US in talks to expand nuclear weapons deployments in Europe, FT says

The US is discussing whether to deploy ​nuclear weapons in additional European NATO states, the ‌Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

US officials have signaled openness to additional deployments beyond the existing six countries hosting nuclear-capable ​bombers, the FT said, citing three people ​briefed on the discussions.

The move would involve more ⁠countries to host so-called US dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which ​are able to deliver nuclear strikes, the newspaper ​said, while cautioning that an agreement to expand US nuclear hosting was not imminent.

Countries on NATO's eastern flank, including Poland ​and some Baltic states, were interested in potentially ​hosting DCA bases, the report said, adding that discussions were ongoing ‌in NATO channels.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The White House, Department of Defense and NATO did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Pentagon policy ​chief Elbridge ​Colby has previously ⁠said publicly that the US will continue to use its nuclear weapons ​to protect NATO members, even as European ​allies ⁠take the lead on conventional forces.

US President Donald Trump and many of his aides have criticised European allies for ⁠not ​spending enough on their militaries ​and relying on the US for conventional defense.