Lithuania Offers to Fund Permanent US Troop Presence on Its Territory

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has expressed his country's readiness to cover the costs of permanently stationing US troops in Lithuania — a significant step beyond the current rotational deployment arrangement.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Sinkevičius confirmed he had already raised the matter with John Cole, President Trump's special representative for European security.

"I told him that we would actually like to have US troops deployed on a permanent basis, and we are ready to cover the costs if that happens," the Prime Minister stated.

Context: Baltic Security Concerns

Currently, the United States deploys troops to Lithuania only on a rotational basis. Sinkevičius thanked Washington for its decision to send a new contingent following the completion of a rotation in June, saying the move made Lithuania feel "safer" in the face of Russia's "imperialist ambitions."

Lithuania's defense minister confirmed two US Army battalions will arrive in the country by the end of October as part of the new rotation.

Poland Sets Precedent

Lithuania's offer mirrors a similar arrangement being finalized with Poland, where the country is offering $15,000 per year per stationed US soldier plus infrastructure costs. Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has described the planned permanent US base there as settled, saying it will be named "Fort Trump."