I think we can talk about this,” said the head of state in response to questions from LRT. “I believe that it (the number of troops — EDIT.) will be similar, probably not less. (...) A hundred one way or another probably doesn’t matter much. The main thing is that this is an extremely important factor of deterrence in this geopolitical context,” Nausėda noted. These statements came after he previously announced that a new rotation of U.S. troops is already on its way to Lithuania. “For now, I cannot talk about such details, as these issues are being coordinated, they are still in process, but the main thing today, perhaps, is what the residents of Lithuania want to hear has already been said,” the president said in response to a question about the timing of the rotation. “I was just told that the logistics wheel has been set in motion. I think this is quite substantial evidence that we are entering the final stage of this entire process with a proper and good ending,” he noted. Nausėda stated that he heard assurances from U.S. representatives that “the rotation will return,” and this important decision for Lithuania’s security has “in principle been made.” “Certainly, many factors influenced this. First of all, my appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a generous support package for the host country, our commitment to allocate 5.4% of GDP for defense, our solidarity in addressing issues in the Strait of Hormuz, and our readiness to send a demining mission, as well as our energy and economic cooperation in a broad sense,” the head of state said. “Therefore, I think the United States has the impression that Lithuania is a reliable and strong partner worth cooperating with at a strategic level,” Nausėda pointed out. It was previously reported that the U.S. is currently reviewing its troop presence in Europe. This summer, the rotation of more than a thousand American soldiers was completed in Lithuania.
