Lithuanian President Urges Trump To Keep U.S. Troops On NATO's Eastern Flank
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said on Monday, September 21, 2026, he sent two letters to President Trump urging the U.S. to keep troops on NATO's eastern flank to deter Russia.[1]
Nausėda said Lithuania is ready to provide "very generous host nation support" to retain U.S. forces in the country.[1] The Pentagon has already begun reducing some forces and capabilities in Europe and is weighing options that could remove tens of thousands more troops.[1]
NATO fighters shot down a drone that crossed into Lithuanian airspace from Belarus last week; Nausėda said it was likely Russian and intended to strike Ukraine before veering off course.[1] Lithuania's 2026 National Threat Assessment warns a ceasefire or frozen conflict in Ukraine could accelerate Russia's military rebuild near the Baltic region and eventually enable limited action against the Baltics.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Monday, September 21, 2026, President Gitanas Nausėda said he has sent two letters to President Trump urging the U.S. to keep troops on NATO’s eastern flank.
- The Pentagon has already started reducing some forces and capabilities in Europe, and is considering options that could remove tens of thousands more troops.
- Nausėda said Lithuania is ready to provide “very generous host nation support” to retain U.S. forces in the country.
- NATO fighters shot down a drone that crossed into Lithuanian airspace from Belarus last week; Nausėda said it was likely Russian and intended to strike Ukraine before veering off course.
- Lithuania’s 2026 National Threat Assessment says a ceasefire or frozen conflict in Ukraine could accelerate Russia’s military rebuild near the Baltic region and eventually enable limited action against the Baltics.
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