Lithuania is in talks with the US regarding the possible deployment of American nuclear weapons
Lithuania is in talks with the United States regarding the possible deployment of American nuclear weapons on its territory. This was announced by the country’s Minister of National Defence, Robertas Kaunas, according to Politico.
“Discussions are ongoing,” he told reporters.
According to Kaunas, Lithuania is taking part in these consultations against the backdrop of the United States reviewing its military presence in Europe and discussions regarding the security of NATO allies.
“Lithuania is certainly not standing on the sidelines,” the minister noted.
Lithuania’s constitution prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction on its territory. However, President Gitanas Nausėda had previously suggested considering amendments to the constitution, citing current security risks.
The Financial Times reported that US officials are in talks regarding the possible deployment of nuclear warheads and aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons in countries on NATO’s eastern flank.
Currently, US nuclear weapons are stationed at military bases in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey and the UK.
According to sources speaking to the Financial Times, countries on NATO’s eastern flank, notably Poland and some Baltic states, are also expressing interest in participating in such programmes.
The talks are taking place alongside preparations for the withdrawal of around a thousand US troops from Lithuania. Robertas Kaunas stated that the issue of a new rotation of US troops remains under consideration in Washington.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has previously proposed revising constitutional restrictions on the deployment of weapons of mass destruction due to existing security challenges.
