Proposal in Lithuania to amend the constitution to allow for the deployment of nuclear weapons — LRT
On May 19, Lithuanian Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas stated that, given the current geopolitical situation, it is worth considering amendments to the country’s constitution. This refers to the potential possibility of allowing the deployment of nuclear weapons on Lithuanian territory; however, a decision on this matter is currently limited to political discussions.
The speaker told reporters this at the Seimas on Tuesday, as quoted by LRT.
According to Article 137 of the Lithuanian Constitution, weapons of mass destruction and military bases of foreign states are prohibited on Lithuanian territory.
“Assessing the situation we are in, the geopolitical landscape, and the events unfolding around us, I believe this is truly worth doing,” Olekas noted.
According to Olekas, Lithuania should consider the possibility of coming under the “nuclear umbrella” offered by other NATO countries, but this requires approval from the State Defense Council (SDC).
“I think this is actually a good proposal. Such an umbrella is needed. We are under the NATO umbrella, but when it comes to the formalities, discussions, and what the decisions should be, I think clarity is needed, and we are already discussing this in smaller circles. Perhaps such a general consensus, possibly even in the State Defense Council, would indeed be necessary,” he said.
The Speaker of Parliament clarified that the possibility of joining nuclear deterrence initiatives is being discussed in “restricted circles” with Lithuanian politicians, not with foreign partners.
As a reminder, Lithuania will deploy powerfuldefensive lines along its border with Russia.
From May 18 to 29, the Finnish Navy is conducting its main spring exercise, Narrow Waters 26-1, in the Gulf of Finland and the coastal areas of Southern Finland.
Estonia has extended the nighttime closure of border crossing points on the border with Russia for another three months. The restrictions will remain in effect at least until the end of August. Tallinn explains the decision simply: recently, the Russian side has shown “no goodwill,” so the country does not plan to ease controls.
