Lithuania expects U.S. troops to remain despite the review of troop levels

Davidas Matulionis, the Lithuanian president’s chief national security adviser, stated that, according to available information, U.S. troops will remain in the country even as the U.S. presence in Europe is reviewed.

His statement was reported by LRT.

Matulionis noted that it is not yet clear whether the current contingent of approximately 1,000 troops will remain in the country, or whether there will be more or fewer troops.

“At least, based on the information I have, U.S. troops are expected to remain in Lithuania. Will they stay at the same level, will a miracle happen and their numbers increase, or will they be reduced? There are still many variables in this equation,” he added.

The adviser called the presence of U.S. troops in Lithuania “the most important deterrent.”

"I would like to be optimistic, and we certainly are not giving any reason for action against us by reducing our troops," Matulionis noted.

Lithuania will deploy powerfuldefensive lines along its border with Russia.

From May 18 to 29, the Finnish Navy is conducting its main spring exercise, Narrow Waters 26-1, in the Gulf of Finland and the coastal areas of Southern Finland.

Estonia has extended the nighttime closure of border crossing points with Russia for another three months. The restrictions will remain in effect at least until the end of August. Tallinn explains the decision simply: recently, the Russian side has shown “no goodwill,” so the country does not plan to ease controls.