The Lithuanian Seimas approved the country's withdrawal from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, citing changes in the security situation and the need to deter Russia. The decision was supported by 99 members of parliament, one opposed, and three abstained. The issue will now be considered urgently, reports LTR.
Lithuanian Deputy Minister of National Defense Renus Pleshkis stated that the matter of acquiring cluster munitions has not been analyzed in detail yet, but the process will begin soon. He noted that Lithuania will likely join joint procurements with allies. According to him, the threat to the country has changed since the convention was signed, and the situation worsened after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The government supported the decision to exit the convention last week, and President Gitanas Nausėda proposed the measure to the parliament on Monday. According to the President's Office, international restrictions lower Lithuania’s defense capabilities and reduce the effectiveness of deterrence for allied forces stationed in the country.
Pleshkis emphasized that cluster munitions would be used solely for defensive purposes. He mentioned that the war in Ukraine has demonstrated their high effectiveness in repelling large-scale attacks. He said the use of such munitions significantly reduces the need for standard ammunition, thus cutting procurement costs. He also added that Lithuania’s inability to use this weapon limits its defense capabilities, giving potential aggressors an advantage.
Pleshkis assured that the withdrawal from the convention does not negate Lithuania’s commitment to international humanitarian law. He emphasized that if cluster munitions are used, the country will take all necessary measures to minimize their impact, including promptly destroying unexploded munitions.
