Lithuanian PM says no panic or disappointment over US troop rotation in Lithuania

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė has dismissed concerns over the ongoing rotation of US troops in the country, stating there is “no panic or disappointment,” LRT reports.

“This week, I met with the [US] ambassador for a long discussion, and it reassured me that everything is fine. This is simply a technical procedure—a rotation where some troops arrive and others depart. Let’s not forget that some soldiers remain here,” Ruginienė told LNK Žinios on Thursday.

She added that Lithuania expects further decisions on increasing troop numbers, emphasising: “For now, there is truly no panic or disappointment.”

As previously reported by BNS, around 1,000 US soldiers with equipment have begun withdrawing from Lithuania after completing their rotation. While a new contingent is expected to replace them, the timing and size remain unclear as the US reviews its broader force deployment in Europe.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas confirmed receiving US assurances that departing troops will be replaced, though the schedule is undetermined. In recent years, US rotations in Lithuania have operated on a near-continuous basis, with new units arriving as others depart.

The US has regularly deployed battalion-sized units to Lithuania since 2019. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Washington upgraded its presence to a continuous rotational deployment. These reinforced battalions typically consist of 1,000 or more troops with combat equipment.

In May, the US announced it would halt the deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland, though President Donald Trump later stated that 5,000 US soldiers were in fact stationed there, citing his relationship with Polish President Karol Nawrocki.