Lithuania Approves Removal of Nuclear Weapons Ban

The Lithuanian parliament approved the first reading of a constitutional amendment to remove the ban on nuclear weapons and foreign military bases, with final approval expected by January 12, 2027. Russia warned that such a move would make Lithuania a target for its nuclear arsenal.

Consensus

The Lithuanian parliament (Seym) approved the first reading of a constitutional amendment removing the ban on nuclear weapons and foreign military bases.
The amendment aims to remove Article 137 of the Lithuanian Constitution, which currently prohibits weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases on Lithuanian territory.
The vote was 99 in favor, 13 against, and 5 abstentions.
Two additional votes are required, with at least a three-month interval between them.
The final vote is scheduled for January 12, 2027.
A constitutional majority of at least 94 out of 141 deputies is required for final approval.
The change is intended to allow Lithuania to participate in NATO's nuclear deterrence framework.
Russia has warned that Lithuania would become a target for Russian nuclear weapons if nuclear weapons are deployed on its territory.
The move is linked to broader NATO strategic discussions about expanding nuclear deterrence in Eastern Europe.
The United States is reportedly discussing the deployment of dual-capable aircraft in the Baltics and Poland.

Points of divergence

The official reason given is to join NATO's nuclear framework. — tg_mosguru
President Gitanas Nauseda stated the initiative is due to changes in the security environment and aims to make Lithuania an 'indispensable part' of NATO's nuclear deterrence. — tg_bazabazon
The change is motivated by the need to respond to threats or war, and RT notes that the move could trigger a new escalation cycle between Russia and NATO. — vesti
Deputy Remigijus Motuzas stated the move sends a signal that Lithuania is fully committed to NATO's nuclear deterrence. — tg_dwglavnoe
Laurenas Kasciunas, former defense minister, argued that nuclear weapons are an effective deterrent against Russia and noted that neighboring countries like Finland, Latvia, and Estonia have already removed similar bans. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
The U.S. is reportedly discussing the deployment of nuclear-capable aircraft in the Baltics, and Lithuania is involved in these talks. — meduza
Remigijus Motuzas emphasized that Lithuania must not be a weak link in NATO and must demonstrate its commitment to defense. — tg_currenttime

Coverage (14 sources)

The Seimas of Lithuania approved an amendment in first reading that removes the ban on nuclear weapons and foreign bases. — Первый Московский
In the Baltics it is not peaceful: Lithuania may review the constitutional ban on the placement of nuclear weapons. — Baza
RT revealed how the repeal of one article of Lithuania's constitution changes the situation at Russia's borders — Вести
Parliament of Lithuania supported the cancellation of the ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons — DW Главное
Lithuanian Parliament approved the repeal of the ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons — The Moscow Times
Parliament of Lithuania approved amendment on placement of nuclear weapons — Дождь (Telegram)
Sail of Lithuania approved refusal from ban on placement of nuclear weapons — Вести
Parliament of Lithuania supported refusal from ban on placement of nuclear weapons in the country — Meduza
Lithuanian Parliament voted to exclude from the Constitution the ban on placing nuclear weapons in the country — Настоящее Время
Lithuanian Parliament voted to repeal ban on nuclear weapons deployment. Two more votes ahead — BBC News Русская служба
The Seimas of Lithuania preliminarily approved amendments to the constitution on nuclear weapons — Коммерсантъ
Lithuania made another step towards abolishing the ban on nuclear weapons — Фонтанка
Parliament of Lithuania approved refusal of ban on placement of nuclear weapons — Вечерняя Москва
Lithuanian Parliament approved Constitutional amendment allowing placement of nuclear weapons — Интерфакс

Lithuania Approves Removal of Nuclear Weapons Ban

Consensus

Points of divergence

Coverage (14 sources)

Key entities

More on Juozas Olekas

More on Gitanas Nausėda

More on Peskov