Lithuania ready to permanently deploy US troops in the country

Lithuania is ready to accept the US military on a permanent basis, Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said. So he commented on the words of US President Donald Trump about the possible establishment of a base in the republic.

I want to thank President Trump very much. For a really rational and objective attitude to Lithuania, to our efforts to ensure the security of not only Lithuania, but also the region, Kaunas told LRT. Lithuania is one of the leaders in security investments among NATO members.

According to Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius, Lithuania will also be ready to reimburse the costs of the stay of American troops. He called their presence in the country “an important deterrent and a guarantee of security.”.

The US military has been in Lithuania on a rotational basis since 2014. Since 2019, the country has continuously housed a heavy army battalion of about 1,000 people. In June, the U.S. withdrew the battalion from Lithuania and did not announce any further plans. Mr. Sinkevičius told U.S. Special Envoy John Cole about Lithuania’s desire to re-enter the military during a meeting in September. On the eve of Donald trump confirmed that he will consider the proposal of the Lithuanian leadership.