Lithuania is prepared to host additional NATO troops, according to Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas. He announced that two American military battalions, accompanied by military equipment, will soon be deployed to the country.

The US units are expected to resume their service in Pabrade, located approximately 10 kilometers from the Belarusian border. Kaunas emphasized that Washington’s commitment to Lithuania is demonstrated through concrete decisions, which he attributed to Vilnius’s sustained efforts to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.

The minister also noted that military ties between Lithuania and the United States continue to deepen in several areas.

Earlier, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said the country offers American troops some of the most favorable deployment conditions in the world. He argued that Lithuania’s geographical position makes it a strategically important location for US military forces.

American troops have been regularly stationed in Lithuania since 2019, with rotations continuing almost uninterrupted in recent years. However, the arrival of the latest contingent was delayed as Washington reviewed the deployment of its military forces across Europe.

Russia has repeatedly expressed concern over NATO’s growing military presence in European countries. The Kremlin maintains that Moscow poses no threat to other nations but will respond to alliance activities that could affect Russian interests.