World · Malaysia Bureau
Russia warns Lithuania against hosting Western nuclear weapons
The Kremlin has issued a stark warning to Lithuania, suggesting the Baltic nation could become a target for Russian nuclear forces should it agree to deploy Western atomic weapons on its territory.
LSN Malaysia ·
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Lithuanian territory may "come into the sights" of Russia's nuclear arsenal should Vilnius decide to host such arms, according to statements made on Monday.
The warning represents an escalation in rhetoric from Moscow regarding NATO's military positioning in Eastern Europe. Lithuania, a NATO member since 2004, has increasingly strengthened its defence ties with Western allies amid heightened regional tensions.
Peskov's comments reflect Russia's broader opposition to what it views as NATO encroachment along its borders. The Kremlin has repeatedly warned against the deployment of nuclear weapons systems in countries neighbouring Russia, viewing such moves as strategic provocations.
Lithuania has not announced any plans to host nuclear weapons on its soil. However, the nation has sought to bolster its security partnerships with Western powers, including enhanced military cooperation and defence commitments from NATO allies.