Lithuanian parliament votes to lift constitutional ban on nuclear weapons

The Lithuanian parliament has passed the first of two required votes to repeal a constitutional ban on nuclear weapons. With 106 out of 141 lawmakers voting in favor, the move signals a significant shift in the country's security policy. The constitutional amendment, which requires a two-thirds majority in two separate votes, aims to remove restrictions established over thirty years ago following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

President Gitanas Nauseda, who revealed in July that political parties had reached a consensus on the plan, stated that there are no immediate intentions to store nuclear armaments within Lithuania. However, the legislation is intended to allow for rapid action should the regional security situation deteriorate further. While the Kremlin has warned that the move could trigger a new cycle of escalation, Lithuania remains committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

A second and final vote on the matter is scheduled to take place on January 12.