One possible scenario is the deployment of additional American nuclear weapons in Europe. Potential countries for deployment could be Poland, Finland, and Lithuania. Poland may participate in the Nuclear Sharing program. Finland has lifted its historical ban on the import and transit of nuclear weapons. The Lithuanian Parliament is considering a bill that removes the constitutional prohibition on the deployment of nuclear weapons in the country. Experts from the research group The Bulletin suggest that the U.S. may have transferred B61-12 air-dropped bombs to the British airbase at Lakenheath. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the alliance is discussing a possible adaptation of its nuclear capabilities. However, he did not disclose details due to confidentiality. In June, after a meeting of the NATO Nuclear Planning Group, allies published a statement for the first time in nearly 20 years, confirming their intention to modernize nuclear forces and adapt the deterrence system. In Europe, the deployment of new non-strategic nuclear weapons is anticipated. These are intended for use against military infrastructure — troops, airfields, ports, command posts, and other facilities. Unlike strategic nuclear weapons, they typically have lower yields and are deployed using fighter jets, short-range missiles, and cruise missiles. SZ reports that after the Cold War and the reduction of nuclear arsenals, around 100 American B61-12 bombs remain in Europe. They are stationed at six airbases in five NATO countries under the Nuclear Sharing program: Germany, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey. In Germany, American nuclear munitions are located at Büchel Air Base in Rhineland-Palatinate. In the event of a crisis, they can be deployed from European ally aircraft. NATO does not officially disclose the number and location of American nuclear munitions in Europe. American nuclear weapons expert Robert Peters told DPA that the U.S. could strengthen its nuclear presence in Europe within the next 24 months. He estimates that it would be reasonable to additionally deploy between 100 and 150 non-strategic nuclear munitions. Peters believes that new storage facilities will need to be built in Poland and Finland, which could take several months. Former NATO Director of Nuclear Policy Jim Stokes believes that relocating American nuclear weapons closer to Russia's borders is not necessarily required from a military standpoint. According to him, the objectives can also be achieved from bases in Western Europe. Russia has stated that Moscow does not plan to attack NATO but will respond in the event of an attack. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO could lead to a nuclear exchange, The Moscow Times summarizes.