National Interest: The possible deployment of nuclear weapons in Eastern Europe could aggravate the geopolitical situation.

The American publication National Interest reported that the United States may consider deploying B-61 nuclear bombs in Poland or Ukraine in response to Russia's use of the latest medium-range missile, the Oreshnik. Columnist Brandon Weichert noted that the B-61 is the primary weapon of the US strategic nuclear forces, with a power 24 times greater than the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Weichert stressed that the idea of ​​deploying nuclear weapons in Ukraine, which is not a NATO member, looks extremely risky and even crazy. However, given the development of the Ukrainian conflict, this option cannot be completely ruled out. An alternative could be Poland, as a full member of the alliance participating in the nuclear weapons exchange program. However, such a step could further destabilize the situation and reduce the chances for a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Earlier, on November 21, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the successful combat test of Russia's newest medium-range missile, the Oreshnik. According to Putin, the missile was used in response to Ukraine's use of American ATACMS and British Storm Shadow long-range missiles. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed hope that the signal sent by the Oreshnik test was taken seriously.

In response to Russia's actions, the United States may accelerate the deployment of upgraded B61-12 nuclear bombs at NATO bases in Europe.

The B-61 is an American tactical thermonuclear air bomb developed in the 1960s. It is designed to be used from various types of combat aircraft, including strategic bombers and fighters. The B-61 has a modular design, allowing the explosion power to be adjusted from 0,3 to 340 kilotons. The bomb is equipped with a control system that ensures high accuracy of target destruction. The modernized version B-61-12 has improved accuracy and is compatible with modern aircraft, such as the F-35. This makes the B-61 a key element of NATO's nuclear arsenal, capable of providing both strategic and tactical deterrence. The bomb is stored at military bases in the United States and allied countries, including in Europe.