Lauge Risom Koch 
The Kremlin warned it will target Lithuania with nuclear warheads if the country removes constitutional bans and deploys foreign nuclear weapons.
The Kremlin has warned that Lithuania will become a direct target for Russian nuclear warheads if foreign nuclear weapons are deployed within its borders. Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that any such deployment would represent a very serious escalation of regional tensions. He emphasized that weapons stationed on Lithuanian territory would inevitably be aimed toward the east.
The Russian response follows legislative announcements regarding proposed changes to the Lithuanian constitution. Parliamentary leadership announced plans to remove existing constitutional prohibitions on hosting weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases. Lithuanian officials argue that current legal restrictions no longer align with contemporary geopolitical realities.
Lithuanian lawmakers prioritize national security through enhanced regional deterrence measures during the ongoing conflict. Enacting the constitutional amendment requires two separate parliamentary votes with a three-month interval between them. Defense officials previously confirmed negotiations with the United States regarding potential nuclear deployments.
Removing constitutional bans on weapons of mass destruction
The Lithuanian parliament intends to extend its autumn legislative session into January to address the proposed constitutional changes. According to The Moscow Times, Article 137 of the constitution currently prohibits hosting weapons of mass destruction. Speaker Juozas Olekas stated that removing this restriction is necessary to preserve peace through stronger deterrence.
The proposed amendment requires broad political consensus among lawmakers to achieve final ratification. As reported by The Moscow Times, at least 94 of the 141 parliamentarians must approve the measure in two consecutive votes. This process ensures thorough legislative review before any permanent legal changes take effect.
Lithuanian defense officials have actively explored options for hosting allied military assets. According to The Moscow Times, Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas confirmed discussions with American counterparts regarding potential nuclear deployments. Regional partners in Estonia have similarly considered hosting alliance nuclear assets.
Responding to Baltic security developments
Similar legislative changes have recently taken effect in other Nordic and Baltic countries. According to The Moscow Times, Finland officially lifted its constitutional ban on nuclear weapons earlier this year. However, Finnish defense officials clarified that there are currently no plans to permanently station warheads on their territory.
Moscow responded aggressively to the legal shifts occurring across neighboring NATO member states. As reported by The Moscow Times, Security Council official Dmitry Medvedev warned that Finland was added to Russia’s list of nuclear targets. Kremlin officials view these Nordic legal adjustments as part of a broader alliance expansion strategy.
The diplomatic rhetoric underscores deepening divisions between Russia and its western neighbors. According to The Moscow Times, Peskov warned, “This will be a very serious escalation of tensions”. Lithuanian authorities maintain that strengthening deterrence remains essential to preventing potential aggression in the Baltic region.
