Russia has issued a stern warning to Lithuania, stating that the Baltic nation would be placed in the "crosshairs of our nuclear weapons" if it hosts any nuclear arms belonging to NATO allies. The statement comes as Lithuania is considering lifting a constitutional ban on storing nuclear weapons on its territory, a move intended to bolster its security amid Russia's ongoing offensive in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the potential development as a "very serious turn in terms of escalating tensions." He added, "If there are nuclear weapons on the territory that are aimed at us, accordingly, the territory of that country will fall into the crosshairs of our own nuclear weapons."
Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda had publicly stated in July that the country aimed to be an "integral part of this nuclear deterrence." However, Lithuanian officials have consistently maintained that there are no current plans for the country to host such weapons.
The proposed change to Lithuania's constitution is progressing through parliament, requiring a two-thirds majority for approval. It has garnered support from the president and major political parties, with a potential implementation this winter.
Recent security incidents have heightened tensions in the region. In May, NATO jets were scrambled to intercept a drone that flew over Vilnius, Lithuania's capital. The incident prompted President Nauseda and Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene to be moved to safe houses, and an evacuation order was issued for Lithuania's parliament. Residents in the Vilnius region were advised to seek shelter.
According to Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre, the intercepted drone was likely either a combat drone or designed to deceive systems. He noted the difficulty in determining its exact nature or origin.
These events occur within a broader context of alleged Russian interference and destabilization efforts across Europe. Western officials suggest Moscow's targeting of European states has intensified as the front line in Ukraine remains largely static. Countries bordering Russia, such as Poland, Lithuania, and Romania, have reported various violations. Tactics reportedly employed by Russia include assassination attempts, the use of chemical agents like Novichok, and radiological weapons. Drone activity has been a recurring concern, with incidents reported near Ireland, over U.S. Air Force bases in the UK, and near critical infrastructure in several European countries.
Analysts suggest Russia has been developing secret bases equipped to launch long-range drones across the continent. Some of these facilities are reportedly used against Ukrainian infrastructure, with Moscow potentially deploying the technology against Europe in a conflict scenario. Reports indicate Russia has been constructing new launch pads and rails for advanced long-range suicide drones along its borders with Belarus and Ukraine. Newer Russian drone models, such as the Geran-4 and Geran-5, are said to be capable of evading air defense systems with significant payloads.