Deputy Defense Minister Renius Pleskys previously justified the move by citing Lithuania’s changing security landscape, stating that “the need to use all possibilities to strengthen deterrence and defense” was the primary reason for leaving the treaty. He argued that the country’s security situation had significantly worsened since it originally joined the agreement.
Cluster munitions are controversial due to their wide-area impact and high failure rate, which can leave unexploded bomblets posing long-term risks to civilians. Humanitarian groups, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, have condemned their use.
Among NATO members, the US, Poland, Romania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland have never joined the CCM. Other non-signatories include Russia, Ukraine, China, India, Pakistan, and Brazil.
The Lithuanian parliament has defended its decision, calling cluster munitions an “effective defensive tool” capable of covering large areas and enhancing national defense. Additionally, according to Lithuania’s national broadcaster LRT, the government is considering withdrawing from the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel mines.
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