Lithuania has US assurance that American troops will return, says defence minister

Lithuania’s defence minister has confirmed receiving US assurances that American troops will return to the country after the current rotation ends, though the exact timeline remains unclear, LRT reports.

Robertas Kaunas told journalists in parliament on Tuesday that while the US had committed to sending new troops, details on timing, capabilities, and deployment size would be announced later. “We will share all that information when we have it,” he said.

Over 1,000 US soldiers with equipment are currently withdrawing from Lithuania as Washington reviews its troop deployments in Europe. Their departure means US forces will be absent longer than usual.

Kaunas stressed the Baltic region’s strategic importance to NATO and the US, citing Lithuania’s defence investments as a model for the alliance. “Cooperation is strong, and the understanding is mutual,” he said.

He acknowledged wishing for “faster clarity” but said he understood the situation. Kaunas noted he had discussed troop deployments with US defence secretary Pete Hegseth in Singapore days earlier, updating him on Lithuania’s preparations and investments.

Since 2019, US battalion rotations in Lithuania had followed an uninterrupted cycle, with new units arriving as others departed. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Washington shifted to a continuous rotational presence. These reinforced battalions typically included 1,000 or more troops with combat equipment.

In May, the US announced it would halt the deployment of 4,000 troops in Poland, though President Donald Trump later stated 5,000 US soldiers remained in the country, attributing the decision to his relationship with Polish President Karol Nawrocki.

Addressing reports that the US is considering deploying nuclear weapons in additional NATO states, Kaunas confirmed Lithuania is involved in discussions. “There are indeed discussions, but I won’t go into detail due to confidentiality,” he said, adding that Lithuania “is not on the sidelines.”

The Financial Times reported that US officials had raised the possibility of expanding nuclear-capable dual-use aircraft (DCA) deployments beyond the six NATO countries currently hosting them. While not imminent, the move would allow more allies to receive DCA bases, with Eastern Flank nations—including Poland and some Baltic states—expressing interest.