US Troops En Route to Lithuania as Promised, Military Chief Confirms

U.S. troops are on their way to Lithuania, according to the country's military chief, Raimundas Vaikšnoras. He assured the public that the United States is fulfilling its commitment to deploy rotational forces, despite some minor delays.

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They are on their way. So I will just diplomatically say and reassure our citizens. Americans are keeping their word. Yes, the deadlines have been postponed a bit, but it is not the fault of the military. It is due to certain political motives. Therefore, we are holding our fists clenched so that everything continues according to plan.

Vaikšnoras explained that the slight shift in schedule was due to political factors, not issues with the troops themselves. "They are on their way," he stated, emphasizing that Americans are keeping their word. He added that while specific details about numbers and dates cannot yet be disclosed pending final decisions, "we are holding our fists clenched so that everything continues according to plan."

The arrival of the new contingent was postponed after over 1,000 U.S. soldiers and their equipment departed Lithuania in early June, concluding their rotation. Typically, a new group would follow promptly, but this instance saw a delay. Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas had previously stated he had assurances from allies that new troops would replace those leaving. President Gitanas Nausėda also indicated the incoming U.S. contingent might be larger than previous ones.

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We are ready to receive them, the barracks are standing, our training grounds are free to receive, targets are set. We are waiting for them to arrive, they will start training and together not only by themselves, but together integrally with the Lithuanian army.

The U.S. began rotating forces in the Baltic states and Poland continuously four years ago, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Heavy U.S. battalions have been rotating in Lithuania since 2019. Vaikšnoras highlighted Lithuania's readiness to receive the troops, noting that barracks are prepared and training grounds are available. He expressed anticipation for the soldiers' arrival to begin joint training with the Lithuanian army.

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We have data, I have knowledge, we have quantities, we have dates, but for today I cannot disclose it, because we have to wait for the final decisions.