Lithuania explores cluster munition acquisition for national and Ukrainian defence

Lithuania is currently in discussions regarding the purchase of cluster munitions, which it plans to acquire not only for its own use but also for transfer to Ukraine.

This was confirmed by Lithuania's Defence Minister Dovile Šakalene in a statement to the press, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

“There is motivation to purchase cluster munitions, and we are in contact with other countries to explore this issue. We are considering acquiring them both for ourselves and for transferring them to Ukraine,” Šakalene said.

However, the minister clarified that these discussions should not be considered full negotiations at this stage. "We cannot call it negotiations yet. There is dialogue with certain countries,” she explained.

Šakalene did not reveal which countries Lithuania is engaging with on this matter, stating that the issue is "complex and complicated."

In July 2024, Lithuania withdrew from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, citing the need to strengthen its national defence capabilities and security interests. The move was seen as a step towards increasing military readiness.

Earlier, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called for an increase in defence spending to 5.5% of GDP, emphasizing that such measures were necessary to support plans to establish a motorized infantry division within the Lithuanian Armed Forces by 2030.

In response to Ukraine's ongoing requests, Lithuania has already supplied a range of military assistance, including 155mm ammunition, M113 armoured vehicles, anti-drone systems, winter gear, ammunition for Carl Gustaf anti-tank grenade launchers, remote detonation systems, generators, loaders, trailers, and other essential equipment.

Since the start of Russia's military actions in Ukraine, Lithuania has provided more than €705 million in military aid to Ukraine. The ministry also emphasized that Lithuania’s support for Ukraine remains a long-term commitment, with total assistance now exceeding €1 billion.

By Tamilla Hasanova