Russia Demands Withdrawal of US Nuclear Weapons Deployed in European NATO Member States

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russia is reported to have demanded the withdrawal of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons deployed in NATO member countries in the security guarantee proposal previously submitted to the United States. These tactical nuclear weapons were deployed by the U.S. since the Cold War to provide nuclear deterrence for NATO and Europe, and Russia claims that these nuclear weapons pose a serious threat to its security.

On the 27th (local time), Vladimir Yermakov, Director of the Department of Nonproliferation and Arms Control at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview with TASS news agency, "The security guarantee proposal submitted to the U.S. demanded the return of all U.S. nuclear weapons deployed in NATO countries," emphasizing, "It is contradictory that more than 200 B61 series tactical nuclear weapons are deployed in non-nuclear European countries, and this threatens Russia's security."

The tactical nuclear weapons pointed out by Director Yermakov refer to those deployed by the U.S. since the Cold War in the 1960s to provide nuclear deterrence for NATO and European allies. They are currently known to be dispersed in five countries: Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey.

These tactical nuclear weapons are operated and managed by the U.S. Air Force stationed in the respective countries, and in emergencies, the U.S. President holds control authority. Russia has persistently demanded their return to the U.S. In 1963, during the Cyprus conflict between Greece and Turkey, the two countries even clashed over control of the U.S. tactical nuclear weapons deployed within their territories.

Director Yermakov strongly criticized, saying, "The U.S. nuclear modernization efforts include the modernization of these tactical nuclear weapons deployed in Europe," adding, "This increases the possibility of using these nuclear weapons in Europe, and I want to ask what justification there is for such actions."