Russia’s neighbor backs push to lift ban on nuclear weapons, prompting outcry from Moscow

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Lithuania Advances Vote to Lift Nuclear Ban Amid Kremlin Warning

   Lithuanian lawmakers voted 106-18 in favor of lifting a constitutional ban on hosting nuclear weapons, clearing the first of two required ballots. The preliminary decision on Tuesday aims to strengthen regional security and deterrence against Russia. In response, the Kremlin issued sharp warnings that removing the restriction risks further escalation and deepens tensions in Europe. The legislative amendment faces a final vote scheduled for Jan. 12, 2027.

   Why it matters

   Lithuania is seeking to bolster its defense posture amid growing concerns over Russia and potential plans for a new United States military base. Euronews frames the vote as enabling full participation in NATO deterrence, while the Kyiv Post notes the legal change does not imply an imminent deployment of weapons.

   What is confirmed

   • Lithuanian lawmakers voted 106-18 to lift a constitutional ban on nuclear weapons in the first of two required ballots.
   • The Kremlin warned that Lithuania's move to lift the nuclear arms ban risks further escalation.
   • Parliament Speaker Juozas Olekas stated that removing the constitutional ban would strengthen Lithuania's resilience and deterrence.
   • The final vote on the constitutional amendment is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2027.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Trump administration is considering a new military base in the region.

   What to watch next

   • The final parliamentary ballot scheduled for Jan. 12, 2027.
   • Further diplomatic or military responses from Moscow.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. Reuters — Kremlin warns Lithuania that its move to lift a nuclear arms ban risks further escalation
   2. CNBC — Russia’s neighbor backs push to lift ban on nuclear weapons, prompting outcry from Moscow
   3. Yahoo — Russia issues warning as Trump considers new military base
   4. The Kyiv Independent — Lithuania takes 1st step to lift nuclear weapons ban amid Russian threat
   5. news.cgtn.com — LITHUANIA'S PARLIAMENT VOTES IN FAVOUR OF LIFTING BAN ON NUCLEAR ARMS, IN FIRST OF TWO BALLOTS REQUIRED
   6. Українська правда — Kremlin threatens Lithuania over plans to allow stationing nuclear weapons
   7. Euronews.com — Lithuania takes further step towards lifting nuclear weapons ban
   8. Kyiv Post — Lithuania Votes 106-18 to Lift Nuclear Weapons Ban as Kremlin Threatens Escalation
   9. The Moscow Times — Kremlin Warns Lithuania Lifting Nuclear Arms Ban Risks Escalation
   10. www.cnbc.com — Russia-Ukraine war: Lithuania backs push to lift ban on nuclear arms
   11. flipboard.com — Russia’s neighbor backs push to lift ban on nuclear weapons, prompting outcry from Moscow
   12. newscord.org — Lithuania Advances Nuclear Weapons Ban Removal as Kremlin ...
   confidence 100%