Lithuania Is Preparing To Introduce Universal Conscription
- 18.09.2026, 13:10
A special charter was signed at the presidential palace.
More than 60 Lithuanian companies, local governments, public organizations, associations, and government agencies have supported the introduction of universal conscription in the country and have pledged to help prepare society for war, according to Lrytas. “We support the introduction of universal conscription starting in 2030,” states the charter, which was signed on Thursday at the Presidential Palace by organizations and government agencies.
The signatories committed to improving their employees’ preparedness for emergencies, conducting civil defense drills, organizing first-aid courses, and helping people prepare for the first 72 hours of a crisis or war. The initiator of the charter and head of the “General Defense” association Tomas Godlauskas stated that the signing should mark the first step in involving Lithuanian society in preparations for the country’s defense. In early September, Lithuania held exercises to practice universal defense.
Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Raimundas Vaikšnoras said that the army is preparing to transition to universal conscription. By 2030, the authorities expect to increase the number of conscripts to 8,000. According to an August poll by the “Universal Defense” association, 76% of Lithuanian residents surveyed support the introduction of universal conscription by 2030. At the same time, 51% favored its introduction as soon as possible, while a quarter favored it by 2030. Only 12% believe that Lithuania does not need it at all.
Lithuania also plans to lift the constitutional restriction on the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory. These plans have prompted threats from Moscow. Lithuania will find itself in the crosshairs of nuclear weapons if the country’s authorities decide to deploy nuclear warheads there, said Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov. “This would be a very serious escalation of tensions, because if you deploy nuclear weapons on your territory, they are aimed at someone,” Peskov said.