US base would let troops act without extra NATO permits, Motuzas says

A permanent US military base in Lithuania would allow American troops to act immediately in a threat situation without additional NATO permits, Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee chair Remigijus Motuzas said, LRT reported.

Under current arrangements, officials would need to consider where to bring troops from and consult NATO, while the State Defence Council would make decisions, Motuzas told Žinių radijas on Tuesday. A permanent base would allow troops to act at once, he said, calling that a significant advantage in the current geopolitical situation.

Motuzas also said Lithuania would welcome a permanent US troop base in Poland, saying it would strengthen Lithuania’s security.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Washington would consider establishing a permanent military base in Lithuania. Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has tasked the Defence Ministry with gathering information on the conditions Lithuania could offer US troops. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said Lithuania was ready to cover all related costs, while Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said the option was being discussed but no decision had been made.

Sinkevičius has also discussed the permanent deployment of US troops in Lithuania with US special envoy for Belarus John Coale.