More Than 1,000 U.S. Troops and Their Equipment Have Begun Leaving Lithuania

The contingent is expected to be replaced by a new group of U.S. troops. However, the timing of its arrival and its size have not yet been determined, as Washington is reviewing its military presence in Europe.

Kęstutis Matulėnis, an adviser to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, said the United States had informed Vilnius that American troops would ultimately remain in the country, despite the ongoing review of U.S. forces in Europe.

“We received very clear confirmation from the Americans that the troops were there and will remain, but today I cannot name the exact number. The rotation of U.S. troops is connected with logistics, so it is natural that certain temporary gaps may arise,” he said.

“We trust the Americans; we are close strategic partners. The issue of deploying U.S. troops on NATO’s eastern flank is well understood by both the U.S. armed forces and the Pentagon. We are looking at the situation calmly and see no need for further discussions,” Matulėnis added.