Lithuania Says It's 'Not Standing Aside' in US Nuclear Sharing Talks

(MENAFN) Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas acknowledged Tuesday that his government is actively engaged in confidential negotiations over the potential deployment of US nuclear assets to additional NATO member states across Europe, raising the prospect of a significant shift in the alliance's nuclear posture.

"Discussions are indeed taking place. I do not want to go into details at this point because they are classified, but discussions are ongoing and Lithuania is certainly not standing on the sidelines," Kaunas told reporters.

The minister stressed that nuclear capabilities remain central to deterrence, urging member states to reinforce their defense postures and strategic independence.

Kaunas' remarks followed a media report published earlier Tuesday revealing that several NATO nations along the alliance's eastern flank — including Poland and the Baltic states — are being considered for inclusion in an expanded US nuclear-sharing framework currently under internal alliance discussion.

The talks, described as confidential and not guaranteed to produce policy changes, reflect deepening anxiety among European allies about the reliability of US security commitments under President Donald Trump's administration.

According to media, US officials have indicated a willingness to station dual-capable aircraft among additional NATO members beyond the six nations currently enrolled in the alliance's nuclear-sharing program: Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Türkiye, and the UK.

Nations along NATO's eastern flank, notably Poland and several Baltic states, have signaled openness to hosting dual-capable aircraft installations, the report noted.

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