Lithuanian President Says US Troop Rotation Is Underway

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said a new rotation of U.S. troops is already on its way to Lithuania, announcing the return of American forces after a gap in deployments. The Pentagon had not publicly confirmed the movement as of September 22, according to one report, and details including the final troop total and duration remain unclear. Nausėda said he had received confirmation of the rotation and thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration. He described the American military presence as important to Lithuania’s deterrence and collective defence. His announcement was reported on September 22 and repeated in the following days. Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said two U.S. battalions were expected toward the end of October. One account identified them as an armored battalion equipped with Abrams tanks and other heavy equipment, and an engineering battalion. Kaunas said the forces would support development of Lithuania’s national division and strengthen border defence. The expected arrival date and unit details were given by Lithuanian officials; the supplied reports do not independently confirm that the troops have arrived.