Lithuanian troops awarded for exemplary service in NATO’s Kosovo operation

Forty-three Lithuanian soldiers returning from NATO’s peacekeeping operation in Kosovo were honoured on Thursday for their outstanding service, reports BNS/LRT.

The troops were awarded medals in a ceremony recognising their professionalism, dedication, and contribution to international mission objectives. Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas emphasised Lithuania’s role as a full-fledged NATO member, stating: “Every time I meet with NATO and European partners, I stress that Lithuania is not just a security recipient—we are also a security provider. Your mission embodies that.”

Kaunas highlighted the mission’s significance as the first joint deployment with German forces, a key Lithuanian ally. “We rely on Germany as one of our security guarantors here in Lithuania, and together, you carried out a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. This cooperation is exceptionally important,” he said.

Major General Nerijus Stankevičius, commander of Lithuania’s Land Forces, praised the soldiers for completing their mission “not just adequately, but excellently,” calling them a benchmark for others. “You were the ones others looked to as an example—motivated, professional, and determined to execute tasks correctly,” he noted.

The Lithuanian contingent, primarily from the Iron Wolf Brigade’s Duke Vaidotas Infantry Battalion, deployed last October. Their tasks included maintaining regional stability and reinforcing NATO’s collective security framework. A second rotation, led by the Grand Duke Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion, was dispatched in late March.

NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR), launched in 1999 after the Kosovo War, aims to ensure a safe environment, reduce conflict risks, and protect civilians. The mission also supports humanitarian aid, infrastructure reconstruction, and crisis response. Lithuania has contributed nearly 600 troops to KFOR since its inception.