Moscow:The Kremlin has expressed concerns over the potential deployment of a NATO military base or nuclear weapons in Lithuania, viewing it as a likely escalation of tensions.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed a press briefing following a vote by Lithuania's parliament, the Seimas, to advance a constitutional amendment. This amendment would remove a ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons on Lithuanian soil. Peskov emphasized that such developments would not contribute to stability in Europe and expressed regret over the matter, stating that Russia would be forced to take all necessary measures to ensure its security.

The Lithuanian parliament's decision saw 106 lawmakers vote in favor of advancing the amendment, with the final vote scheduled for January 12. Last month's preliminary vote on the amendment resulted in 99 supporting the proposal, 13 opposing, and five abstentions.

Peskov also addressed comments by US President Donald Trump regarding reports of pneumonic plague cases in Russia. He noted the importance of mutual assistance and mentioned that Russia's health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, is providing comprehensive information about the situation in Siberia's Irkutsk region. The reports followed the death of an employee from the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute, diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown etiology. Measures have been taken to manage the situation, which Russian media outlets have described as stable.