Asked about Lithuania’s latest moves to authorize the deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons on its territory, which borders Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned today, as reported by TASS, that Lithuania’s actions “cannot be perceived as anything other than a step toward escalating tensions, just as the deployment of nuclear weapons in a neighboring country cannot. Neither of these developments will contribute to stability and predictability on the European continent. On the contrary, they will, to our regret, mark yet another significant escalation of tensions. As for Russia, of course, Moscow will be forced to take all necessary measures to guarantee its own security.”

Peskov’s remarks echoed those made earlier by President Putin and other high-level Russian officials in response to the pattern of provocations against the country, including Kaliningrad.

As part of the West’s drive to place nuclear missiles all along Russia’s western border, Lithuania is changing its constitution to accommodate this provocation. Yesterday, the Seimas, Lithuania’s parliament, stormed past the second of three needed votes to abolish the constitutional provision (Article 137) which bans the deployment of nuclear weapons and any foreign military bases on its soil. The vote was 106 to 18. The vote in the first round](https://eir.news/2026/09/news/lithuania-is-another-european-nation-to-allow-nuclear-weapons-and-foreign-military-bases-on-their-territory/) was 99 to 13. To come into force, the Seimas must pass a final vote on Jan. 12, 2027 with at least 94 votes.

The Speaker of the parliament, Juozas Olekas, stated: “Lifting the ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons removes legal restrictions in the field of security that were different from those in other EU and NATO countries.” The government is also pushing for a U.S. military base to be established.

Today, Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius added that he would pay Washington for setting up a military base in his country. He posted on Facebook about his idea that he pitched to Washington: “This is a critically important guarantee of deterrence and security. Our partners only need to make the political decision to permanently station troops, and Lithuania is ready to cover the costs involved.”

Another possible translation of Peskov’s warning, to paraphrase John Donne, might read: “Do not ask for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee.”