LONDON

Lithuania’s parliament voted on Thursday to exit the Convention on Cluster Munitions, citing regional security concerns in the Baltic region and Russia’s war on Ukraine.

The decision comes as Lithuania argues that adherence to the convention has limited its defense capabilities, weakening its combat readiness and deterrence, reported national broadcaster LRT.

The Convention, which prohibits the production, stockpiling, use, and transfer of cluster munitions, has been ratified by over 100 countries, though major powers like the United States, Russia, and Ukraine have not signed it.

Cluster munitions disperse numerous smaller bomblets over a wide area, posing a significant risk to civilian populations due to their indiscriminate nature.

Defense Minister Kasciunas defended the decision, stating, “It would be inappropriate for a country preparing for its defense to foreclose any capabilities. Currently, we cannot procure, train with, or even transfer these munitions to allies who have not ratified the convention,” as reported by LRT.

He added, “Modern technologies have made these capabilities safer and more effective than before.”

Once President Gitanas Nauseda signs the legislation, Lithuania will formally notify the UN secretary-general, the convention’s depository, of its intent to withdraw through diplomatic channels, confirmed LRT.

The Baltic nation plans to complete its withdrawal within six months of the notification, following formal notification to the UN Security Council.

Lithuania’s decision to withdraw from the Convention on Cluster Munitions has drawn criticism from various humanitarian organizations, including the Cluster Munition Coalition, Human Rights Watch, and the Mines Advisory Group.

Currently, among NATO member states bordering Russia, only Lithuania and Norway remain committed to the convention.

Last July, the United States supplied these munitions to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia since February 2022.

Lithuania acceded to the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2011.