More men, more training: why this NATO nation next to Kaliningrad plans major conscription expansion

Lithuania’s State Defence Council agreed on October 29 to introduce universal military conscription for young men from 2032. President Gitanas Nausėda said annual call-ups would rise from more than 5,000 to around 7,500, with time needed to expand accommodation and train instructors. Women would continue serving voluntarily. Amid Russia–NATO tensions, the package also examines Lithuania’s separate move towards removing its constitutional nuclear weapons ban, which still required a second parliamentary vote.