Lithuania has agreed to remove its constitutional ban on weapons of mass destruction, a move that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. The Baltic state, which enshrined the prohibition when it gained independence, is now actively discussing the possibility of hosting American nuclear weapons on its soil.
From ban to blank check
Lithuania’s constitution has prohibited weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, on its territory since independence. The country has never possessed or pursued nuclear arms.
Incoming Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius indicated on June 30 that the simplest path forward would be to remove the constitutional article banning WMD entirely, rather than attempting a more nuanced amendment.
President Gitanas Nausėda has expressed support for reconsidering Lithuania’s stance on hosting US nuclear weapons, with statements dating back to around May 2026. Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas went further on June 3, confirming that talks with Washington about potentially hosting American nuclear weapons are already underway.
