Lithuania: France's nuclear umbrella cannot replace US deterrence

Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas made clear Thursday that the Baltic nation's security calculus remains firmly anchored to Washington, even as France advances plans for a European nuclear deterrence framework. "We certainly trust the United States," Kaunas told reporters, reaffirming Vilnius's unwavering reliance on American security guarantees amid shifting geopolitical dynamics on the continent.

Vilnius welcomes French initiative as complementary

Kaunas acknowledged France's recent proposal to strengthen its nuclear capabilities and explore a European deterrence framework involving multiple countries, describing the move as a positive development for regional security. "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 stated. However, the minister emphasized that any European initiative would supplement rather than substitute existing NATO commitments.

Baltic caution against diminishing US role

Kaunas's measured response echoes positions staked out by other Lithuanian leaders following Macron's announcement. President Gitanas Nauseda had earlier signaled that while France's initiative could complement NATO's nuclear umbrella, it cannot replace the protection provided by the United States. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene similarly emphasized that any decisions regarding nuclear deterrence must be coordinated with both the EU and NATO, reflecting Vilnius's determination to maintain strong transatlantic ties.

'All umbrellas are necessary'

Kaunas stressed that Lithuania remains protected under NATO's collective defense commitments and dismissed speculation that the country could be excluded from France's proposed framework. "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 explained. In a diplomatic formulation that balanced appreciation for both allies, the minister added: "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."

European deterrence proposal takes shape

Macron's proposal would involve several European countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark, potentially hosting French strategic air forces deployed across Europe as part of a coordinated deterrence framework. While Lithuania welcomes enhanced European capabilities, its leaders remain committed to preserving the transatlantic bond that has guaranteed Baltic security since NATO accession, viewing American nuclear deterrence as irreplaceable in the current strategic environment.