Lithuania Scraps Constitutional Ban on Nuclear Weapons Amid Russian Pressure
President of Lithuania Gitanulence Nauseda has announced that the country’s highest political leaders have agreed to abolish the constitutional ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons within the nation. This strategic decision by the NATO member state, which borders the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, comes amidst a worsening geopolitical situation.
Nauseda emphasised that parliamentary and government leaders are almost unanimous in supporting the removal of this policy, rather than merely amending it, to prevent Lithuania from becoming a weak link within the NATO alliance. This change automatically nullifies Article 137 of the Lithuanian Constitution, which previously explicitly prohibited the placement of weapons of mass destruction and the establishment of foreign military bases on their territory.
“The geopolitical situation is worsening. Our Constitution was written when the geopolitical circumstances were entirely different,” stated President Gitanas Nauseda, as quoted by Reuters.
Although the provision has been officially removed so that Vilnius can adapt to future security developments, Nauseda added that there are currently no urgent plans to store nuclear weapons in the country. According to reports from the state broadcaster LRT, Nauseda told journalists that Article 137 of the Lithuanian Constitution has now become obsolete and outdated.
Lithuania is known as one of Ukraine’s most loyal allies throughout more than four years of armed conflict against Russia, continuously providing extensive military equipment and financial support.
The removal of this ban follows a report from the Financial Times last month indicating that the United States is in discussions to secure the deployment of new nuclear capabilities in Europe. Countries on NATO’s eastern frontline, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, are reportedly very interested in hosting US Dual-Capable Aircraft (DCA) bases capable of launching nuclear strikes.
Furthermore, this bold step follows recent actions by members of the Finnish parliament, fellow NATO members that also share a border with Russia, who voted to lift their long-standing ban on nuclear weapons.
Regional tensions have escalated significantly after Russia launched large-scale missile and drone attacks targeting military complexes, as well as fuel and energy infrastructure in Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed via Telegram that at least 13 people were killed in the attacks, with Friday (03/07/2026) officially declared a day of mourning for the city. This massive assault forced Finland to temporarily close its airspace in the eastern Gulf of Finland, while Poland immediately scrambled fighter jets as a precautionary measure.
Amidst this escalating tension, NATO leaders are scheduled to meet in Ankara, Turkey, on 7-8 July to discuss regional security and establish a roadmap for achieving the alliance’s primary objectives.