Nausėda says US troops returning to Lithuania as Europe numbers fall

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said the number of US troops in Europe would decline even as American forces return to Lithuania, arguing that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defence. He made the remarks in an interview with LNK television on Monday, LRT reported.

Nausėda said the expected reduction was partly linked to statements by US President Donald Trump and signals from his administration urging Europe to assume more responsibility. He said the presence of US troops in Lithuania mattered not only for their military capabilities but also for its deterrent effect, which he said lowered the risk of military aggression or conflict.

Two US battalions are due to arrive in Lithuania in late October as the rotation resumes. Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said the force would number about 1,000 troops, similar to previous deployments. The equipment arriving will include Abrams tanks, and the troops are expected to serve in Lithuania for nine months.

More than 1,000 US troops completed their rotation in Lithuania this summer. The United States has regularly deployed battalions to the country since 2019. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, Washington changed the status of its forces in Lithuania to continuous rotational deployment. Lithuania has said it is prepared to host up to 1,500 US troops.