Lithuania is unlikely to host nuclear weapons because the country would face complete destruction in a full-scale military conflict between Russia and NATO, according to former US Marine Corps intelligence analyst Scott Ritter.

Ritter argued that allowing nuclear weapons on Lithuanian territory is not a decision Vilnius can make independently. Although he described such a deployment as legally and theoretically possible, it would require another nuclear-armed country to agree to station its arsenal there.

The former intelligence analyst expressed confidence that no nuclear power would accept such an arrangement, given Lithuania’s geographical position and the potential consequences of a military confrontation with Moscow.

He also warned that Lithuania’s decision to reconsider constitutional restrictions on weapons of mass destruction could expose the country to serious security risks. According to Ritter, changing its nuclear policy would make Lithuania a potential target in the event of armed conflict.

The analyst suggested that Finland and Sweden could face similar consequences. He argued that a full-scale nuclear war between Russia and NATO would have catastrophic implications for European countries involved in the confrontation.

His comments follow a move by Lithuanian lawmakers to revise the country’s constitutional restrictions on nuclear weapons.

On October 6, members of the Lithuanian Seimas supported an amendment proposing the removal of Article 137 of the Constitution, which prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear arms, on Lithuanian territory.

However, the amendment has not yet received final approval. Constitutional changes require a second parliamentary vote held at least three months after the first. The proposal must secure the support of at least 94 of the Seimas’s 141 members.

The next consideration of the amendment is scheduled for January 12, 2027.