Lithuania thanks US for continued security support in Baltic region

Lithuania’s foreign minister Kęstutis Budrys met with visiting US congressmen on Monday to discuss Baltic security, expressing gratitude for Washington’s “consistent support” in strengthening regional defence, LRT reports.

During talks with Republican representatives Don Bacon and Ed Case, Budrys emphasised that the presence of US troops in Lithuania remains a “critical element” of regional deterrence. “We are grateful to the US Congress for its sustained support to the Baltic states, which is vital for reinforcing our security,” he said.

The minister also thanked the congressmen for backing the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI), highlighting the importance of its continuity. This year, the US Congress allocated $200 million in defence assistance to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia under the programme.

The US lawmakers reportedly praised Lithuania’s leadership in defence funding and energy independence, as well as the country’s provision of training facilities for American troops stationed in Lithuania.

Budrys’ meeting follows recent shifts in US troop deployments in Europe. Last week, US officials announced the cancellation of a planned deployment of 4,000 soldiers to Poland—part of broader efforts to reduce military presence and pressure NATO allies to increase their own defence contributions. President Donald Trump later reversed the decision, stating 5,000 troops would be sent to Poland instead, citing his relationship with Polish President Karol Nawrocki.

Earlier in May, the Pentagon confirmed the withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany, a move criticised by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as weakening transatlantic security amid tensions with Iran.