Lithuania considers lifting constitutional ban on nuclear weapons

Lithuania may remove a constitutional ban on hosting nuclear weapons, as most parliamentary faction leaders agree the current prohibition is outdated, LRT reports.

The country’s constitution currently prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases on its territory. Reserve Major Darius Antanaitis argues that nuclear weapons would serve as a deterrent, significantly enhancing Lithuania’s security.

“The world has changed, and so have the rules. We must ensure the safety of our citizens by all possible means, including nuclear ones. If this provision is removed from the constitution, far greater opportunities would open up for us to live long and happily,” Antanaitis said on LRT’s programme Laba diena, Lietuva.

However, lifting the ban would not automatically mean nuclear weapons would be stationed in Lithuania. Antanaitis explained that NATO members have the right to respond with nuclear weapons if a member state is attacked. Currently, Lithuania’s constitution prevents even logistical support, such as refuelling ships or aircraft carrying nuclear arms.

He added that nuclear weapons act as a true deterrent, comparing them to eliminating an entire nest of rats in one strike rather than one at a time. “If Russia knows that aggression against us or other Baltic or NATO states would end quickly, it would think twice,” he said.

Antanaitis also noted that Lithuania’s restrictions on certain weapons, such as anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions—both used by Russia—are self-imposed limitations. He believes lifting the nuclear ban would align Lithuania’s defence capabilities with those of its adversaries.

He dismissed concerns about competition with the US or France, which already maintain nuclear arsenals in various countries. France, as a global power with territories across multiple time zones, could share its nuclear capabilities, complementing US resources and providing flexibility if American forces are engaged elsewhere.

Historically, Antanaitis said, nuclear deterrence prevented the Soviet Union from attacking Western Europe, ensuring stability during the Cold War. He cited India and China as exceptions, which, despite tensions, have avoided direct conflict through mutual agreements.