Lithuania Votes to Exit Cluster Munitions Convention

Lithuania's parliament voted decisively to withdraw from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, expressing concerns over defense capabilities amid escalating tensions with Russia, a non-signatory to the treaty. The move, supported by 103 out of 141 members, aims to bolster Lithuania's defense strategy given the changing geopolitical landscape. Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas highlighted Russia's non-compliance with the convention, leading to the policy shift. The decision comes in the context of heightened security concerns in the region following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the perceived need to strengthen the country's defense capacity.