US troops withdraw from Lithuania but defense minister assures return planned

A rotation of over 1,000 US troops and their equipment has begun withdrawing from Lithuania this week, though defense officials insist American forces will return—without specifying numbers or timing, LRT reports.

Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas confirmed the pullout on Tuesday, noting that while the current rotation departs, future deployments remain uncertain in scale and schedule. “We have assurances that new [troops] will come—but when exactly, with what capabilities, and in what numbers, we will announce later,” he stated.

The withdrawal follows years of continuous US troop rotations in Lithuania, expanding from hundreds to over 1,000 personnel after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Until now, outgoing units were immediately replaced. The US is currently reviewing its broader force posture in Europe, including potential reductions in NATO crisis-response capabilities—such as halving strategic bombers and cutting fighter jets by a third, according to German media reports.

Lithuanian officials emphasize the US remains committed to Baltic security. Presidential advisor Asta Skaisgirytė asserted that “these troops stay in Lithuania—they continue to ensure our deterrence and defense.” However, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius noted Washington had recently briefed allies on plans to reduce resources in the region.

Discussions are also underway regarding nuclear deterrence in the Baltics. Minister Kaunas acknowledged talks on hosting dual-capable aircraft (able to carry nuclear warheads) but declined to elaborate due to classification. Former ambassador Eitvydas Bajarūnas suggested the ambiguity could serve Lithuania’s interests: “If they said they were leaving, that would be bad. This uncertainty is more favorable for us—and confusing for the adversary.”

Deploying nuclear weapons in Lithuania would require constitutional changes, a step officials say has not yet been considered.

Analysts warn that reduced US presence risks eroding trust among allies. “Our soldier won’t know if an American stands beside them—or if they’ll say, ‘My president ordered me to withdraw,’” said Bajarūnas. Others caution that speculation over US commitments plays into Russian interests, as Edward Lucas of the Baltic Security Center noted: “Every minute spent worrying about Trump is a minute not spent on our own defense—and that benefits Putin.”