Envoy says Lithuania won praise from Pentagon policy chief

Lithuania received praise rather than demands at a meeting with Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby in Brussels, Lithuania’s ambassador to NATO Darius Jauniškis told LRT Radio on Friday.

“We received nothing but praise. We have things to be proud of, and we clearly communicate that,” Jauniškis said. “We heard no demands yesterday.”

The meeting of NATO ambassadors with Colby focused on European defence investments as the United States reviews the deployment of its forces on the continent. The Financial Times reported that the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland were also praised at the meeting.

Jauniškis said Lithuania could remain confident that the United States would continue deploying troops in the country.

“It is very clear from yesterday’s meetings that the Americans are definitely not withdrawing, and I think we can be calm that we will definitely have troops,” he said. The number of troops would depend on the vision of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, he added.

Defence Minister Robert Kaunas said the United States viewed Lithuania as one of its most reliable allies and recognised its investments in national security and infrastructure, as well as its contributions to international missions.

Kaunas said Lithuania had the infrastructure, capacity and willingness to host more allied troops, including US forces. The final plans would depend on the visions of military commanders and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, he said.

Earlier, LRT reported that Lithuania had sent its answers to a US questionnaire on allied loyalty. The document, which was sent to NATO members and seen by Bloomberg, asked about countries’ public support for US foreign policy, restrictions on the US military use of their bases and spending on US defence contractors.

Kaunas said it had not been difficult for Lithuania to answer the questions, citing the country’s investment in national security and the opportunities it provides for allies to train in Europe. Jauniškis said the United States had received the document but had not yet provided feedback.

Jauniškis said he had heard no criticism or comments from Washington, only praise and assurances that Lithuania’s actions were being recognised and would be taken into account.

The questionnaire was prepared after Washington decided to review its military deployment in Europe. Some experts and politicians have said the United States could significantly reduce its troop numbers and weapons on the continent by December. The United States began reviewing its military presence in Europe in July.