Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has said the United States has suspended its troop rotation to Europe amid a Pentagon review of its deployment strategies on the continent, as reported by Bloomberg. Minister Kaunas remarked on LRT Radio, “The rotation was paused to evaluate how the US will distribute its capabilities in Europe. This is the information we have at this stage, and we are awaiting further clarification.”
He underscored that the Baltic states and Poland continue to be regarded as strong allies that meet NATO and US expectations. A recent report from the Wall Street Journal indicated that the Pentagon had unexpectedly cancelled the deployment of an armoured brigade to Europe. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s announcement regarding the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany.
Senior diplomats from NATO allies anticipate that additional troop reductions may be announced, potentially including forces from Italy, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke with Bloomberg earlier this month. Minister Kaunas further stated, “We have information that the rotation is currently suspended to assess the changes in Germany,” during an interview with LRT Radio on Thursday.
The Army Times (armytimes.com) also reported that the cancellation affects more than 4,000 soldiers scheduled for deployment to Poland for a nine-month tour, according to remarks from an Army official speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz addressed the situation on X, clarifying that “this issue does not concern Poland; it refers to the previously announced change regarding the presence of American armed forces in Europe.” At present, more than 1,000 US troops are stationed in Lithuania.
