POLAND is open to hosting US nuclear weapons as part of a deterrent against Russia, Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski has said.

“Let’s face it, the soldiers of the US nuclear power are the strongest in stopping Russia from attacking Nato countries and provide us with the greatest security,” he told Germany’s Welt Am Sonntag newspaper.

Mr Kaczynski, who leads the ruling Law and Justice party, admitted that he had discussed the deployment of “tactical” nuclear weapons with US senators while he was in opposition.

"Back then, they thought it was possible. If the Americans asked us to store American nuclear weapons in Poland, we would be open to it,” he said. 

While such a deployment was not on the agenda, he said that the situation “may change soon,” but that the initiative would have to come from Washington. 

“In principle, however, it makes sense to extend nuclear weapons sharing to the eastern flank,” Mr Kaczynski added. 

It is not known exactly how many US-controlled nuclear weapons are deployed in Europe, but the Centre for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation estimates that at least 100 missiles are located in five European countries.

Mr Kaczynski also appealed to Washington to send an additional 50,000 US troops to the country to defend Poland from Russian aggression. 

"The eastern flank must be much better protected in the future than before,” he said, calling for a peacekeeping mission and more weapons for Ukraine.

Nato member Poland has been one of the leading supporters of neighbouring Ukraine since the Russian invasion began on February 24.

Large numbers of refugees have made their way to its territory, but black people were seen being harassed and refused entry while being subjected to racist abuse by border guards.