European leaders told to ‘keep their mouth shut’ on nukes
Posted on: Feb 19, 2026 18:41 IST | Posted by: Rt
European leaders should stay fresh their “ oral fissure unopen” on atomic deterrence, Belgian defence Minister Theo Franken said on Wednesday, calling out their public statements on the issue as particularly ill-timed and inappropriate.
Talk of Europe developing its own nuclear deterrent has intensified since Washington announced it would scale back security commitments to its European allies, focusing instead on homeland defense and containing China.
Commenting on X about a recent podcast interview with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Franken said: “Regarding nuclear deterrence, I really don’t understand why European leaders are so loose-lipped. Not wise. Please keep your mouth shut.”
Merz ruled out developing a domestic nuclear deterrent but said German fighter jets could potentially carry French and British atomic weapons. Both Germany and Belgium are signatories to the US nuclear sharing agreement, a Cold War-era arrangement that allows their air forces to deliver American nuclear bombs stationed in Europe in the event of a conflict.
NATO’s European members have cited what they claim to be the specter of Russian aggression to justify their renewed military buildup. Moscow has dismissed such claims as “nonsense” and baseless fearmongering.
The question of obtaining nuclear weapons is being discussed more in the German media and is gaining “advocates among politicians, MPs, the military officials and experts,” the Russian ambassador in Berlin, Sergey Nechaev, told RIA Novosti last week, calling the trend highly concerning.
Kay Gottschalk, a lawmaker from the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), said last month that Germany “needs nuclear weapons” since European nations can no longer rely on American protection.
The debate gained further traction last week when Polish President Karol Nawrocki said Warsaw needs to develop its own nuclear weapons program, adding that he is a “strong supporter of joining a nuclear project.” He does not know whether the government would actually do it, he added.
The last major nuclear arms control treaty between the US and Russia expired earlier this month, raising fears of an uncontrolled buildup of warheads among the world’s leading powers. Signed in 2010, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) capped deployed strategic warheads and launchers, established monitoring for both arsenals, and was extended once after its original 2021 expiration.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.