Lithuanian Seimas approves lifting ban on nuclear weapons in first reading

Parliament takes first step towards allowing nuclear armament

The Lithuanian Seimas supported amendments to the state's Fundamental Law in the first reading, which provide for the lifting of the ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons on the country's territory.

Voting results and next steps

106 MPs voted in favour of the initiative, while the minimum required to pass the decision in the first reading was 94 votes.

The second, final vote may take place no earlier than three months from now. It is assumed to be scheduled for 12 January next year, and the support of 94 MPs will again be required to pass the decision.

Rationale for changes and Moscow's reaction

The initiators of the changes claim that this decision will strengthen Lithuania's defence capabilities and eliminate legal peculiarities that distinguish it from other EU and NATO countries.

The Kremlin has already commented on this decision, calling it a "step towards escalating tensions" (кроком у бік ескалації напруженості).