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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.
Russia changed the math
Lithuania shares a border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which is one of the most heavily militarized zones in Europe. The country also borders Belarus, which has allowed Russian military forces to operate from its territory.
Lithuania hasn’t signed or ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, known as the TPNW. Removing the constitutional ban doesn’t violate any treaty obligations.
What this means for European security and markets
No official constitutional changes have been finalized as of early July 2026. But if Lithuania does eventually host US nuclear weapons, it would mark the first time a former Soviet-bloc state in NATO’s eastern flank has taken such a step.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
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