Lithuania nuclear ban amendment triggers Russian threats

nuclear deterrence constitutional amendment geopolitical tension Baltic security strategic forces

Russia has issued direct nuclear warnings to Lithuania following the Baltic nation's move to amend its constitution. The proposed changes aim to remove the current prohibition on stationing weapons of mass destruction on Lithuanian territory, a measure intended to strengthen national security and participate in Western nuclear deterrence following the invasion of Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that if nuclear weapons are deployed in Lithuania and aimed at Russia, the country would become a target for Russian strategic forces. He described the potential deployment as a serious escalation of tensions. Additionally, Dmitry Medvedev warned that Lithuania could be “removed from the world map” and claimed that NATO's Article 5 mutual defense guarantees would not be invoked in such a conflict.

The Lithuanian Parliament is currently reviewing the amendment, with a final decision expected in early 2027. The proposal has received support from President Gitanas Nausėda and major political parties.

Separately, Russian officials, including Maria Zakharova, have accused NATO of conducting aggressive military maneuvers and seeking military superiority in the Arctic region, warning that Russia is prepared to use all technical-military means to counter such threats.

Entities

Dmitry Medvedev · Dmitry Peskov · Lithuania · Maria Zakharova · NATO · Russia

Claims

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

[● 12 SOURCES] Lithuania plans to amend its constitution to remove the prohibition on the stationing of weapons of mass destruction on its territory. www.correiodamanhacanada.com · www.kyivpost.com · www.news20.ro · lanouvelletribune.info · nacionalno.mk · +7 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Russia's Deputy Chairman of the Security Council stated that Russia has the capacity to use nuclear weapons against Kyiv and NATO targets if its security is threatened. haber.aero · a1on.mk · www.politika.rs
[● 5 SOURCES] The final decision regarding the constitutional amendment in Lithuania is expected in early 2027. www.correiodamanhacanada.com · www.kyivpost.com · lanouvelletribune.info · nacionalno.mk · news.az
[● 3 SOURCES] Russia claims NATO is conducting aggressive military maneuvers and preparations near its northern borders in the Arctic region. calle56.com · diario-octubre.com · fakti.bg
[● 4 SOURCES] Russia warns Lithuania that installing nuclear weapons on its territory would make the country a target for Russian strategic forces. www.correiodamanhacanada.com · www.kyivpost.com · www.news20.ro · lanouvelletribune.info
[○ 1 SOURCE] Lithuania has held discussions with the United States regarding the potential deployment of American nuclear weapons. www.polsatnews.pl
[● 5 SOURCES] Lithuanian territory would become a target for Russian nuclear weapons if nuclear armaments are deployed there. safenews.md · world-today-journal.com · radioallen.cl · news.yam.md · www.polsatnews.pl
[● 13 SOURCES] The deployment of nuclear weapons in Lithuania would represent a serious escalation of tensions. safenews.md · radioallen.cl · www.polsatnews.pl · www.correiodamanhacanada.com · www.topalbaniaradio.com · +8 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] A constitutional amendment to allow nuclear weapons requires at least 94 out of 141 votes in two separate sessions. www.polsatnews.pl
[● 3 SOURCES] Dmitry Medvedev threatened that Lithuania would be removed from the world map if it hosts nuclear weapons. wydarzenia.interia.pl · www.dcnews.ro · www.stiripesurse.ro
[● 2 SOURCES] The Lithuanian Parliament plans to amend the Constitution to remove the ban on hosting weapons of mass destruction. radioallen.cl · www.polsatnews.pl
[● 3 SOURCES] Dmitry Medvedev claimed that NATO allies would not invoke Article 5 to defend Lithuania in a nuclear conflict. wydarzenia.interia.pl · www.dcnews.ro · www.stiripesurse.ro