Lithuanian troops begin six-month NATO mission in Kosovo

Lithuanian soldiers have been sent to Kosovo for a six-month deployment with the NATO-led KFOR mission, LRT reported. A farewell ceremony for troops from the National Defence Volunteer Force and other Lithuanian military units was held in Rokiškis on Friday.

The infantry platoon, formed mainly from the 5th Unit of the Vytis District, will serve as part of the German contingent and carry out tasks supporting security and stability in the region, the Lithuanian Armed Forces said.

Deputy Defence Minister Gabriel Gorbačevski said this was the third rotation of Lithuanian troops to KFOR as part of the German contingent. He presented the Lithuanian flag to the platoon commander, Captain S. Afanasjev. The commander of the National Defence Volunteer Force, Colonel Ramūnas Jurskis, entrusted the platoon with the force’s marching flag.

Jurskis urged the troops to remember their mission and carry it out professionally, with focus and honour. One departing volunteer soldier said he had served in the force since 2018 and was ready for the challenge after extensive preparations.

KFOR began on June 12, 1999. About 4,600 troops from 31 allied and partner countries are currently serving in the mission. Around 600 Lithuanian soldiers have served there since it began.

Lithuanian volunteer force personnel have been eligible to take part in international operations since March 2004. Since then, about 1,500 professional service members and volunteer soldiers from the force have served in operations in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Mali.