Lithuania ready for possible US troop withdrawal from Europe: What is Plan B?
Photo: Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania (Getty Images)
The Lithuanian government has prepared a backup plan in case the United States decides to withdraw its troops from Europe. Vilnius is strengthening its defense cooperation with Germany, states Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, according to LRT.
"Lithuania is not only thinking about a Plan B (in case of a US troop withdrawal from Europe – ed.), it already has one. We are counting on excellent cooperation with Germany," Nausėda stated.
He reminded that Germany remains committed to its decision to station its military brigade in Lithuania, and Berlin is consistently fulfilling its promise.
"Knowing Germany well, I can say that the Germans truly take this commitment seriously," the president emphasized.
He added that if the German brigade is deployed in Lithuania, it will open up new opportunities for cooperation in the military field, including the defense industry and economic ties.
At the same time, Nausėda stressed that maintaining US engagement remains a goal for Europe.
"We need a Plan B, and it already exists. But we will continue to push for a US presence here, in Lithuania specifically, and in Europe as a whole," he added.
US troop withdrawal from Europe
In early April, Bloomberg, citing sources, reported that European officials are almost certain the United States will withdraw some of its troops from Europe. Currently, around 80,000 American troops are stationed there.
The outlet noted that such a decision could undermine NATO countries’ efforts to deter Russia.
