**Lithuania Faces Stark Warnings from Russian Security Official Amid Nuclear Debate**
*MOSCOW, September 11.* — In a recent statement, Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, issued a stark warning regarding Lithuania's security in the event of a military conflict. Medvedev claimed that Lithuania would "cease to exist" if hostilities were to arise, suggesting that NATO would not come to its defense.
The comments were made in the context of Lithuania's discussions about potentially lifting its constitutional ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons. Medvedev characterized this move as a misguided attempt to amend Lithuania's non-nuclear status, which he argued could lead to dangerous consequences. He described Lithuania's actions as "in vain," suggesting that the country does not fully grasp the ramifications of its decisions.
Medvedev emphasized that if a conflict were to occur, no other nations would intervene on Lithuania's behalf, asserting that NATO’s Article 5, which stipulates collective defense, would not be activated. According to him, the invocation of this article would lead to a "global, planetary catastrophe," and he indicated that the international community recognizes this reality.
The Deputy Chairman's remarks reflect ongoing tensions in the region and highlight the precarious security environment in Eastern Europe. Lithuania, a member of NATO since 2004, has been vocal about its security concerns, particularly in light of Russia's military actions in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.
This warning from Medvedev has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the implications for Lithuania and the Baltic region as a whole. As Lithuania contemplates its military strategy and defense posture, the potential for increased militarization, including the possible deployment of nuclear weapons, remains a contentious issue.
The situation underscores the complexities of Baltic security in the face of Russian aggression and the challenges NATO faces in ensuring the defense of its member states. As Lithuania navigates its defense policies, the dialogue around nuclear capabilities and regional security will likely continue to evolve.