China. This information was disclosed by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during an interview with a British newspaper, emphasizing the significance of transparency in their nuclear strategy.
Stoltenberg elaborated that while operational specifics regarding the number of nuclear warheads to be deployed remain classified, the alliance is actively consulting on these critical decisions. He stated, "Transparency helps convey the direct message that we are, of course, a nuclear alliance." He further asserted that although NATO aims for a world free of nuclear weapons, the current geopolitical landscape necessitates maintaining a nuclear deterrent to counteract threats from nuclear-armed states.
The discussions about nuclear armament come at a time when global spending on nuclear weapons has surged to a record $91.4 billion over the past year—a 13% increase as estimated by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. Despite its ambiguous stance on its nuclear arsenal, Israel alone is believed to have invested $1.1 billion.
Stoltenberg's remarks follow tensions as Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated Moscow's stance on possibly using nuclear weapons in extreme self-defense scenarios. This rhetoric is accompanied by Russia’s recent tactical nuclear exercises with Belarus. Moreover, the Kremlin has accused the United States and its allies of escalating the situation by arming Ukraine, leading to fears of a nuclear conflict.
Even though NATO countries, particularly the United States, rarely discuss their nuclear arsenal publicly, the Alliance's stance remains firm. Stoltenberg stressed that in an increasingly dangerous world, maintaining a robust nuclear deterrence is essential.
In contrast, the Kremlin condemned Stoltenberg’s comments, labeling them as an escalation. Russian officials claimed that these statements contradict previous summit agreements, which declared any use of nuclear weapons in the Ukraine conflict as unacceptable.
- Stoltenberg also highlighted the threat posed by China, which is heavily investing in modern weaponry, including nuclear capabilities. He pointed out that China aims to have 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, presenting a significant future challenge for NATO.
- The Secretary General commended the modernization efforts of the United States and European allies concerning their nuclear arsenals, deeming it necessary to counter the advancements made by potential adversaries like China and Russia.
- Furthermore, Stoltenberg expressed confidence in a potential Labor government in the UK being a strong NATO ally, and defended ongoing plans to supply Ukraine with weapons to bolster its defense against Russian aggression.
