Lithuania awaits US decision on troop presence with cautious optimism

Lithuania has not yet received definitive word on whether US troop levels in the country will be maintained, reduced, or expanded, presidential advisor Deividas Matulionis told Žinių Radijas on Tuesday, citing ongoing discussions with the Pentagon.

“There are indications, and discussions with the Pentagon and US leadership are taking place,” Matulionis said. “But at this moment, I could neither disappoint nor elate. The situation is under control. Based on the information I have, US forces should remain in Lithuania—whether in the same numbers, increased, or reduced remains uncertain.”

He emphasised Lithuania’s reputation as a “serious and consistent ally” in US assessments, calling the American military presence “the most important deterrence factor” for the country. While Poland—where the US recently halted the deployment of over 4,000 combat brigade troops—is also in talks with Washington, Matulionis struck a note of cautious optimism.

“We give no reason for force reductions against us,” he said. “Perhaps this is the start of the announced review of US troop numbers in Europe. Whether it’s a redistribution or an actual drawdown, we’ll see. What I can assure is that we’re working actively to ensure the Americans stay. They have some of the best conditions here—everything possible has been provided from Lithuania’s side.”

The comments follow a Wall Street Journal report that the Pentagon abruptly paused the planned nine-month rotational deployment of a combat brigade to Poland, surprising some military officials, as equipment and personnel were already en route. This decision came weeks after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the withdrawal of roughly 5,000 troops from Germany, with Poland later confirming readiness to host more American forces.

Matulionis also clarified recent remarks by Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys regarding alleged US “pressure” over Belarusian fertiliser transit through Lithuania. “The word ‘pressure’ is entirely misplaced here,” he said. “There is a discussion—yes, and the Americans have never hidden their pragmatic interests. But this is not pressure; it’s an exploration of possibilities, feasibility, political reactions, and the EU’s stance.” He stressed that any decision would be tied to broader EU sanctions, not a unilateral Lithuanian move.