U.S. troops leave Lithuania, replacement plans under review

More than 1,000 U.S. troops and their equipment have begun withdrawing from Lithuania following the completion of a scheduled rotation, leaving the timing and composition of their replacement force uncertain as Washington reviews its broader military posture in Europe. The departure marks the first time since 2020 that Lithuania will be without a U.S. armored battalion on its soil.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas confirmed the situation, stating that the next rotation is currently under review. He explained that because the overall number of U.S. troops in Europe is changing, a reassessment of the regional stance is a natural consequence. Kaunas said he received assurances from U.S. officials during recent discussions, including with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a security conference in Singapore, that another rotation will eventually arrive. However, specific details regarding its size, capabilities, and arrival date remain to be announced.

The uncertainty extends beyond Lithuania. Estonian officials also reported that preparations for the next U.S. troop rotation in their country are not currently taking place, though existing deployments are proceeding as...