For Security - Lithuania Participates in Discussions on the Placement of U.S. Nuclear Weapons

For Security - Lithuania Participates in Discussions on the Placement of U.S. Nuclear Weapons 0

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Lithuania is discussing the placement of U.S. nuclear weapons on its territory, confirmed Defense Minister Robertas Kairys, without providing details. At the same time, Poland stated that it is not ready to host American nuclear weapons.

Lithuania is participating in discussions regarding the possible placement of U.S. nuclear weapons on its territory, confirmed the country's Minister of Defense, Robertas Kairys, to reporters in the Seimas on Tuesday, June 2. "Discussions are indeed ongoing. I do not want to go into details right now as they are classified, but negotiations are continuing and Lithuania is certainly not standing aside," Kairys was quoted by the BNS agency.

Emphasizing that nuclear capability contributes to deterrence and security, the head of Lithuania's Ministry of Defense added that countries must take measures to strengthen their defense and independence, as reported by the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT).

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Speaker of the Seimas, Juozas Olekas, and Chairman of the National Security and Defense Committee, Rimantas Sinkevičius, stated that they do not rule out discussing possible amendments to the republic's constitution, which prohibits the placement of weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases on Lithuanian territory.

Poland Denies Negotiations on Participation in Nuclear Sharing Program

In turn, officials in Warsaw stated that Poland is not interested in participating in the Nuclear Sharing program for the placement of American tactical nuclear weapons in NATO countries that do not have their own nuclear arsenal, according to the Polish Radio website. Deputy Minister of Defense Paweł Zalewski stated that Poland is engaged in intensive negotiations with the U.S. on military matters, but these primarily concern nuclear deterrence, not the Nuclear Sharing program.

Previously, The Financial Times reported on relevant secret negotiations. According to sources from the publication, Washington is exploring the possibilities of expanding the number of European states where elements of their nuclear deterrence strategy are deployed, such as dual-capable aircraft that can participate in nuclear missions.