Lithuania in talks with US over potential nuclear weapons deployment

Lithuania is in discussions with the United States about the potential deployment of American nuclear weapons on its territory, the country’s defence minister said on Tuesday, June 2.

“Discussions are ongoing,” Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas told reporters, adding: “Lithuania is certainly not standing on the sidelines.”

The talks come as Washington considers reducing its military presence in Europe, raising concerns about possible security gaps for NATO allies.

Lithuania’s constitution currently prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction on its territory. However, President Gitanas Nausėda has suggested amending the fundamental law, citing current security risks.

The Financial Times reported this week that U.S. officials are in discussions to deploy nuclear warheads and bombers to countries on NATO’s eastern flank. At present, U.S. nuclear weapons are stored at military facilities in Germany, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The negotiations coincide with the planned withdrawal of around 1,000 U.S. troops from Lithuania. Kaunas said a new rotation of American military personnel to the country remains “under review” by Washington.

He added that the broader reduction of U.S. forces in Europe has led “ to a review of regional stance.”

By Tamilla Hasanova