Lithuania’s parliament votes to remove ban on hosting nuclear weapons in first of three votes

On a pivotal day for Lithuania's political landscape, the country's parliament voted to remove a constitutional ban on hosting nuclear weapons within its borders, according to LRT. The vote was a decisive 99 in favor, 13 against, and five lawmakers abstained. However, for the amendment to become a lasting change, it must pass in two subsequent votes held three months apart on October 9 and January 12.

To succeed, at least 94 out of the 141 lawmakers are required to vote in favor. The United States is reportedly in negotiations to station nuclear-armed bombers in Poland and the Baltic states, with sources indicating that the discussions could involve aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Lithuanian officials have acknowledged these talks and are contemplating necessary constitutional amendments.

In September, Russian officials warned that Lithuania would become a target if it permitted the deployment of nuclear weapons on its soil. Currently, America deploys dual-capable aircraft that could carry nuclear weapons in six NATO countries, including Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey. Russia has stationed its nuclear arsenal in Belarus since the onset of Ukraine's full-scale war.

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