Global
The Kremlin issued a strong warning on Friday regarding the potential consequences of deploying nuclear weapons on Lithuanian territory. Dmitry Peskov, the Spokesperson for the Russian Presidency, stated that such a move would turn Lithuania into a direct target for Russian nuclear arms, leading to a dangerous escalation of regional tensions. This Russian stance comes in response to Lithuania's announced plans to lift its constitutional ban on hosting nuclear weapons. Speaking in televised remarks, Peskov clarified that this development was anticipated. Addressing Lithuania directly, Peskov asserted that any deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory would imply they are aimed at a specific adversary. He explicitly stated: "It is obvious they would not be directed against the West, but towards the East, meaning against us. If a country hosts nuclear weapons aimed against us, its territory will consequently become a legitimate target for our nuclear weapons." These warnings follow remarks made on Thursday by the Lithuanian Parliament Speaker, Juozas Olekas, who indicated that his country plans to pursue a constitutional amendment this coming winter to remove the current prohibition on deploying nuclear weapons within its borders.
