The Kremlin has warned of a new round of escalation after Lithuania’s parliament took the first step toward lifting a constitutional ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons in the country.
On October 6, Lithuania’s Seimas backed a constitutional amendment in its first vote, with 106 lawmakers voting in favor, 18 against and six abstaining. The amendment would remove a provision prohibiting weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases from being stationed in Lithuania.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to the move, saying Moscow views the expansion of US military infrastructure closer to Russia’s borders as an escalation.
“If the military infrastructure of what is, in effect, NATO’s leading country — the United States — is moving closer to our borders, then, of course, this cannot be perceived as anything other than a step towards escalating tensions,” Peskov said.
According to Peskov, Moscow takes a similar view of the prospect of nuclear weapons being deployed in a country bordering Russia. The Kremlin said Russia would take “necessary measures” to ensure its security if that happens.
However, the Seimas vote does not mean that US nuclear weapons will be deployed in Lithuania. Amending the Constitution requires two votes held at least three months apart. At least 94 of Lithuania’s 141 lawmakers must support the amendment in each vote. The second vote is expected in January 2027.
Lifting the ban would remove legal restrictions that currently prevent Lithuania from fully participating in NATO’s nuclear deterrence arrangements. Vilnius has also discussed with Washington the possibility of deploying US nuclear weapons on Lithuanian territory.
Lithuania shares a border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region, making the prospect of an expanded US military presence and changes to Lithuania’s nuclear policy particularly sensitive for Moscow.
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