Lithuania's parliament has voted to advance a constitutional change that would lift its ban on hosting nuclear weapons and foreign military bases, and the Kremlin warns the move marks another significant escalation of regional tensions. The vote is the first of two required ballots, with the second set for Jan. 12, and comes as President Trump says he would consider Lithuania's request for a permanent U.S. base.
Lithuania moves to scrap its nuclear ban
Lithuania's parliament has voted in favor of advancing a constitutional change that would let the country host nuclear weapons on its territory. It is the first of two required ballots, with the second scheduled for Jan. 12.
Article 137 of Lithuania's constitution currently bars the deployment of weapons of mass destruction and the establishment of foreign military bases on its soil. The amendment needs support from at least 94 of the 141 members of parliament to pass. Lithuania is a member of both the European Union and NATO, and it shares a border with Russia's Kaliningrad exclave on the Baltic Sea.
Lithuanian Parliament Speaker Juozas Olekas said scrapping the restriction would bolster the country's resilience and give it stronger support options, according to state broadcaster LRT. He added that removing the legal exceptions would put Lithuania on equal footing with other EU and NATO members.
Kremlin calls the move an escalation
The Kremlin warned that the preliminary decision, along with the potential deployment of a NATO military base in the country, will mark another significant escalation of regional tensions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the developments amount to a step toward escalating tensions, according to Russian state news agency Tass.
Peskov said neither development would contribute to stability and predictability on the European continent. He added that Moscow would be forced to take all necessary measures to guarantee its own security.
Trump open to a permanent base
Lithuania has been one of Ukraine's staunchest allies during Russian President Vladimir Putin's more than four-and-a-half-year conflict with Kyiv, providing extensive military equipment and financial support. The country is now seeking to bolster its own security amid growing concerns over Russia, including a request for a permanent U.S. military base.
President Donald Trump said he would consider that request. According to CNBC: "They are friends of mine. They are great people", Trump said Monday.
Source: CNBC
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