US troops to remain in Lithuania but in reduced numbers, says security committee member

A US military presence will likely continue in Lithuania following the current rotation, though at a smaller scale, according to Laurynas Kasčiūnas, a member of the Seimas National Security and Defence Committee (NSGK).

Speaking to public broadcaster LRT on Friday, Kasčiūnas—who previously served as defence minister—stated that while the outgoing contingent, which included artillery systems and heavy equipment, would not be directly replaced, a reduced US force would remain. “It’s very likely they will stay, with some rotation, based on the information I have. Perhaps in smaller numbers, without the same combat capability as the departing unit, but American troops will continue to be present here,” he said.

Kasčiūnas added that further details should emerge within the next two to three weeks. His comments follow Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas’ statement on Tuesday that the US had confirmed new troops would replace the outgoing rotation, though no timeline was provided.

The withdrawal comes as the US reviews its broader force deployment in Europe. Kasčiūnas acknowledged the complexity of Pentagon decision-making, noting that “sometimes it’s better to wait rather than act immediately, as many processes are no longer in our hands.”

Since 2019, the US has maintained a near-continuous rotational presence in Lithuania, typically deploying battalions of 1,000 or more troops with combat equipment. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Washington upgraded its status in Lithuania to an “enduring rotational deployment,” reinforcing battalions with additional personnel and hardware.

Source: LRT