Kremlin says Lithuania would become nuclear target

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia would target Lithuania with nuclear weapons if it hosted allied nuclear arms. His comments followed Lithuanian moves to remove a constitutional ban on weapons of mass destruction. Lithuania’s president has backed participation in NATO nuclear deterrence.

• 94 of 141Lawmakers needed for each vote — For a constitutional amendment
• 2 votesRequired constitutional approval rounds — Both need the threshold
• 3 monthsMinimum interval between votes — Before final approval

Q1

Is a deployment planned now?

No immediate peacetime deployment is planned, although the president has backed Lithuania’s participation in NATO’s nuclear deterrence framework.

Q2

Why are Lithuanian leaders considering this?

Leaders link the proposal to strengthening security amid Russia’s war against Ukraine and want Lithuania integrated into NATO deterrence arrangements.

Q3

What would the amendment change?

Removing the ban would allow nuclear weapons to be stored there legally, but it would not itself amount to a deployment.

Q4

How far has the proposal advanced?

A Seimas legal committee has backed the initiative; the full parliament must still approve a constitutional amendment through its required process.