Lithuania Says French Nuclear Umbrella Cannot Replace US Deterrence
ISTANBUL — Lithuania said it will continue to rely on nuclear protection from the United States, even as France proposes expanding its nuclear capabilities to create a broader European security “umbrella.”
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas reaffirmed the country’s confidence in U.S. security guarantees while speaking to reporters, according to LRT News.
France proposal welcomed but not a substitute
The comments came after French President Emmanuel Macron proposed strengthening France’s nuclear forces and developing a European deterrence framework involving several allied countries.
Kaunas said France’s efforts to reinforce Europe’s deterrence capacity could improve regional security. However, he stressed that Lithuania still views the existing defense system led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as its primary protection.
He added that stronger deterrence measures by allied countries—including France and the United States—can contribute to stability across Europe.
Lithuanian leaders support NATO framework
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda previously expressed a similar view. He said France’s proposal could complement NATO’s security system but cannot replace the nuclear protection provided by the United States.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene emphasized that any major decisions regarding nuclear deterrence should involve coordination with both the European Union and NATO.
Security guarantees remain the priority
Kaunas also rejected speculation that Lithuania could fall outside France’s proposed nuclear framework.
He stressed that the most important factor is the existence of strong security guarantees.
According to Kaunas, allies should not weaken one form of protection while praising another. Instead, he said, countries should value all available security frameworks that help maintain regional stability.
European partners considered in plan
Macron’s proposal could involve several European countries hosting French strategic air forces as part of a coordinated deterrence strategy.
Potential participants include Germany, United Kingdom, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark.
The initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s strategic deterrence while maintaining cooperation within NATO’s broader defense system.
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