First troops in returning US rotation arrive in Lithuania, president says

The first troops in a returning US military rotation have arrived in Lithuania, President Gitanas Nausėda said Tuesday evening, as the Baltic country seeks to strengthen its security amid Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“Great news – the first returning US rotational troops have landed on Lithuanian soil. Together we are stronger!” Nausėda wrote on X, thanking US President Donald Trump for the deployment.

Great news - the first returning U.S. rotation troops have landed on Lithuanian soil. Together, we are stronger! 🇱🇹🇺🇸 Many thanks to @realDonaldTrump for making this happen.

— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) October 13, 2026

US troops have rotated through Lithuania since 2014. However, amid a US review of its military presence in Europe, just over 100 American soldiers remained in the country earlier this year.

In September, officials announced that two U.S. battalions, comprising more than 1,000 troops, would arrive in late October, restoring the American military presence to levels similar to those of previous years.

Trump said last week that Washington would consider establishing a permanent US military base in Lithuania, an idea welcomed by Lithuanian leaders.

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said Lithuania was prepared to host permanently stationed US troops and cover the costs of maintaining a base if Washington decided to proceed.

Up to 100 US troops have arrived in Lithuania as part of a returning rotation, with the rest expected by mid-November, Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said Wednesday.

“The rotation started yesterday, with the first 100 or so troops arriving. There are 10 to 12 more such arrivals planned. They will continue next week, and by mid-November two battalions will be fully deployed in Lithuania,” Kaunas told LRT.

The allied forces will be deployed in Pabradė, where the first troops have already arrived, he said. US military equipment is being transported to Lithuania by sea and rail, Kaunas added.

Lithuania will receive two battalions: a heavy armoured battalion to strengthen regional security and provide additional response capabilities if needed, and an engineering battalion to contribute to the development of a national division and the Baltic defence line.