Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the General Debate of the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the General Debate of the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) delivered by H.E. Ms. Audra Plepytė, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania on Monday, 27 April 2026.
Mr. President,
Congratulations on assuming the presidency of the Eleventh NPT Review Conference. You have the full support of the Lithuanian delegation.
Lithuania aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and the joint statement delivered by Ukraine. In my national capacity, I wish to underscore the following.
Mr. President,
This Review Conference convenes in an increasingly volatile security environment. The global disarmament and non‑proliferation regime is under growing strain – notably due Russia’s actions as well as a growing disregard for international norms and transparency.
Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, its reckless nuclear rhetoric and threats, the announced deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus, unprecedented militarization of civil nuclear facilities are profoundly irresponsible and represent a systemic betrayal of the NPT by a Nuclear-Weapon State and permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Lithuania as a small state understands the dual challenge many nations face: growing pressure from aggressive neighbours and limited capacity for self-defence at a time when military threats are increasing.
Therefore, for Lithuania strong international and regional frameworks are indispensable for preventing conflict, reducing risks, and avoiding a nuclear arms race. To remain free, we rely on deterrence and defence that these frameworks provide.
I underline that NATO’s extended deterrence and nuclear sharing arrangements enable countries like mine to remain secure without pursuing nuclear weapons. NATO provides protection through rules, commitments, and collective responsibility – never through proliferation, and never through nuclear coercion. NATO’s arrangements are fully consistent with both Articles I and II of the NPT.
Mr. President,
We strongly condemn Russia’s illegal seizure and militarization of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), as well as its continued attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure, which significantly increase risks to nuclear safety and security. We call on Russia to cease all hostile actions, to unconditionally withdraw its forces from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, including from ZNPP, and to return its full, safe, and secure control to the competent Ukrainian authorities in full accordance with IAEA and UN General Assembly resolutions.
We also condemn the Belarusian regime’s complicity in Russia’s war of aggression. We are deeply concerned by the growing military cooperation between Russia, Iran, and the DPRK. In this context, we call on all states to cease actions that enable Russia’s war.
Lithuania condemns Iran’s destabilizing behaviour and nuclear activities, its clear violation of comprehensive safeguards agreement, particularly by uranium enrichment up to 60 percent and obstruction of IAEA verification. We fully support a diplomatic path forward, call for maximum restraint and call on Iran to return to full compliance with the NPT and safeguards, restore full access of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
We also remain gravely concerned by the DPRK’s advancing nuclear and missile programs. The DPRK will never be recognized as a nuclear‑weapon state. We also strongly condemn military cooperation between DPRK and Russia, including transfers of munitions and missiles, the provision of sensitive technologies – potentially including nuclear‑related transfers – and the reported deployment of DPRK troops to Russia. In both instances, the full implementation of UN Security Council sanctions remains essential.
We are also concerned by the lack of transparency from certain states, notably China, whose rapidly expanding and diversifying nuclear arsenal appears inconsistent with its stated policies, including minimum deterrence and No First Use. This discrepancy fuels uncertainty, undermines trust, and heightens global insecurity. We are alarmed by recent allegations of nuclear testing and call on all states to uphold the global moratorium and ratify CTBT to ensure its swift entry into force.
Mr. President,
Disarmament remains the ultimate goal. Stability will not come from alternatives to the NPT, but from all states faithfully upholding its principles and obligations. A robust and universal NPT is in all our interests. In this context, we also reaffirm our support for strengthening the NPT review process.
Lithuania is committed to a credible outcome of this Review Conference and calls on all states to act responsibly to ensure its success.
Thank you, Mr. President.
