The US is considering the possibility of expanding the geographical scope of the deployment of its nuclear arsenals within NATO to European countries, sources said, reports the Financial Times.

According to the Financial Times, Washington's goal is to strengthen the NATO allies' confidence in the reliability of American security guarantees.

It is noted that American officials have already signaled their readiness to deploy additional forces beyond the borders of the six countries that already host nuclear-armed bombers. In particular, this concerns the possible deployment of a larger number of dual-purpose aircraft, capable of performing both conventional and nuclear missions.

According to the Financial Times, the Baltic states and the countries of NATO's eastern flank, including Poland, are showing interest in such measures. Sources note that talks on this matter are ongoing, and the greatest interest is expressed by countries close to Russia's borders.

Against this background, it was earlier reported that Russia and China expressed their concern over statements by a number of European countries about the possible expansion of nuclear presence, calling for restraint and drawing the attention of the International Atomic Energy Agency to such initiatives.