Lithuania seeks to join NATO nuclear deterrence

Lithuania is seeking to become part of NATO's nuclear deterrence strategy, a move announced by President Gitanas Nausėda. He stated that a constitutional amendment is underway to remove existing restrictions on the potential use of nuclear weapons in Lithuania. This change, he explained, would enable the country to support and participate in NATO's collective nuclear deterrence measures.

Nausėda emphasized that Lithuania's initiative is not aimed at aggression or escalating tensions with Russia. He made these remarks during a press conference in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, and Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs.

Chancellor Merz responded by stating he respected Lithuania's decision and acknowledged the country's readiness to defend its territory and the broader NATO area. He also noted that the constitutional amendment highlights how seriously Lithuania perceives the threat from Russia. Germany also plans to enhance collaboration between its defense industry and partners in the Baltic states.

“

Diese Verfassungsänderung zeige außerdem, „wie in diesem Land die Bedrohung aus Russland ernst genommen wird“.