Lithuania will continue hosting U.S. troops

The head of the advisor to the Lithuanian president, Deividas Matulionis, has not given up hope of persuading US troops to remain in Lithuania. According to the presidential palace, over a thousand American servicemen are currently in the country. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense states it is doing everything possible to ensure the long-term deployment of American troops. The current discussion also involves the incident with American soldiers who drowned in a swamp, which raises questions about the potential permanent stationing of US forces in the country. Deciding on their continued presence: 'Being guests of Nausėda is good, but staying alive is even better.'

Context

Last July, two American soldiers died in swampy areas within Lithuania, drawing increased attention to safety issues and the future deployment of troops.