The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Lithuania is taking place within the usual rotation, but it is not yet known when the new unit will arrive
US military (Photo: Robert Ghement / EPA)
More than 1,000 U.S. troops and their equipment have begun to leave Lithuania after completing their next rotational mission. This was reported by with reference to interlocutors in the country’s defense structures.
They are expected to be replaced by a new contingent of the US Army, but the exact timing and size of the next rotation has not yet been announced. This is due to the revision of the US military presence on the European continent.
Several media interlocutors in the Lithuanian government’s defense sector confirmed the information about the withdrawal of U.S. forces on condition of anonymity. The information was also partially confirmed by the President’s Chief National Security Advisor, Davidas Matulionis.
The United States has been sending battalion groups to Lithuania on a rotational basis since 2019. Since then, U.S. units have been in the country on a rotational basis almost continuously. After the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, their presence was increased, and the number of troops regularly exceeded 1,000 with military equipment.
According to Lithuanian officials, the current rotation of units may be accompanied by a longer pause than usual, when there will be no U.S. forces in the country temporarily. At the same time, it is expected that the new rotation will still take place.
Matulionis emphasized that Vilnius had received assurances from Washington about the continued presence of the US military in the country, despite the analysis and possible adjustment of the deployment of US forces in Europe.
“We have received very clear assurances from the Americans that the troops have been and will remain, but I cannot give the exact number today,” the presidential adviser said .