Lithuania’s parliament has voted 106-18 to advance a constitutional amendment that would remove the country’s ban on nuclear weapons and foreign military bases. 

The measure still requires a second vote after a three-month waiting period, with at least 94 of the 141 lawmakers needed for approval.

Supporters say lifting the restriction would allow Lithuania to participate more fully in NATO’s nuclear deterrence arrangements and strengthen its security amid tensions with Russia.

Lithuania borders Russia’s Kaliningrad region and Belarus, and officials say the country should have the same defense options as other NATO members, Euro News has reported.

The Kremlin warned that allowing nuclear weapons or expanding U.S. and NATO military infrastructure in Lithuania could further escalate tensions in the region.