Lithuania moves to repeal constitutional ban on nuclear weapons

nuclear weapons ban constitutional amendment NATO deterrence Lithuanian Seimas Russian security threats

The Lithuanian Seimas has passed its first reading of a constitutional amendment to repeal Article 137, which currently prohibits the presence of weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases on national territory. The proposal received 99 votes in favor, 13 against, and 5 abstentions.

Supporters, including President Gitanas Nauseda, argue the change is necessary to align Lithuania's legal framework with NATO's collective defense and nuclear deterrence systems. The move follows reports that Lithuania is in negotiations with the United States regarding the potential deployment of nuclear-capable aircraft.

Russia has responded with warnings, with the Kremlin stating that Lithuania could become a target for Russian nuclear weapons if it hosts such an arsenal. Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius noted that the country has prepared evacuation plans in response to ongoing security threats from Russia.

To achieve final adoption, the amendment requires support from at least 94 of the 141 members of the Seimas in two subsequent votes. The first final vote is scheduled for October 6, and the second is set for January 12, 2027.

Entities

Gitanas Nausėda · Kremlin · Lithuania · Lithuanian Parliament · Lithuanian Seimas · Mindaugas Sinkevičius · NATO · Russia · Seimas · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] The first final vote is scheduled for October 6, with the second scheduled for January 12, 2027. telegraph.md · www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.index.hr · news.az · news.yam.md · +1 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius stated that the country has prepared evacuation plans due to Russian threats. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.index.hr
[● 3 SOURCES] Proponents argue the change would provide the legal framework for Lithuania's full participation in NATO's collective defense and deterrence system. telegraph.md · news.az · www.rt.com
[● 6 SOURCES] The amendment passed its first reading with 99 votes in favor, 13 against, and 5 abstentions. telegraph.md · news.yam.md · www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.index.hr · news.az · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Final adoption requires support from at least 94 of the 141 members of the Seimas. telegraph.md · www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.index.hr · news.az · news.yam.md · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Lithuanian authorities confirmed they are conducting negotiations with the U.S. regarding the deployment of nuclear-capable aircraft. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.index.hr · news.az
[● 6 SOURCES] The Lithuanian Seimas approved a draft to amend Article 137 of the Constitution to remove the prohibition on weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases. telegraph.md · news.yam.md · www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.index.hr · news.az · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The Kremlin stated in September that Lithuania would become a target for Russian nuclear weapons if it hosts such an arsenal. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.index.hr · www.rt.com

Sources

Lithuania’s Seimas moves to repeal its nuclear weapons ban [azeritimes.com]

about 7 hours ago

Lituania face un prim pas pentru eliminarea interdicției privind armele nucleare [telegraph.md]

about 16 hours ago

Lithuania’s Seimas moves to repeal its nuclear weapons ban [news.az]

about 10 hours ago

Parlamentul Lituaniei a aprobat un amendament care permite amplasarea armelor nucleare pe teritoriile țării [news.yam.md]

about 12 hours ago

Zemlja iz EU povlači potez bez presedana: "Razmatramo različite scenarije" [www.oslobodjenje.ba]

about 11 hours ago

Litva zbog straha od Rusije povlači potez bez presedana? U igri je nuklearno oružje [www.index.hr]

about 13 hours ago

Lithuania moves closer to lifting nuclear weapons ban [www.rt.com]

about 7 hours ago