The Kremlin warns Lithuania it could face consequences if Vilnius removes restrictions on deploying Western nuclear weapons.
Russia has warned Lithuania that it could become a target for Russian nuclear forces if Western nuclear weapons are deployed on its territory.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that any country hosting nuclear weapons directed at Russia would put itself within the potential reach of Moscow’s nuclear forces.
“If nuclear weapons are deployed in Lithuania, then, of course, this country will come into the sights of our nuclear forces,” Peskov said, according to Russian state news agency RIA.
His warning follows Lithuania’s plans to remove a constitutional restriction on the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory by the end of the year.
The proposed change has attracted attention in Moscow as tensions between Russia and Western countries continue to rise over European security and the war in Ukraine.
Lithuanian officials have, however, stressed that removing the restriction does not mean the country intends to host nuclear weapons. Vilnius has said there are currently no plans to deploy such weapons on Lithuanian territory.
Lithuania, a member of both NATO and the European Union, has been among the strongest European supporters of Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
The country has also backed greater cooperation among NATO allies on European defence and security, particularly in response to concerns over Russia’s military posture.
The Kremlin’s warning adds to growing tensions between Moscow and NATO members in the Baltic region, where Russia has repeatedly criticised military and security measures it considers threats to its interests.
