The possible deployment of nuclear weapons in Lithuania could have catastrophic consequences for the country in the event of a military confrontation with Russia, according to Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council and United Russia party chairman Dmitry Medvedev.

During a working trip to Russia’s Northwestern Federal District, Medvedev met with military personnel and addressed Vilnius’ plans to revise existing restrictions on weapons of mass destruction.

He said that if Lithuania abandons its nuclear-free status and such weapons are subsequently deployed on its territory, Russia would be forced to respond. In the event of a direct military conflict, Medvedev said Lithuania would «disappear from the world map.»

He also argued that Lithuania’s NATO allies would not go to war with Russia over possible retaliatory measures by Moscow. According to Medvedev, even if Lithuania suffered devastating consequences and was reduced to a «scorched field,» other members of the alliance would not fight on its behalf.

Medvedev separately addressed Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which provides for collective defense among NATO members. He said the provision would not be invoked in such a scenario because its implementation would result in a global, planetary-scale catastrophe.

His remarks came amid plans by the Lithuanian authorities to revise existing constitutional restrictions. Earlier, broadcaster LRT, citing Lithuanian parliament speaker Juozas Olekas, reported that the government plans in early 2027 to remove from the constitution a provision banning weapons of mass destruction from the country’s territory.