Russia threatens response as Lithuania moves to allow nuclear weapons
Photo: Russian leader's spokesman Dmitry Peskov (Getty Images)
The Kremlin has reacted to Lithuania’s plans to lift its ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons and foreign military bases. Russia claims such steps would increase tensions in Europe and has threatened to take measures in response, Russian leader’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated.
Peskov said Moscow would view the possible deployment of nuclear weapons in the neighboring country as a step toward escalation. The Kremlin gave a similar assessment of the possible establishment of a permanent U.S. military base in Lithuania.
“A military base is part of military infrastructure. And if the military infrastructure of, in fact, a leading NATO country moves closer to our borders, then, of course, this cannot be perceived as anything other than a step toward escalating tensions, just as the deployment of nuclear weapons on the territory of a neighboring country cannot,” the Kremlin spokesman said.
According to the Kremlin spokesman, such decisions allegedly would not contribute to stability and predictability on the European continent.
“This will not contribute to stability and predictability on the European continent, but, on the contrary, will become another significant stage in escalating tensions,” Peskov said.
He also said that Russia would allegedly be forced to respond to possible changes.
“As for Russia, of course, Russia will be forced to take all necessary measures to reliably ensure its own security,” Peskov added.
It should be recalled that on October 6, Lithuania’s Seimas approved in the first reading a proposal to remove from the Constitution the ban on deploying nuclear weapons and foreign military bases on the country’s territory.
A total of 106 lawmakers voted in favor of the initiative, 18 voted against, and six abstained.
