Lithuanian PM-Designate Proposes Abolishing Nuclear Weapons Deployment Ban in Constitution

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, Lithuania's Prime Minister-designate, has called for the removal of the constitutional article that prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons on the country's territory. Media outlets quoted Sinkevičius as stating that it "would be more politically appropriate to simply delete this article," noting that neighboring countries' constitutions do not explicitly address the matter, raising questions about its retention. He clarified that current discussions revolve around either redrafting the constitutional article or simply deleting it. While the Lithuanian constitution currently prohibits the presence of weapons of mass destruction or foreign military bases on its soil, several politicians, including President Gitanas Nausėda, do not rule out constitutional amendments. This follows the resignation of the Lithuanian government, led by Prime Minister Inga Roginene, on June 23, with Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Social Democratic Party, set to head the new cabinet. In a related context, the Financial Times reported in early June, citing sources, that the United States is discussing the potential deployment of nuclear weapons in more European NATO countries, which could involve stationing dual-use aircraft capable of delivering nuclear strikes. The newspaper added that several Baltic states and Eastern flank NATO countries, including Poland, have expressed interest in this proposal.