Kremlin threatens Lithuania over plans to allow stationing nuclear weapons

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has threatened "necessary measures" in response to the Lithuanian parliament's first-reading approval of a move to lift the ban on stationing nuclear weapons in the country.

Source: Russian Interfax, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Peskov said that stationing nuclear weapons on Lithuanian territory would be "a step towards escalating tensions".

He was responding to a question about how the Kremlin views the process of lifting the ban on stationing nuclear weapons in Lithuania and the United States' consideration of a proposal to establish a permanent military base there.

The Kremlin spokesman said that all this "would not contribute to stability and predictability on the European continent but, on the contrary, would become another significant stage in heightening tensions".

"Of course, Russia will be forced to take all necessary measures to reliably ensure its own security," Peskov claimed.

Background:

• On 6 October, the Lithuanian parliament approved at first reading an amendment to the Constitution under which the country's basic law would no longer prohibit the stationing of nuclear weapons on Lithuanian territory. The final vote on lifting the ban is expected on 12 January.
• Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas previously confirmed that Vilnius was negotiating with the United States over the stationing of US nuclear weapons in the Baltic country.
• The Kremlin previously said that Lithuania "would be in the crosshairs" of Russian nuclear weapons if the country allowed its allies to station nuclear weapons there.
• US President Donald Trump also said he would consider the possibility of establishing a US military base in Lithuania after the proposal was put forward by Vilnius.

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