Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said he personally urged Donald Trump to maintain US troops on NATO’s eastern flank while Washington reviews its military presence in Europe. He argued that Lithuania’s offer of substantial host-nation support and continued American involvement are important to deterring Russia and protecting the Baltic region.

Nausėda later confirmed that a new rotation of US troops was heading to Lithuania, replacing roughly 1,000 personnel whose deployment ended during the summer. The Pentagon is reducing some European forces and considering deeper cuts, although Trump has also indicated support for a permanent US base in Poland. Lithuania’s intelligence services warn that a ceasefire in Ukraine could allow Russia to rebuild its forces near the Baltic states, while a recent drone incursion from Belarus highlighted the risk of conflict spilling into NATO territory.