Lithuania awards troops returning from Kosovo mission

Lithuanian troops returning from a NATO-led mission in Kosovo have received medals for international operations, the Lithuanian military said Tuesday, LRT reported.

The soldiers served in Kosovo for six months, carrying out peacekeeping and regional security tasks. They returned to Lithuania on October 18.

The deployment included troops from the Lithuanian Grand Duke Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion and other military units. Their duties included patrols, protecting facilities and rapid response.

“Even as the security situation in the Balkans improves, NATO is maintaining its forces and readiness to respond, because stability in this region is important for the security of all Europe,” Deputy Defence Minister Bronius Bieliauskas said.

He said the mission also reflected Lithuania’s strategic partnership with Germany. “German troops strengthen Lithuania’s defence, while our soldiers stand shoulder to shoulder with them in contributing to security in Kosovo. This shared responsibility is what underpins the strength of the Alliance,” he said.

A new rotation of Lithuanian troops has taken over the duties. It consists of soldiers from the 5th Vyčio District Unit of the National Defence Volunteer Forces.

The NATO-led KFOR mission in Kosovo has operated since 1999. Its aims are to provide a safe environment, maintain stability and ensure freedom of movement in the region.