Lithuania’s parliament voted on Oct. 5 to advance a constitutional change to lift a ban on hosting nuclear weapons, while President Donald Trump said he would consider establishing a permanent U.S. military base in the country. The moves come as Vilnius strengthens its security posture amid ongoing regional tensions.
Lithuania seeks permanent U.S. military presence
Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius confirmed on Sept. 29 that Vilnius would support a permanent U.S. military base in the country, stating that Lithuania would cover the costs of setting it up. On Oct. 6, Sinkevicius reiterated this position in a Facebook post, adding that the government had instructed the Department of Homeland Defense to prepare options for accommodating permanently deployed U.S. troops. The U.S. currently maintains an armored battalion of nearly 1,000 troops in Lithuania through rotating deployments since 2019.
During a press briefing on Oct. 5, Trump said he would “certainly look at” Lithuania’s proposal for a permanent base, calling the two nations’ relationship “great.” The U.S. already operates a garrison in neighboring Poland, though it is not a permanent base.
Parliament moves to allow nuclear weapons on Lithuanian soil
On Oct. 5, Lithuania’s parliament voted in favor of advancing a constitutional amendment to remove a ban on hosting nuclear weapons. The change requires a second vote scheduled for Jan. 12, 2025, to finalize the amendment. Lithuania’s constitution currently prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction and the establishment of foreign military bases.
The push to lift the ban is framed as a measure to strengthen Lithuania’s resilience amid heightened security concerns. Lithuania has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine during Russia’s ongoing invasion, providing military aid and financial assistance. The country shares a border with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, both allies of Moscow.
Russia warns of escalation over Lithuania’s security moves
The Kremlin responded to the developments on Oct. 8, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling the proposals “another significant escalation” of regional tensions. Peskov stated that neither the potential deployment of nuclear weapons nor the establishment of a U.S. military base would contribute to stability in Europe. “As for Russia, of course, Moscow will be forced to take all necessary measures to guarantee its own security,” Peskov said, according to Russian state news agency Tass.
Lithuania’s government has not directly linked the two initiatives but has emphasized the need for stronger deterrence measures in the face of regional threats. The constitutional amendment on nuclear weapons is positioned as a defensive step to enhance Lithuania’s security framework, while the U.S. base proposal is framed as a reinforcement of NATO’s presence in the Baltic region.
Background: Lithuania’s evolving security posture
Lithuania, a NATO and EU member, has increasingly prioritized defense cooperation with the U.S. and other allies since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. The country has hosted rotating U.S. and NATO troops as part of broader efforts to deter Russian aggression. The proposed permanent base would mark a shift from rotational deployments to a sustained presence, aligning with Lithuania’s calls for stronger allied commitments.
The U.S. has not yet committed to a permanent base, but Trump’s remarks indicate openness to the idea. A final decision would require further diplomatic and logistical discussions between Washington and Vilnius.