ISTANBUL

Lithuania continues to rely on the US for nuclear deterrence despite France’s proposal to expand its nuclear arsenal and create a European nuclear “umbrella,” the Lithuanian defense minister said.

“We certainly trust the United States,” Robertas Kaunas told reporters, reaffirming Vilnius’ reliance on Washington’s security guarantees, LRT news reported on Thursday.

His remarks came days after French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to strengthen France’s nuclear capabilities and explore a European nuclear deterrence framework involving several countries.

Kaunas said France’s move to bolster deterrence in Europe could contribute to regional security but stressed that NATO’s existing framework remains central for Lithuania.

“France, the United States, and other friendly countries are all strengthening their deterrence capabilities. It is welcome that France sees the need to increase deterrence in Europe – this means greater security for Lithuania as well,” he said.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda earlier signaled a similar position, saying France’s initiative could complement NATO’s nuclear umbrella but cannot replace the protection provided by the US.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene also emphasized that any decisions regarding nuclear deterrence must be coordinated with both the EU and NATO.

Kaunas noted that Lithuania remains protected under NATO’s collective defense commitments and cautioned against speculation that the country could be left outside France’s proposed nuclear umbrella.

“We have security guarantees, and that is probably the most important thing. Whether those guarantees are under one flag or another likely makes little difference. The key point is that they exist,” he said.

“We should not appreciate one umbrella by diminishing another. All umbrellas are necessary, and the most important thing is to be under at least one,” he added.

Macron’s proposal would involve several European countries, including Germany, the UK, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark, potentially hosting French strategic air forces deployed across Europe as part of a coordinated deterrence framework.