Lithuania’s Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said on Thursday that any deployment of US nuclear weapons in Lithuania would only be considered in the event of a crisis or wartime situation.
Speaking to reporters, Kaunas said NATO members must be prepared to use all available defence options if required, but stressed that such discussions do not apply in peacetime.
“Like every country, Lithuania must defend its independence and security during a crisis. In times of crisis or, let us say, even during war, we should probably utilise all possible opportunities provided to us by NATO and the nuclear arsenals of the United States or France,” he said.
He added that there was “no talk” of deploying weapons of mass destruction in Lithuania during peacetime.
His comments come after the Financial Times reported that US officials are considering expanding nuclear-capable delivery systems or related capabilities across NATO’s European member states, although such steps are not seen as imminent.
In May, President Gitanas Nausėda vetoed amendments to the Klaipėda Port Law that would have allowed ships carrying nuclear weapons to enter the port. The president cited potential conflicts with the Constitution but did not rule out the possibility of future constitutional changes.
Kaunas said the issue required further discussion, but noted that Lithuania’s international partners had not raised objections to the current legal framework.
“Partners do not dictate terms regarding our state laws or the Constitution. This is a matter for our own determination and decision,” he said.
Lithuania’s Constitution currently prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases on its territory.
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