US troops expected to return to Lithuania in July

Lithuania will likely see a new rotation of US troops in July, according to Laurynas Kasčiūnas, deputy chairman of the Seimas National Security and Defence Committee, as reported by LRT.

Speaking to Žinių Radijas on Thursday, Kasčiūnas stated that while no official announcement has been made, he expects positive developments. “I think in July we will have returning Americans,” he said. His view was echoed by committee member Tomas Martinaitis, who confirmed similar expectations.

Kasčiūnas clarified that the incoming troops will not represent an increase in numbers, and the force may even be slightly smaller. “No, we won’t have a larger number—possibly even a bit smaller,” he said. He added that an informal decision has been made and that a political announcement should follow soon.

Earlier this month, over 1,000 US troops with equipment began withdrawing from Lithuania after their rotation ended. Defence Minister R. Kaunas has stated that allies have assured Lithuania the troops will be replaced. President Gitanas Nausėda and military chief Raimundas Vaikšnoras also noted this week that Washington has sent strong positive signals regarding the continued presence of US troops in Lithuania.

The US began regular troop rotations in the Baltic states and Poland after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago. The US has committed to maintaining uninterrupted rotational forces in the Baltic region. Lithuania, for its part, has pledged to provide all necessary support and infrastructure for incoming US troops.

US heavy battalions have been rotating in Lithuania since 2019. As of mid-April, around 86,000 US troops were stationed in Europe, with approximately 39,000 in Germany. These numbers fluctuate due to rotations, exercises, and other operational needs.